USA — Springdale, Utah
Angels Landing, Zion National Park, USA: A demanding 8.7 km day walk offering breathtaking panoramas. This iconic route ascends Zion Canyon, culminating in a thrilling, chain-assisted scramble along a narrow ridge. Prepare for exposed sections and unforgettable views from this Utah wilderness summit.
Distance: 8.7 km
Elevation Gain: 457 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 4-5 hours
Angels Landing is not merely a hike; it is a rite of passage for outdoor enthusiasts and one of the most renowned day walks in the United States’ National Park system. Perched high above the floor of Zion Canyon in Utah, this 8.7-kilometre round-trip journey culminates in a narrow, precipitous ridge where walkers must navigate a series of anchored support chains to reach a summit that feels suspended in mid-air. The trail offers a dramatic transition from the lush, riparian environment of the Virgin River to the stark, vertical world of Navajo Sandstone. It is a walk that demands physical stamina, a steady head for heights, and a deep respect for the raw power of the desert landscape. For those who reach the final viewpoint, the reward is a staggering 360-degree panorama of Zion Canyon, where the scale of the geological forces at work becomes profoundly clear.
The Angels Landing trail is a masterclass in trail engineering and natural drama. Located within the heart of Zion National Park, the route follows a fin-like sandstone formation that juts out into the centre of the canyon, providing a vantage point that was once famously described as being so high that "only an angel could land on it." The walk is characterised by three distinct phases: the steady climb through the lower canyon, the cool respite of Refrigerator Canyon, and the final, adrenaline-inducing scramble along the narrow ridge known as the Hogsback.
The landscape is defined by the towering walls of red and white Navajo Sandstone, which rise nearly 1,000 metres from the canyon floor. As you ascend, the vegetation shifts from the cottonwoods and box elders of the riverbank to the hardy pinyon pines and junipers that cling to the rocky ledges. The geological story here is one of ancient sand dunes, deposited over 150 million years ago, which have been compressed into stone and subsequently carved by the relentless flow of the Virgin River. This process of erosion continues today, shaping the very cliffs that walkers traverse.
Because of its immense popularity and the inherent risks of the narrow ridge section, the National Park Service implemented a permit system in 2022. This has significantly improved the experience, reducing the dangerous overcrowding that once plagued the chain section. Today, walkers can enjoy a more measured and respectful journey, though the physical challenge remains significant. The final 800 metres of the trail involve steep drop-offs of over 300 metres on either side, requiring walkers to use heavy metal chains bolted into the rock for stability. It is an experience that combines the physical exertion of a steep mountain climb with the psychological thrill of high-altitude exposure, making it one of the most memorable walks in the world.
The human history of Zion Canyon stretches back thousands of years. Long before the arrival of European explorers, the Southern Paiute people inhabited this region, referring to the canyon as Mukuntuweap. They held a deep spiritual connection to the land, utilising the canyon floor for seasonal farming and the high plateaus for hunting. While there is no evidence that indigenous peoples regularly climbed to the summit of Angels Landing, the entire canyon remains a place of profound cultural significance to their descendants.
The modern name "Angels Landing" was coined in 1916 by Frederick Vining Fisher, a Methodist minister who, while exploring the canyon with friends, remarked that the peak was so remote and lofty that only an angel could land there. The name stuck, reflecting the awe-inspired perspective of early 20th-century visitors. At that time, the summit was considered inaccessible to all but the most experienced climbers.
The trail as we know it today was a feat of the 1920s. In 1926, the National Park Service commissioned the construction of a path to the summit to allow visitors to experience the canyon’s grandeur from above. This involved incredible feats of manual labour, including the carving of "Walter’s Wiggles"—a series of 21 tight, steep switchbacks named after Walter Ruesch, Zion’s first park custodian, who oversaw the project. The construction of the chain section was equally ambitious, requiring workers to drill into the hard sandstone to anchor the supports that still guide walkers today. This trail represents a pivotal era in the American conservation movement, where infrastructure was designed to bring people into close contact with wilderness while attempting to preserve the integrity of the landscape.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
Timing is everything when planning an ascent of Angels Landing. The desert environment of Southern Utah is a land of extremes, where temperatures can fluctuate wildly within a single day and seasons bring vastly different challenges.
Spring (March to May): This is arguably the best time to visit. Temperatures are typically mild, ranging from 15°C to 25°C, and the canyon is vibrant with new growth and wildflowers. However, spring can also bring high winds and occasional late-season snow or rain, which can make the sandstone surfaces dangerously slick. Early spring visitors should be prepared for cold mornings and the possibility of ice in shaded sections like Refrigerator Canyon.
Autumn (September to October): Similar to spring, autumn offers comfortable hiking temperatures and stable weather. The cottonwood trees along the Virgin River turn a brilliant gold, providing a stunning contrast against the red cliffs. This is a peak season for the park, so permit competition is at its highest.
Summer (June to August): Summer in Zion is brutally hot. Temperatures on the trail frequently exceed 40°C, and the exposed sandstone acts like an oven, radiating heat back at walkers. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are genuine risks. If walking in summer, an early start is mandatory—ideally on the first shuttle of the day (usually 6:00 AM). Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August; these "monsoons" can bring lightning, which is a lethal hazard on an exposed ridge like Angels Landing.
Winter (November to February): Winter brings a quiet beauty to the park, but the trail becomes significantly more hazardous. Snow and ice frequently accumulate on the ridge and in the switchbacks. The chain section is often closed or deemed "impassable" by rangers during these times. Only those with micro-spikes and extensive winter hiking experience should attempt the trail in these conditions, and even then, the risk of a fatal slip is high.
Phase 1: The Grotto to Refrigerator Canyon
Phase 2: Walter’s Wiggles to Scout Lookout
Phase 3: The Hogsback and the Chain Section
Phase 4: The Summit and Return
Important Notes:
Preparation for Angels Landing begins months before you set foot in Utah. The most critical step is securing a permit through the National Park Service lottery. Beyond the permit, physical preparation is key. While the distance is relatively short, the elevation gain is concentrated and the terrain is demanding. Walkers should have a reasonable level of cardiovascular fitness and be comfortable with significant heights and exposure.
Logistically, you must coordinate your hike with the Zion Canyon Shuttle system. During the majority of the year (March through November), private vehicles are not permitted on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. You will need to park at the Visitor Centre or in the town of Springdale and take the free shuttle to Stop 6 (The Grotto). Springdale serves as the primary base for the park, offering a wide range of hotels, gear shops, and restaurants. It is highly recommended to stay in or near Springdale the night before your hike to ensure you can catch one of the first shuttles of the morning.
Angels Landing is a day hike, and no overnight accommodation or camping is permitted on the trail itself. However, there are several options within Zion National Park and the surrounding area for those planning their visit.
In-Park Options:
What is NOT provided:
Since April 2022, a permit has been mandatory to hike the section of the trail from Scout Lookout to the Angels Landing summit (the chain section). This system was introduced to protect the park's resources and improve safety by managing the number of people on the narrow ridge. Permits are issued via a fair, randomised lottery system on Recreation.gov.
The Seasonal Lottery:
The Day-Before Lottery:
Permit Logistics:
Precisely traced GPX for the Angels Landing, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
Zion National Park and the surrounding Greater Zion region offer a wealth of world-class outdoor experiences. Consider these activities to round out your trip:
The Chain Section: The final 800 metres of the trail are inherently dangerous. The path is narrow, the drop-offs are vertical, and the sandstone can be slippery even when dry. Always maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) when moving on the ridge. Do not attempt to overtake other walkers in narrow sections; wait for a wider "passing zone" and communicate clearly. If you feel overwhelmed by vertigo or fear, it is perfectly acceptable—and often safer—to turn back. Scout Lookout still offers a magnificent view.
Heat and Hydration: Heat is the most common cause of rescue in Zion. The combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and physical exertion can lead to rapid dehydration. Drink before you are thirsty and ensure you are consuming salt to replace electrolytes. If you stop sweating, feel dizzy, or develop a headache, find shade immediately and rest.
Weather Hazards: Lightning is a critical threat. Angels Landing is a prominent lightning rod. If you see dark clouds gathering or hear thunder, do not proceed past Scout Lookout. If you are already on the ridge, descend as quickly and safely as possible. Additionally, be aware of flash flood risks if you are planning to visit the Narrows or other slot canyons on the same trip; always check the daily flash flood rating at the Visitor Centre.
Wildlife: Do not feed the wildlife. The squirrels and chipmunks at Scout Lookout and the summit are habituated to humans and can be aggressive. They carry diseases and their bites can require medical attention. Furthermore, be mindful of rattlesnakes, which are common in the desert; keep your hands and feet where you can see them when scrambling.
Emergency Services: Cell phone service is extremely unreliable in the canyon. In the event of an emergency, send someone for help or use a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) if you carry one. Note that rescues on Angels Landing are technically complex and can take many hours.
Scout Lookout: Even if you do not have a permit for the summit, Scout Lookout is a destination in its own right. This broad plateau offers a stunning view of the "Organ" (a massive sandstone monolith) and the winding Virgin River below. It is a great place to watch the progress of hikers on the ridge and enjoy the scale of the canyon walls.
The West Rim Trail Extension: For those with extra energy, continue past Scout Lookout on the West Rim Trail for another 2–3 kilometres. The trail climbs higher onto the plateau, offering a "bird's eye" view looking *down* on Angels Landing. This section is much quieter and provides a sense of the vast wilderness that lies beyond the main canyon.
Refrigerator Canyon: Take a moment to appreciate the micro-climate of this side canyon. The temperature can be up to 10°C cooler than the main trail. Look for the "hanging gardens"—ferns and mosses growing directly out of the weeping sandstone walls where water seeps through the porous rock.
The Grotto: Before or after your hike, spend some time at the Grotto picnic area. It was the site of the original Zion Museum and offers a peaceful spot under the cottonwoods to reflect on your journey. The nearby Zion Lodge also has a large lawn and a café for post-hike refreshments.
Zion National Park receives over four million visitors annually, placing immense pressure on its fragile desert ecosystem. As a walker, you have a responsibility to minimise your impact and preserve this landscape for future generations. The desert is slow to heal; a single footprint off-trail can destroy biological soil crusts that take decades to grow.
Principles for Angels Landing:
