Angels Landing

The Basics

The 5-mile (8-kilometer) round-trip trail to the top of Angels Landing from the Grotto Trailhead includes series of switchbacks such as Walter’s Wiggles, steep drop-offs, and an intense scramble up a ridge with chains to help offer a safe handhold. Hikers with a fear of heights can take the trail all the way to Scout Lookout for the panoramic views and a look at the ridge leading up to Angels Landing.

The Zion landmark often features on multi-day tours of Utah and Arizona national parks—Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef among them.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Angels Landing is a must for adventure travelers.

• The Angels Landing hike can be made in four to five hours.

• Wear sturdy hiking shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.

• Dress in thin layers—the climate in Zion can change quickly—and don’t forget sun protection.

• You need a moderate level of physical fitness to complete the hike; it’s not recommended for those with a fear of heights.

How to Get There

The path to Angels Landing begins at the Grotto Picnic Area within Zion National Park. Get there by taking the Zion Canyon Shuttle or parking in the lot just across from the trailhead.

When to Get There

Try to plan your hike for a weekday during the off-season, when you’ll have more room to maneuver on this popular trail. Plan to get an early start to beat the heat (and the crowds) during the summer months, and don’t attempt the trail when it’s icy or thundering.

Recommended Hikes in Zion National Park

If you have more time in Zion, you’ll have no shortage of excellent hikes to choose from. The Emerald Pools Trail, which includes waterfall views, offers an easy and family-friendly option, as does the wheelchair-accessible Riverside Walk. Observation Point is an alternative spectacular lookout point that can be done in a day and includes views of Angels Landing. For something different, consider tackling the Subway or the Narrows, both of which involve hiking in water.

Ways to explore

The 5-mile (8-kilometer) out-and-back trek to the top of Angels Landing from the Grotto Trailhead includes a series of switchbacks such as Walter’s Wiggles, steep drop-offs, and an intense scramble up a ridge with chains to help offer a safe handhold. Hikers with a fear of heights can take the trail all the way to Scout Lookout for the panoramic views and a look at the ridge leading up to Angels Landing.

The Zion landmark often features on multi-day tours of Utah and Arizona national parks—Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef among them.

Accessibility

Hikers need to handle a nearly 1,500-foot (457-meter) ascent.

Age limits

While there are no age restrictions, the hike is not advised for small children.

What to pack

Hiking permit, water, high-energy snacks, gloves for gripping chains, sunscreen, hat, first-aid kit, headlamp if hiking early or late, emergency whistle, small backpack (keeping your hands free on the chains section is essential)

What to wear

Avoid loose clothing and opt for coverage, such as long pants. You’ll also want moisture-wicking clothing in layers and sturdy hiking boots with great traction and ankle support.

Not allowed

Pets, drones, climbing or scrambling off-trail, hiking without a permit, littering, disturbing wildlife

Amenities

There are vault toilets and a water refilling station at the trailhead—otherwise, there is nothing along the hike itself (so be prepared).

Address

Angels Landing is accessed via the Grotto Trailhead in Zion Canyon. While it is possible to drive there at certain times of year, you generally have three options to get to the trailhead: the park shuttle, walking, or cycling.

Driving

Private vehicles are not allowed in Zion Canyon when the park shuttle is in operation. Outside those times, you can drive to the small parking lot, though spaces fill quickly.

Public transportation

From March through November and the end of December, the Zion Canyon Shuttle runs every few minutes. You can hop on at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center; the trailhead to Angels Landing is shuttle stop 6.

Best times to visit

Setting out in the early morning is ideal. You’ll get cooler temperatures and better light, and you're less likely to run into afternoon storms. Allow 4–5 hours to complete the hike.

Best days to visit

Whenever you snag a permit is when you’ll go—you can apply via lottery at Recreation.gov.

Best months to visit

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are best. There are fewer hikers to compete with for permits, summer storms have abated, and the snow hasn’t yet made the trail dangerous.

Special events

There aren’t any special events associated with the trail. Of course, Zion National Park has plenty going on, from fee-free days to ranger-led talks and demonstrations.