Angels Landing

Overview

Angels Landing is the most iconic hike in Zion National Park and one of the most famous trails in the American West. The route climbs steadily from the canyon floor to Scout Lookout, then follows a narrow rock spine with chains bolted into the sandstone for the final half-mile to the summit. The views from the top - straight down into Zion Canyon and across to the surrounding mesas - are unlike anything else in the park.

This is not a hike for everyone. The chains section involves genuine exposure, two-way foot traffic on a ridge just a few feet wide, and significant drop-offs on both sides. Several fatalities have occurred here. If you're uncomfortable with heights, Scout Lookout is a perfectly worthy destination on its own - no permit required to hike that far, and the views are excellent.

Trail Route

The hike starts at The Grotto (Shuttle Stop 6). Cross the footbridge over the Virgin River and follow the West Rim Trail signs.

Section 1 - West Rim Trail (0 to ~2 mi)

A wide, paved, steadily uphill trail. The route passes through Refrigerator Canyon - a narrow slot that stays shaded and cool, making it the most pleasant stretch of the climb. Enjoy it; the shade ends here.

Section 2 - Walter's Wiggles (~2 to ~2.3 mi)

Twenty-one short, steep switchbacks carved directly into the sandstone cliff face. Named after Walter Ruesch, Zion's first superintendent - one of the park's many landmarks with a story behind its name (Angels Landing included). This is where legs start to burn - take it slow and rest as needed. The switchbacks are short but relentless.

Section 3 - Scout Lookout (~2.3 mi)

A broad sandy plateau with your first full view of the Angels Landing spine above you. Permits are checked here. No permit, no access to the chains section. This is also the smart place to assess conditions - look at the ridge, gauge the crowd, and honestly evaluate your comfort level. Turning around here is not failure; it's good judgment.

Section 4 - The Chains (Scout Lookout to Summit, ~0.5 mi)

The chains are anchor points, not handrails. You wrap your hand around each link and use your feet on the sandstone for traction. The middle section of the spine is the most exposed - the trail narrows to just a few feet with sheer drop-offs on both sides. Two-way traffic means you'll need to pass other hikers; always keep at least one hand on the chains.

Coming down is harder than going up. Take your time on the descent, face into the rock where possible, and don't rush.

Summit

The summit is a relatively flat sandstone plateau with 360-degree views of Zion Canyon. The Virgin River winds 1,500 feet below. On a clear day you can see across to Observation Point, the Court of the Patriarchs, and deep into the backcountry. Most hikers spend 15-30 minutes at the top before heading back down the same route.

The Permit System

A permit is required to hike past Scout Lookout. Permits are allocated through two competitive lotteries on Recreation.gov. The West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout does not require a permit.

Seasonal Lottery

The best option if you're planning in advance. Apply once per person for up to 6 people, ranking up to 7 preferred dates. A non-refundable $6 application fee applies; if selected, the permit costs $3 per person (refundable if canceled 2+ days before your hike). Seasonal lottery windows for 2026:

Hike Dates	Lottery Opens	Lottery Closes	Permits Issued
Mar 1 - May 31	Feb 13	Feb 25	Feb 26
Jun 1 - Aug 31	Apr 1	Apr 20	Apr 25
Sep 1 - Nov 30	Jul 1	Jul 20	Jul 25
Dec 1 - Feb 28	Oct 1	Oct 20	Oct 25

Day-Before Lottery

If you didn't get a seasonal permit, apply the day before your intended hike. The lottery opens at 12:01 a.m. Mountain Time and closes at 3 p.m. Same fees apply ($6 application, $3 per person), but all fees are non-refundable for day-before applications.

What to Bring

• Water - at least 2 liters per person. There is no water on the trail.
• Hiking shoes or boots - trail runners work; sandals do not. Grip matters on the sandstone.
• Gloves - optional but useful. The chains can be rough on bare hands, especially on the descent.
• Sunscreen and a hat - most of the trail is fully exposed.
• Snacks - the climb is sustained; fuel up at Scout Lookout before the chains.
• Trekking poles - useful on the ascent but must be stowed for the chains section. Collapsible poles that can be secured to your pack are ideal.

Best Time to Go

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are the best seasons - moderate temperatures, stable conditions, and the most pleasant hiking weather. Summer afternoons can be dangerously hot and are prone to afternoon thunderstorms. Winter is possible but chains and sandstone become icy; crampons may be needed and the hike should only be attempted by experienced hikers in dry conditions.

Regardless of season, start early. The summit gets crowded by mid-morning, the chains section becomes a bottleneck, and afternoon heat and storms are a real risk in summer.

Safety

Angels Landing has seen multiple fatalities. The risks are real - loose gravel, narrow ledges, sudden weather changes, and the sheer exposure of the chains section demand respect and honest self-assessment.

• Do not attempt in wet, icy, or stormy conditions. Wet sandstone is extremely slippery.
• Keep at least one hand on the chains at all times in the exposed sections.
• Children and inexperienced hikers should turn around at Scout Lookout.
• Watch for two-way traffic - yield to downhill hikers where the trail is narrowest.
• Do not stand near the edges at the summit.