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 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.
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)
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.
The 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.
Climbing Out of the Virgin River Canyon
You finally made it through the logistics of the 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 that you will find pavement in many sections. 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.
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.
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.
Descending Angels Landing
Coming back down the chains was just as harrowing as going up. I flipped around and went hand over hand down the chain while walking backwards 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.
Final Thoughts on Angels Landing
The shuttle was empty enough that we could get a seat, but we were happy not to 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 trail is an absolute must-do hike for your Zion adventure.
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. 😉
Hmmm. One of those people. For bonus points you can meow Wiggles songs. It’s like cat karaoke.
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!
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.
They make me dizzy!!😂
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 😛
Would you be singing Cold Spaghetti?
haha well, I was always more of a “Choo Choo Chugga Chugga Big Red Car” fan myself 😉
oh the humanity.
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 🙂
We aim to be inspirational :). You’ll have to let us know what you thought of the Canyon Overlook Trail.
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.
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.
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 😀
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.
It looks like there are some pretty tough sections, but the chains make it a bit easier. The rewards are the beautiful views.
It is tough but well worth it. This is a trail with a lot of bang for the buck.
Oooh I’ve heard so much about this hike, and you’re right- it’s totally a high risk, high reward type of excursion!
It’s famous for a reason. Where else can you get views like this for under 6 miles?
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!
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.
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!
It’s a lot better in person. The sun was super bright . It really is that pretty.
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.
Thank you. Glad you could live vicariously. (other than the nightmares of course).
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!
You would do just fine. Just remember to find your Zen spot. It can’t be worse than helicopters over Hawaii.
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.
It’s not everybody’s cup of tea for sure. Or cup of coffee for that matter.
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
Zipworld Caverns sounds amazing by name alone. I am picturing a zip line running through a cave. I would do that.
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
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?
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.
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.
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 🙂
Glad to add to the bucket list. Send us some pictures if you make the trip.
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?
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Such a beautiful place to hike! Those views are just amazing and I hope to hike there myself one day soon!
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!
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.
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).
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.
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!
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.
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.
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)
Awesome. We felt the same way. It was such a cool little hike.
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.
We loved the red cliffs too. It reminded us of Sedona a bit.
Wow, the landscape is absolutely stunning. I’d love to do this hike, thanks for sharing!
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!! 🙂
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.
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!
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.
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.
It’s still a beautiful hike, even just up to Scout’s Lookout (section before the chains)