The Angels Landing Trail in Zion National Park is no doubt one of the greatest hiking experiences in the world.
It’s not even that difficult. Steep – yes. Twenty-two or more switchbacks – yes. But if you are in relatively good shape, watch the weather, bring a lot of water and stop often to soak in the view, it is very doable. Besides the way down is all downhill!
BUT….this hike has a lot of exposure (i.e. you are hiking along a cliff), it is uphill and can be slippery. Don’t bring little kids that might wander off, don’t wear flip flops and don’t hang over the cliffs to get a selfie. People have died on this trail.
What makes this hike so amazing is that you are treated to an amazing view of the Zion canyon during the entire hike. The trail is literally cut into the size of the canyon walls.
Not recommended for anybody with a fear of heights!
Start out early to beat the crowds at the 6th stop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle “Grotto Trailhead”. You’ll cross a small pedestrian bridge over the Virgin River which cuts through Zion Canyon. Just follow the paved trail north and up the west side of the canyon. This is the West Rim Trail – hard to miss, just follow the crowds.
It’s a steep hike uphill on smooth paths cut into the rock. Be careful in wet weather as this rock can become very slippery. Unlike trails in the Eastern USA where you are stepping from rock to rock, this trail is closer to walking on pavement.
Your steady slog uphill is rewarded by amazing views rather quickly as well as come quick climbing switchbacks. You’ll work up a sweat and be out of breath quick enough so take some breaks and enjoy the view before turning left and plunging into the shady Refrigerator Canyon.
Refrigerator Canyon is named as such because it can be up to 10 degrees cooling inside this wooded, deep hanging side canyon.
Soon enough you’ll be out of Refrigerator Canyon and staring up at the famous set of switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles – over 20 short, compact switchbacks build in the 1930s by the CCC. They are kind of fun especially on the way down when you get a good look at them and all of the people huffing and puffing on the way up as you cheerfully give some encouragement “Almost there!”.
Almost to the Top
Which is true. Not long after Walter’s Wiggles you arrive at Scout’s Lookout, a favorite stopping stop which even has a few outhouses. Just watch out for the aggressive squirrels who have been trained by foolish visitors to attack backpacks and even people for snacks. Don’t feed these buggers! They really can be the most terrifying part of the trip to those afraid of small rodents running up the back of their neck!
Now the sane among us will stop here at Scout’s Look out but there is a short additional part of the trail that goes up to the actual Angels Landing via a narrow, basically one way, canyon on either side, grab the chain railing, don’t look down, pray you are not wearing flip-flops hike to the top.
Be mindful that this section is one of the most dangerous trails in the world and people do die here every year – so think carefully about if you really want to do it or not.
You go down the way your came but it’s obviously a lot easier. Just watch out for loose rocks and enjoy the view without all of the huffing and puffing you experience on the way up. If you took my advice and got to the trail early, notice how much more crowded the trail is getting later in the day.
This video I shot with a Insta360 One camera gives you an idea of the trail so you can judge for yourself if you are ready for it.
Keep in mind that during a rain storm, you should not attempt this hike. A few weeks after we visited Zion National Park, a flash flood occurred and wiped out a lot of the trail! Six months later it was fixed.