Angels Landing Hike Zion National Park Utah
The Panoramic View from the top of Angels Landing in Zion National Park.
The chains leading up to Angels Landing in Zion National Park in Utah both scare and excite the average hiker. However there is nothing average about a hiker who goes up Angels Landing. It is one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had and I believe one of the top 10 day hikes in America. Some may say it is the most iconic day hike in America! It comes with precaution though...numerous people have died on this trail in recent years and I would say you would only consider this hike with 0% chance of rain/bad weather that day and you are a seasoned and experienced hiker who has ZERO fear of heights. Come do the Angels Landing Hike Zion National Park Utah with us!
Angels Landing is also not the place to test to see if that old fear of heights still exists!
I caught the Springdale shuttle into Zion and walked in to grab the Zion Canyon Shuttle at the Visitor Center, it's really slick and easy to use!
I hiked Angels Landing and it was a truly memorable experience and I felt safe enough with the chains that I would hike it again. (Update: I did hike it again in November of 2020!)
I would not recommend taking children under the age of 13 or so...but that is just my personal opinion. However many did just that and the children were safe and smart.
While many people have died on this trail it is not even the most dangerous hike in Zion. But it gets a lot of controversy surrounding it due to the chains.
On to the Angels Landing Hike!
Angels Landing is 5.2 Miles roundtrip with 1,500 feet of elevation gain. I only had the opportunity to go on a Friday afternoon but I would definitely recommend doing this in the morning due to the traffic on the trail and the sun.
There were long backups along the one way portions of the chains.
It starts from the Grotto Shuttle drop off in Zion Canyon and weaves its way up for the first two miles with decent elevation but a paved trail. Now, maybe you want to ask. about the Angels Landing chains?? What do you mean by “chains?”
Well I mean that two miles into the 2.6 one way portion of the hike the trail scoots up the side of the wall rock with massive drop offs on both sides. And you have chains to hold onto :).
Seriously i don't know of another "mainstream" hike with this type of finish to it that so many people attempt.
Here's a picture below to see what you are working with in a safe spot, I kept my phone in my pocket for the "dicey" spots to stay on point.
Up up you go while holding on to the chains for .6 miles each way to reach the perch of Angels Landing in Zion National Park!
Take a look at the final portion of the trail to the top of Angels Landing!
Here are some additional pics from the top!
Overall if you are a seasoned hiker, not scared of heights, and the weather is nice I would say give it a shot.
Be smart and careful and happy trails! It took me about 2.5 hours roundtrip to complete the Angels Landing Hike but most of that was the waiting for groups coming and going on the chains.
It's a steep climb in elevation before the chains so make sure you pack sunscreen, plenty of water, and sunglasses!
If you have never been to Zion National Park in Utah it's one of my favorite places on the planet.
I highly recommend you plan a trip, it's only a 2.5 hour drive from Las Vegas Int'l Airport, which is where i rented my car from after a work trip in Las Vegas.
Have questions or comments about the Angels Landing Hike? Put them below!
Because Adventure Feeds the Soul,
Mike R
