Angels Landing

Objective: Summit Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah
Distance: 4.8 miles (out and back)
Peak Elevation: 5,790′
Elevation Gain: 1,582′
Difficulty: Strenuous
Caution: Cables, Class 3, cliff exposures, lightning, heat

Angels Landing is a narrow rock fin jutting out from the red and tan walls of Zion Canyon. It looks like a giant cleaver has split off a tall thin slice. With thousand-foot drop-offs on each side, Angels Landing is a magnet for the intrepid (or fool-hardy). Shimmy up the ledges and place an iron grip on strategically placed chains, guard-rails, and carved steps. From a lofty perch, contemplate geological history and see the shifting colors and timeless rock formations.

Directions to Trailhead

Take the Zion NPS shuttle service to the Grotto stop. Cross the street and start at the trailhead.

Directions to Summit

Trailhead: Follow the paved West Rim Trail north along Zion Canyon.
1.1 miles: After reaching a notch in the mountain mass, stroll though cool and shady Refrigerator Canyon.
1.6 miles: Walter’s Wiggles is a series of 21 compact switchback that zig-zag to a saddle.
1.8 miles: From Scout Lookout, you can see Angels Landing and the main canyon.
2.4 miles: You have reached Angels Landing. Turn around and head back.

Trek Highlights

There are four main phases to hiking to the top of Angels Landing. First of all, the trail crosses the footbridge over the Virgin River and follows the paved West Rim Trail. After reaching a notch above the first set of switchbacks, the trail crosses a bridge.

The second phase follows the cool and shady gap of Refrigerator Canyon (between Cathedral Mountain and Angels Landing).

The third phase climbs Walter’s Wiggles, a steep set of 21 switchbacks. The dynamite-blasted path rises straight up to the ridgeline at Scout Lookout.

Finally, this is what hiking dreams are made of, plus some rainbows and gossamer added to the mix. A narrow ledge that rises higher and higher tops the rock fin. At its best, the precipice is about 15’ wide – at its worst, it is only three feet wide. There are chains covering most of the sketchiest portions of the ridge. To the left, there is a 1,000’ drop. To the right, there is a 1,500’ drop. Try not to look down as you should remain calm. The final push requires some light scrambling and Class 3 handholds until the chain’s end.

Angels Landing offers one of the epic vistas of Zion and the Southwest. The view from the top is worth it. Bask in the glorious handiwork of the Virgin River and colorful layers of past eras.