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Angels Landing Zion National Park: Complete Guide to this Epic Trail

Angels Landing in Zion National Park is one of the most iconic in the USA. It’s also one of the scariest.  

The last 0.5 miles that cross a narrow ridge with drop-offs thousands of feet high on both sides is what attracts thrill seekers – and the views from the end are breathtaking.

But I love the trail even without the last section. With the iconic Walter’s Wiggles switchbacks, the chilly Refrigerator Canyon, and amazing views for much of the way, this trail really has something for everyone. 

You may have heard about the Angels Landing, Zion hike but aren’t sure exactly what to expect. That’s what this Angels Landing guide is for.  Here, I describe my experience and share photos I took every step of the way, so you know exactly what to expect.


If you’re planning to visit Zion National Park by yourself, make your planning easy and stress free with a detailed itinerary. I have 1-, 2- and 3-day itineraries for Zion National Park that include all the park highlights, give you choices based on your preferred activity level, and take all the stress out of planning your trip.

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Guided Tours of the Angels Landing Trail Zion 

Although the trail is easy to follow, the hike to Angels Landing is considered one of the most challenging hikes in the US, due to the drop offs in the last 0.5 miles.  If this seems intimating, consider going with an experienced Angels Landing hiking guide.   

This guided hike not only has someone to help coach you through the tricky bits, it also includes the permits you need. (Note, however, that it is non-refundable, so be sure you are sure before you pay). 

➡️ BOOK AN ANGELS LANDING GUIDED HIKE 


Zion National Park – Angels Landing Trail Details 

Angels Landing Distance: The Angels Landing trail length is 4.3 miles in total 

Type: Out-and-back 

Elevation change: 1,827 feet 

Angels Landing Trail TimeIt takes about 3.5 hours to hike the trail. 

Angels Landing Difficulty: Challenging. There’s a lot of elevation change, and the last section is very scary of you’re afraid of heights. 

Angels Landing Trailhead: The Angels Landing trail head is at The Grotto  

Highlights: Views of Zion Canyon, Walter’s Wiggle switchbacks, the challenge of the chain section 

Fee: You need to pay the Zion National Park entrance fee and you need to pay a small fee for the Angels Landing pass reservation.

Open: The trail is open year-round, though it can get icy and snow in winter.  A reservation is required all year. 

➡️ Read my Tips for Hiking Angels Landing before you go! 

➡️ You need a permit for this trail.  Read my full Guide to the Angels Landing Permit 


The Zion National Park – Angels Landing Description

The trail starts at The Grotto shuttle stop.  Cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and follow the paved path to the river. Cross the bridge over the Virgin River. 

Bridge over the Virgin River Angels Landing in Zion National Park

As soon as you cross the bridge, the path goes left and right.  Left is the Kayenta Trail to Emerald Pools.  Go right.  

The trail is paved and starts flat as it goes alongside the river for a short way.  The view here is actually one of my favorite views on the trail – you can see Angels Landing towering up ahead, so you can get a real sense of the scale and steepness. 

Huge Mountains and Bushes in Angels Landing in Zion National Park

Turn around and look back (though this is also the view on your return). The canyon is just as spectacular in the other direction. 

View of river surrounded by mountains and trees in Angels Landing in Zion National Park

After about 10 minutes, the trail veers left and starts to climb fairly gently. 

View of trail surrounded by mountains and trees in Angels Landing in Zion National Park

Another 5 minutes or so and you’ll get to the first Angels Landing switchbacks. These are widish switchbacks, but somewhat steep and have a steep drop-off on one side.   

View of woman walking in trail in Angels Landing in Zion National Park

You can see the switchbacks here. 

Aerial view of trail in Angels Landing in Zion National Park
Aerial view of bent and steep trail in Angels Landing in Zion National Park

I really loved the views looking down Zion Canyon here.  

Looking down in Angels Landing in Zion National Park
View from above in Angels Landing in Zion National Park

About half an hour into the hike, you’ll reach the top of the first switchbacks and cross a small footbridge. 

View of a small footbridge in Angels Landing in Zion National Park

Refrigerator Canyon 

This is the start of Refrigerator Canyon. Depending on the time of year, you may see a sign stating that this is a Quiet Zone because Mexican Spotted Owls live in the canyon and loud noise disturbs them. 

The canyon lives up to its name – it’s shady and cool even in summer. 

The trail runs alongside a gully right next to the steep canyon wall. And is flat, which makes a nice break from all that ascending. 

View of a trail surrounded by huge red rocks and bushes in Angels Landing in Zion National Park

It takes about 10 minutes to go through Refrigerator Canyon.  At the end is the start of Walters Wiggles. You’re now about 1.8 miles into the hike. 

View of Walters Wiggles in Angels Landing in Zion National Park

Walters Wiggles, Angels Landing 

Walter’s Wiggles is a set of 21 short but steep switchbacks that ascend 250 feet in a very short distance.  They take their name from Walter Ruesch, Zion National Park’s first superintendent, who had the idea back in 1926 of carving this series of switchbacks out of the sheer cliff face.

view from a drone of a steep cliff with a squiggle of switchbacks on angels landing trail in zion national park

They wiggle their way up to Scouts Landing.

They sound cute, but don’t feel cute when you’re on them.  It’s a lot of uphill in a short distance.  So, take your time and stop to catch your breath as you need to.  

View from below in Walters Wiggles in Angels Landing in Zion National Park

I didn’t mind the ascent so much, but I didn’t like the sand on the paved trail.  They were paved back in 1985 to prevent erosion, but there’s a thin layer of sand on parts of them – and they’re pretty steep, so I was nervous about going down them.

I was OK in the end, but took it very carefully, as I didn’t want me feet slipping out from under me. 

View from above of paved trail in Walters Wiggles in Angels Landing in Zion National Park

It took me about 10 minutes, but if you stop to catch your breath, it may take you longer.  

When you get to the top, you’ll be at Scouts Lookout. 

Pepple resting in Scouts Lookout in Angels Landing in Zion National Park

Scouts Lookout 

There are (rustic) restrooms at Scouts Lookout.  

Here is where the West Rim Trail goes straight/ left and the side trail to Angels Landing is to the right.

It’s 0.5 miles from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing and this is the section that you need a permit for. This is also the section with a chain so you can hold on as you traverse a narrow trail with drop-offs on both sides over 1,000 tall.  

The view from Scouts Lookout is also great.  I actually really love the hike up to here.

This is the view looking deeper into the canyon. 

View of canyon from above in Angels Landing in Zion National Park

I will say this – if you’re afraid of heights and don’t want to do the last section – or if you didn’t secure a permit – the hike to Scouts Lookout is awesome.

But many people are here for the chain section! 

This is the view of Scouts Lookout from near the start of the chain section. 

view of Scouts Lookout from near the start of the chain section in Angels Landing in Zion National Park

There’s a small sign at the start of the section, warning of its intensity. Nearby is another sign warning that permits are required. There’s usually a ranger stationed here to check your permit for the final section. 

➡️ Read my Guide to Getting Angels Landing Permits for more details 

Wooden signage in Angels Landing in Zion National Park

Angels Landing Path – the Chains 

As soon as you pass the sign, the chain starts.  This first section has steps carved into the side of the cliffside, so it seems particularly nerve wracking (to me, anyway). 

Definitely hold onto the chain unless you’re feeling very stable – I saw a woman coming back down slip on this section and thank goodness she was holding on. 

Of course, you need to pass people, but I found people very understanding of others with less comfort than them (read: me). 

Chain section of the Angels Landing trail

After about 10 minutes, the trail stops being on the side of the cliff and opens up to a flat section. There’s an amazing view of the Angels landing and the rest of the trail from here. I really enjoyed staying here and gathering my thoughts, having a sip of water and watching everybody climbing and down the steep trail along the ridge.

If you found the first 10 minute too much, I’d turn around here.  People do.  

A photo of a rugged rock formations towering on either side and a couple sitting at the peak, enjoying the breathtaking views at Angels Landing, Zion.

After leaving that flat section, it’s uphill. The path is actually a little wider than it seems when you’re looking at from afar, and the chain is there and steps are cut into the path.  But it still involves drops offs thousands of feet high on both sides and is all uphill until you get to the top of Angels Landing.  

➡️ See my Angels Landing Hiking Tips 

You may have gotten a buzz from the thrill of the last 0.5 miles or you may have pushed through your fears, but either way, there is no denying that the view from Angels Landing is worth the effort. 

There’s a clear view down the length of Zion Canyon.  Take your time, have a snack or small picnic and soak in the view!

canyon with rocky peaks and river running through as seen from Angels Landing

And, of course, then you have to do the whole hike in reverse.


Angels Landing Trail Map 

Here’s an Angels Landing Map that will give you an idea of where you’re going.  The trail is paved until Scouts Lookout and very easy to follow.

map of the angels landing trail

FAQS about The Angels Landing Trail, Utah

How long does it take to hike Angels Landing?

It typically takes about 3.5 hours to hike Angels Landing.

How long is the Angels Landing hike, Zion National Park?

The Angels Landing hike is 4.3 miles in total out-and-back.

Have there been any deaths at Angels Landing, Zion National Park?

As of 2024, 18 people have died at or near Angels Landing in Zion National Park. 

Where is Angels Landing located?

Angels Landing is in Zion National Park in Utah. The trailhead is The Grotto shuttle stop.

How difficult is Angels Landing hike?

Angels Landing is considered a challenging hike.  It’s mostly uphill/downhill and the last 0.5 mile is very scary if you’re afraid of heights.  People have died on this trail!

What is the hardest part of Angels Landing?

The hardest part of Angels Landing is definitely the last 0.5 mile, where the trail is steep, narrow and has drop offs on both sides.  There’s a chain you can hold on to.

What time is best to hike Angels Landing?

If you can get a permit before 9:00am, you’ll beat the heat in summer, and have a chance to get there early enough to beat the worst of the crowds.

However, if you get a permit for after 9:00am, I recommend starting the trail at 9:00am or leave it until late afternoon. The trail is exposed and very hot in the heat of summer days.

If you do a late afternoon hike in summer, make sure you’re back to catch the last shuttle.

Do you need a permit for Angels Landing?

Yes. You need a permit to hike Angels Landing throughout the entire year.  Read my full Guide to the Angels Landing Permit

What’s the Angels Landing parking situation?

During most of the year, you can’t drive to the trailhead.  Instead, you need to park at the Visitor Center or in Springdale and take a shuttle to The Grotto stop.

In the few winter months where there’s no shuttle and you can drive through the park, there’s a small parking area near the trailhead.  This fills early, even in winter!

Is there camping near Angels Landing?

The nearest campgrounds are Watchman Campground and South Campground, which are next to each other, just inside the park’s main entrance.

Travel Insurance for Angels Landing, Utah Trail

You should definitely get travel insurance for your Angels Landing hike.  This can protect you not only against medical and emergency repatriation, but can also cover things like trip cancellation, loss and/ or theft of property, etc.   Be sure that your insurance policy includes coverage for hiking!

➡️  A great insurance option is Travelex.  It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip here or get a quote right now:

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Enjoy the trail to Angels Landing at Zion National Park!

More Planning Resources for Zion National Park

Do you have questions about the trail to Angels Landing, Utah?  I’d love to hear about them.  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).  

 If you liked this guide to the Angels Landing trail in Zion National Park, Pin It to your Zion National Park board! 

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About the Author

James Ian at Yosemite

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

Read more…


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