Is Angels Landing The Best Hike In Zion?

Trail Log

Mile 0 Grotto Trailhead (37.259392, -112.950038)
Mile 1.07 Refrigerator Canyon (37.275641, -112.951597)
Mile 1.52 Walter’s Wiggles (37.275641, -112.951597)
Mile 1.97 Hogsback (37.271108, -112.949816)
Mile 2.14 Angels Landing Summit (37.269125, -112.947894)

Everybody who has ever hiked Angels Landing in Zion National Park will tell you their story. Sometimes, it’s one of extreme beauty. Other times it’s sheer terror. Either way, it is one of the park’s most notorious hikes and an incredible short trail full of unforgettable views. Anybody who is reasonably fit can make this journey, but the mental aspect of the sheer drop-offs and massive exposure will test your mettle. The final ½ mile has a series of chains bolted into the rock for extra security, but know your limits. If you have vertigo or extreme fear of heights, it’s best to turn around before the final uphill leg of the trail.

Reaching Angels Landing

From March through November, the only way up Zion Canyon is through the free Zion Park Shuttle service. You exit at the Grotto Trailhead for Angels Landing Trail. In the summer, there can be long lines for the shuttle leaving the Visitor Center so make sure you plan for this.

Difficulty of Trek / Length of Hike

The elevation gain of 1488’ and the exposure makes this a moderately difficult hike. The trail is 2.5 miles one way or 5 miles round trip. Make sure you bring plenty of water and start your hike early. In addition to the delays getting on the shuttle, you will have to wait for groups of hikers going both ways on final .5 miles of the trail (The Hog’s Back). You also want to make sure you take your time, stay safe and can take plenty of pictures. There is water available at the trailhead, but nowhere else on the trail.

Below is a map of the Angels Landing hiking trail. If it is not visible be sure to refresh your browser 🙂

Trail Description

The only way to know what the Angels Landing hike is all about is to go out and experience it. Here is a description of our experiences and our the views along the way. They don’t do it justice, but it gives you a taste of what you’re in for.

The Angels Landing Trail starts at the Virgin River Crossing

Climbing Out of the Virgin River Canyon

You finally made it through the logistics of Zion Shuttle and have arrived at the Grotto Trailhead. From here, you cross the road and follow the well marked trail across the Virgin River and turn right. You climb slowly out of the river bottom until you hit a series of switchbacks at a cliff face. After you traverse the cliff, you reach Refrigerator Canyon.

Refrigerator Canyon

Refrigerator Canyon is a short but welcome relief from the sun, heat, and exposure that you experience on the rest of the hike. The trail condition is so good at this part, it’s actually paved. Before long, you reach Walter’s Wiggles.

Walter’s Wiggles

We couldn’t help but think of Lombard Street in San Francisco when we saw the Wiggles. Also, you get to know the dark side of your hiking group if somebody actually knows (and sings) any Wiggles songs.

Jenn is contemplating the chained section of trail with a fair bit of fear.

Scout’s Lookout

The final approach to Angels Landing is where you get to discover and expand your comfort zone. The day before our hike, we went on a technical canyoneering tour. Jenn felt comfortable in her harness and on rope. The heights never bothered her at all. She felt comfortable and secure with her gear. She has no shame in saying that the exposure and footing of the final ½ mile frightened her.

And Jenn is heading up the chains like champ

Just don't look down or let go of that chain

This section is wide enough to not need chains, but still a bit scary

Jenn and Becca made it to the top, with ALL THOSE PEOPLE

Angels Landing Summit

The true measure of fear is what you do with it. Jenn was able to breathe through her fear and push on. We took extra time on the exposed sections and I spotted her on some of the down climbs. Jenn made it a little shaken but stirred by the amazing views around her.

What summit would be complete without one of these?

All those people bring snacks and these little guys are scavenging.

Descending Angels Landing

Coming back down the chains was just as harrowing as going up. I flipped around and went hand over hand backward down the trail. Jenn just scooted along and had me spot her feet to the step downs. There was still the problem with passing people heading up to the summit. From the wiggles on down, we were glad we packed hiking poles. We just needed to secure them well while crossing the chains.

If I was this guys. I would be holding on (and going hand over hand backwards down the chain)

Everything that goes up, must come down... in due time. This is why you start at sunrise.

Final Thoughts on Angels Landing

The shuttle was empty enough that we could get a seat, but we were happy to not have to wait like we did in the morning. Pretty soon, we were sipping blended coffee drinks at the visitor center reflecting on the trip. Did you know that Angels Landing was named in 1916, not because it’s a high point, but because angels might pause there before the Great White Throne (another peak in the area).

Jenn was really afraid of this trial with her not so bionic (but fully titanium) knees. They just don’t have the proprioception that you would want stepping down on top of a thousand foot cliff, even if there is a chain. She was able to find her zen and push through. The knees did great on the downhill too. The trail was very easy to get good footing on from Scout’s Lookout to the bottom.

If When we do this hike again, we’ll make sure to leave super early to avoid the crowds and (hopefully) catch the sunrise. Maybe, if we do a fall trip to Zion we can go late enough to take our own car up the road and avoid a lot of the shuttle hassles. This is an absolute must-do hike for your Zion adventure.

We are excited to share our journey with you

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Julie Traveller

Refrigerator Canyon sounds more my speed than the other advanced trails. Plus, it would set me up perfectly to start singing “Cold Spaghetti” at Walter’s Wiggles. I know WAY too many Wiggles songs. 😉
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  Hmmm. One of those people. For bonus points you can meow Wiggles songs. It’s like cat karaoke.
Kavita

My goodness, the views look stunning but even your photographs triggered my vertigo, I have this weird thing where I can feel vertigo on someone else’s behalf if I see them standing somewhere that would make me feel wobby. I know I’d adore the views if I could get over that, though truth be told, I don’t have the physical fitness either!
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  What do you think about the drone videos where they fly over the edge of the cliffs? I still get butterflies in my stomach when ever the bottom drops out like that.
  - Kavita
    
    They make me dizzy!!😂
Kate Brissette

Angel’s Landing and this whole hike look beautiful! I’d be right there with Jenn and be a little nervous, but I can tell it’s worth it from all the gorgeous shots you got! And, Walter’s Wiggles looks like a fun time 😛
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  Would you be singing Cold Spaghetti?
  - Kate Brissette
    
    haha well, I was always more of a “Choo Choo Chugga Chugga Big Red Car” fan myself 😉
    - Ed and Jenn Coleman
      
      oh the humanity.
Bharat & Supriya

We visited Zion in 2015 but ended up skipping Angel landing hike. I can say that we were short of time (post the Canyon Overlook trail hike) but the truth was we felt under-prepared for it. Glad you guys were successful and this itches me to take Supriya back again 🙂
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  We aim to be inspirational :). You’ll have to let us know what you thought of the Canyon Overlook Trail.
Lara Dunning

Having hiked Angel’s Landing myself, I’d say yes, it is one of the best hikes in Zion. I did it years ago before the park had tons of people and didn’t have a shuttle service, so the trail wasn’t crowded at all. Great hike with an amazing view.
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  I hear a lot of people say how the popularity of Zion is staring to be its downfall. Even without people, I think the morning light and chill would make this hike that much better. It was tough to photograph the canyons with full sun and deep shadows.
Thomas “TripGourmets” Mathys

Wow, what an amazing place! I honestly don’t know much about the national parks in the US but the Zion one Looks so beautiful. I love the landscape which you perfectly captured with your camera. This makes me really want to go and hike there myself one time. Jenn has my full respect of doing this with titanium plates in her knees! Thank you for this great article, i’ll definitely will pin it as well on Pinterest 😀
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  Thank you for the pin. Glad you liked the story. You really should look into the American National Park circuit, especially in the west. Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Redwoods (of some flavor), Sequoia. You can put these together into a 2-3 week long circuit road trip that will amaze you.
Janine Thomas

It looks like there are some pretty tough sections, but the chains make it a bit easier. The rewards are the beautiful views.
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  It is tough but well worth it. This is a trail with a lot of bang for the buck.
Tamara Elliott (Globe Guide)

Oooh I’ve heard so much about this hike, and you’re right- it’s totally a high risk, high reward type of excursion!
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  It’s famous for a reason. Where else can you get views like this for under 6 miles?
Andi Fisher

So I think I could get over my fear of the last 1/4 mile, maybe, but its the crowds I hate, especially when trying to pass each other. That’s why we go off-season, but it’s also why we haven’t done this particular hike, the weather hasn’t cooperated. We are just going to have to bite the bullet one day and go during the summer to get that view!
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  You can go bright and early and have the place to yourself with much better lighting for photography too. If you stayed at Zion Lodge you could leave at first light. Otherwise, it’s the 6:00 shuttle.
Danik Bates

Oh wow, I never even heard of this hike and would love to do this. Looks like the rewards for doing this hike are seen in the photos and I would totally do this just for that!
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  It’s a lot better in person. The sun was super bright . It really is that pretty.
Plaid ShirtYoga Pant

Eeekkkk! This gives me nightmares just thinking of it, but then I also want to go in the hike! Lovely photos and descriptions. I feel like I was taking the hike with you.
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  Thank you. Glad you could live vicariously. (other than the nightmares of course).
Cat Lin

Good job on your accomplishing this! It has a beautiful view for sure, I just don’t know if I can do it. Maybe if I have a good guide, I will be confident enough to push my comfort zone!
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  You would do just fine. Just remember to find your Zen spot. It can’t be worse than helicopters over Hawaii.
Rhonda Albom

I am not a fan of difficult hikes, especially ones that look as terrifying as this. Perhaps my daughter would be interested, but I think even this would be outside of her comfort zone.
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  It’s not everybody’s cup of tea for sure. Or cup of coffee for that matter.
Anne Slater-Brooks

Oh cripes, I see what you mean about testing your mettle. My recent experience at Zipworld Caverns in Wales might be a good indicator for me to avoid this which is a shame as it looks amazing
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  Zipworld Caverns sounds amazing by name alone. I am picturing a zip line running through a cave. I would do that.
Kenny T.K. Chow

Some good points made and I enjoyed the photos for the post. You are right, there are so many trailed in Zion and I have no idea which one to choose! I still remember the rocks and views were so amazing during sunset –
https://knycxjourneying.com/2017/02/04/zion-its-multi-colored-light-show/ @ knycx,journeying
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  You saw big horn sheep. How cool is that? I think there were way too many people on the trail that day for big horn. Love the snow on the red rocks. What did you think of Cracker Barrel for a typical American meal?
Brianna

Dude, this sounds like one bad ass hike! I feel like going down would be scarier than climbing up. I can’t believe how many people were on the trail.
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  The thing most people don’t realize is how much harder it is climbing down rocks. A lot of people climb themselves into a jam.
  
  We couldn’t believe how many people were on the trail either. We were wondering if we should do this hike or not from our friends description. Then, it turns out everybody is on the trail doing it (or so it seemed). Crazy.
Kimanis Ome

Spectacular views…gorgeous. Definitively an amazing but challenging hike. Love the way you break down the trail experience. I’d definitively be interested in making this hike. Great tips about going at sunrise and not taking the shuttle. Looking forward to this hike at some point 🙂
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  Glad to add to the bucket list. Send us some pictures if you make the trip.
Wander With Jo

This LOOKS amazing and kudos on conquering fears. It was all worth it later eh? Btw whats the approx wait time for the free Zion Park Shuttle service, if you go in peak season?
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  It was all worth it at the time and never passed into that Type II sort of fun. Seriously a great hike.
  
  We tried to do the shuttle twice. Mid day the wait at the visitor center was 1 1/2 hours with a line back to the bathrooms / ranger station. We opted to hike the river trial that day since we had just done Watchman’s earlier. At 9 in the morning, the wait was only 20 minutes. Coming back, we had room on the first shuttle that passed. The shuttles run on a 15 minute interval but the lines get backed up sometimes.
Ivy

Amazing views come with a price! Some parts of the trail look so narrow… makes it extra scary with so many people passing by. I’ll pass- thanks for doing this so I can live vicariously through you guys haha
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  They really are that narrow, no trick camera work here. If you want, you can always be that person that insists on passing on the rock/chain side of the trial.
Susan Ripley

Wow this looks incredible! The scenery and colors are just jaw dropping. I do have vertigo, so whenever I get here, I’ll have to prepare myself to push through the sheer parts. But I can see that it would be worth it.
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  Take it one step at a time and be honest with yourself. If you’re feeling good push on. If not, the views are pretty good anywhere on the ridge.
Jen Ruiz

I love how well researched you two are, I had no idea about most of these names! My experience was an equal mix of terror and beauty haha. Your maps are really helpful so people can get an honest idea of what they’re in for!
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  That’s a pretty good description – equal mix of terror and beauty. It’s an awe inspiring place. Of course the definition of awe is “a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.” Makes you wonder when people aspire to be awesome.
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Allison Wong

Such a beautiful place to hike! Those views are just amazing and I hope to hike there myself one day soon!
Miranda Knudtson

Glad Jenn was able to make it successfully to enjoy those gorgeous views! It does look like a rough hike, not so much for beginners! I did a similar hike over the weekend with rock-like steps, and I definitely wish I had a chain fence to grab onto!
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  Not for beginners but you don’t need to be a world class hiker either. Just know where your comfort zone is on the exposed sections.
Jennifer @ MatDifference

I always think going down Angels is worse that going up. Plus there is always more people on the trail when I am coming down it then going up (mostly because I start the hike as early as possible).
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  Very good points. We wish we started earlier. We couldn’t bring ourselves to catch the 6:00 shuttle but it feels like we missed out on something really special.
Juliette @ Snorkels To Snow

What a magnificent hike! Hope your knees didn’t cause too much grief in the following days, Jenn. It sure does look beautiful there and worth the effort to see those incredible views! I think I would need some extra training first before I attempted this hike!
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  The knees were actually great. We did a little bit of training hikes here before we went and I think it did the trick. I have been making a point to do a 20 minute training hike a couple of times a week since getting back. Might as well keep the momentum going forward.
Ashley Hubbard

I’ve always wanted to do this hike. I agree that going down would probably be harder than going up for me. I don’t typically have a fear of heights but this could probably do it haha.
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  You have to make it out west girl. There is so much to explore. They also had a pretty good selection of vegan food in Springdale (the town just outside of Zion)
Ed and Jenn Coleman

Awesome. We felt the same way. It was such a cool little hike.
Kerri McConnel

What an amazing hike.. I just love this part of the country and was only just doing a bit of research on it on the weekend. Loved the photo of you all walking along the rope. The vivid colour of the background is just stunning.
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  We loved the red cliffs too. It reminded us of Sedona a bit.
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Carmen’s Luxury Travel

Wow, the landscape is absolutely stunning. I’d love to do this hike, thanks for sharing!
Julianne

My sister-in-law did this hike last year, and ever since then, I’ve been curious to see what it’s like. Would have to get wayyy more in shape before attempting it (if at all, since I have a fear of heights!). But I appreciate your honest account of your trek, and your photos are gorgeous, as usual!! 🙂
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  I would only say it’s a two “yy” wayy more shape. The three ‘yyy’ hyperbole should be saved for when you really need it. It really wasn’t too bad as long as you plan for the heat.
Buddy The Traveling Monkey

I’m so happy that Jenn was able to do so well, especially with knee issues! Such an inspiration! And those views look amazing, well worth the hike!
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  We thought we had turned a corner with the Zion trip. We did a Kwaay Paay Peak in San Diego a couple of times to get in shape. In Zion we did the canyoneering trip, Angles Landing, Watchman and a bit of the river trail. Of the four, the river trail was actually the hardest on the knees because Jenn just doesn’t like hiking on pavement. After returning from Zion, she has been doing the 20 minutes down and back to Black’s Beach after work a couple of times a week. We were on a roll until today. We did a little six miler here in Tucson (Romero Pools) with 1500′ climbing. It wasn’t the distance or the elevation but the trail condition that really was painful. She is hobbling around like c3p0 right now trying to figure it out. I think it was all trail condition and maybe not having hiking poles.
Ann Fisher

Jenn and Ed, thank you SO much for sharing this. From reading your article, I know I could do the lower part of the hike, but would have to forego the last section — I wouldn’t be able to handle it going down. This kind of post is exactly what I need to feel comfortable doing the lower part of Angel’s Landing.
- Ed and Jenn Coleman
  
  It’s still a beautiful hike, even just up to Scout’s Lookout (section before the chains)
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