Angels Landing Hike: Epic Chain Trail In Zion National Park Utah

by David & Intan

The infamous Angels Landing hike in Utah is an epic and scary trail that draws many thousands of hikers every year to the Zion National Park.

This is a hard hike that takes you up the side of a steep sandstone mountain, with chains to grab onto for safety, and amazing views of Zion surrounding you on all sides.

The Angels Landing chain section is especially noted for being hair-raising and hazardous, and there have been a number of falling deaths on this hike over the years, although itโ€™s plenty safe if you stick to the trail.

Permits are required since 2022, and you can apply for them via a lottery system conducted by the National Park Service, or else you can book a guided hike that includes permits.

I wouldnโ€™t say the Angels Landing trail is for everyone, but if you enjoy adventure, photography, and a good adrenaline rush, then definitely add it to your bucket list!

This travel guide for the Angels Landing Zion hike will explain how to do it safely, where to find the trail head in Utah, how to get Angels Landing permits, and everything else you need to know before you go!


Angels Landing Hike Trail Zion National Park Utah

Angels Landing Utah


 

Quick Facts

  • Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km) round trip
  • Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet (460 m)
  • Top Elevation: 5,790 feet (1,765 m)
  • Duration: 3 โ€“ 6 hours round trip
  • Difficulty: Hard

 

Angels Landing Hike Trail Zion National Park Utah

Angels Landing Zion National Park


 

Angels Landing Hike: What To Expect

Angels Landing is a scenic trail that takes you out of the canyon and up a steep mountain ridge, where you have to hold onto metal chains for safety.

This is an extremely popular trail, and Zion National Park is a very busy place in general, but the crowds are a lot more manageable now that permits are required to do the hike.

Itโ€™s a safe enough hike if youโ€™re careful, but I wouldnโ€™t recommend it for young kids, unfit older folks, or anyone who is not surefooted and comfortable with heights. People have died on the Angels Landing chain section.

The details below will explain each part of the Angels Landing trail and what to expect. The entire hike is so worth it!

Angels Landing Hike Trail Zion National Park Utah

The final Angels Landing view is an epic 360 degree panorama of cliffs and canyons


 

โ€ข Angels Landing Switchbacks

The Angels Landing hike starts out on a flat, paved path at the trailhead, but quickly starts to gain elevation right after you cross the bridge over the Virgin River.

Youโ€™ll spend the next mile on these Angels Landing switchbacks. Thereโ€™s no shade at all to protect you from the sun, but the path is wide and the canyon views are already amazing.

At this point, you can already see the massive peak of Angels Landing towering in front of you. Yikes! As you keep climbing these switchbacks, your views of the Zion Canyon only get better by the minute.

Angels Landing Mountain Peak From Below

The steep peak of Angels Landing as seen from below

Angels Landing Switchbacks Trail Path

Some of the first Angels Landing switchbacks youโ€™ll encounter

Zion Canyon

Zion Canyon views on the Angelโ€™s Landing trail


 

โ€ข Refrigerator Canyon

After trudging up a mile of very exhausting switchbacks, youโ€™ll arrive at Refrigerator Canyon, which gets its name from the nice, cool temperatures in the shade.

The path flattens out a bit, and itโ€™s a great chance to catch your breath after the initial Angels Landing switchbacks. We even found a neat little cave with just enough room for a person.

Refrigerator Canyon is one of the only places in the entire hike where you get any shade, so enjoy it while it lasts.

Refrigerator Canyon Path

Shady section

Refrigerator Canyon Cave

Mini cave

Refrigerator Canyon Path

Near the top of Refrigerator Canyon


 

โ€ข Walterโ€™s Wiggles

Next up: itโ€™s time for more switchbacks!

This section is called Walterโ€™s Wiggles, and it has some very relentless switchbacks that will tax your legs big time.

There are 21 switchbacks in total, and you gain about 250 feet of elevation in this short section alone.

Walter's Wiggles Switchbacks

Walterโ€™s Wiggles

Walter's Wiggles Switchbacks

Looking back down at Walterโ€™s Wiggles


 

โ€ข Scout Lookout

Near the 2 mile mark, after completing Walterโ€™s Wiggles, youโ€™ll arrive at Scout Lookout.

Itโ€™s a spacious viewpoint where you can look out over Angels Landing and the canyon below, without actually navigating any steep cliffs or holding onto chains (yet).

I would not recommend going past this point with young kids, unfit older folks, or anyone who is not surefooted and comfortable with heights. Since 2022, permits are now required to go past Scout Lookout. This is the farthest you can go without a permit.

Scout Lookout has plenty of room for hikers to sit and relax, and even a few restrooms on the hillside, although they are unmaintained and utterly nasty.

This is the last non-exposed part of the hike, and youโ€™ll start to see warning signs telling you so. Catch your breath here, because things are about to get dicey!

Trail Warning Sign Scout Lookout

Warning sign at Scout Lookout. This is the last non-exposed part of the Angelโ€™s Landing hike.

Chain Section

Start of the Angels Landing chain section

Angels Landing Hike Trail Zion National Park Utah

Hereโ€™s where things get sketchy! However, the Angels Landing chains are metal and sturdy.


 

โ€ข Angels Landing Chain Section

Now begins the real fun: the Angels Landing chain section!

This is the most thrilling and dangerous part of the hike, and itโ€™s what brings many people to Angels Landing in the first place.

At times, the trail will only be a few feet wide, and youโ€™ll have to hug the side of the mountain. Not all of this section has chains, but the most sketchy parts do for your safety.

The chains are metal and sturdy, so you can rely on them. They were first added to this trail decades ago when Zion National Park was still young, but theyโ€™ve been maintained and improved many times over the years, so everything is in good shape.

Even though the Angels Landing chain section is only about 1/2 mile long (or less), it feels quite a bit longer because you have to take your time and move slowly.

For safety sake, always make sure you have at least one hand on the chain. This is especially important when youโ€™re passing other hikers going the opposite direction, because youโ€™ll be tempted to let go of the chain to get around them.

You donโ€™t want a passing hiker to trip you, bump you, or fall into you when youโ€™re not holding the chain. That could be lethal. No matter what happens, always put safety first.

Angels Landing Hike Trail Zion National Park Utah       Angels Landing Hike Trail Zion National Park Utah

Zion Canyon Trail Chain Section Hiker       Zion Canyon Trail Chain Section

Mountain Peak Angels Landing

First views of the sandstone โ€˜spineโ€™

Angels Landing Hike Trail Zion National Park Utah

Looking back after the last Angels Landing chain section


 

โ€ข Top Of Angels Landing Summit

At long last, youโ€™ll pass the final chain section and reach the top of Angels Landing. Congratulations!

Even though youโ€™re past the chain section and thereโ€™s more room to move around, you still need to watch your step and not get overconfident.

People have fallen from the top of Angels Landing when they tried to sneak out to the edge for pictures, not realizing how slippery the sandstone can be. In fact, according to the National Park Service, most falling deaths on this hike have been from the top, not the chain section.

The true summit (and best views) are at the end of the mountain, so keep walking a bit further along the top until it dead ends. At the end of the summit, some brave little chipmunks will keep you company and try to steal your snacks.

The final Angels Landing view gives you a 360 degree panorama of Zion Canyon, along with the tiny roads and shuttle buses below, and you can even look down at the gigantic peak you just climbed.

Itโ€™s easily one of the best views in Zion National Park, but itโ€™s also one of my favorite views on any hike weโ€™ve ever done.

Angels Landing Hike Trail Zion National Park Utah

One of my favorite views on Angels Landing. From here, youโ€™re looking directly at Observation Point Zion, another popular trail in the park.

Hikers at the top of the summit

Hikers resting at the top of the summit at the Angels Landing Zion trail.

Zion Canyon

Zion Canyon


 

How Long Is Angels Landing Hike?

The Angels Landing hike can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours roundtrip, depending on your pace and fitness level. I would say 4 hours is a normal time.

Bad crowds can slow you down more, especially on the Angels Landing chain section, although thatโ€™s much less of an issue now that permits are required (more on that later).
 

How Safe Is The Angels Landing Hike?

Angels Landing is plenty safe if you take it seriously. More than 300,000 people successfully completed the hike in 2019. Iโ€™ve done it twice myself, and Iโ€™d happily do it again.

With that said, I would not recommend it for young kids, unfit older folks, or anyone who is not surefooted and comfortable with heights. People have fallen and died here.

I also wouldnโ€™t attempt Angels Landing when itโ€™s very windy, rainy, snowy, or icy. You want decent weather for this one so the rocks arenโ€™t slippery.

If youโ€™re still feeling unsure about Angels Landing, you could hike Observation Point instead. Itโ€™s another hike in Zion with stellar views of the whole park, and it doesnโ€™t have any of the safety risks or permit hassles of this hike.

Alternatively, you can book a guided hike of Angels Landing with a tour company, and theyโ€™ll help you navigate the whole trail safely. They even give you micro spikes if you want them for better traction, although most people will probably be fine without them.

Angels Landing Hike Trail Zion National Park Utah

The craziest Angels Landing view


 

Deaths On The Angels Landing Hike

At least 17 confirmed deaths have happened on the Angels Landing hike to date, and some sources put that figure closer to 20 deaths. Most of these were falls from steep cliffs.

I definitely wouldnโ€™t discourage you from doing this hike if youโ€™re able. Iโ€™m only sharing this information to motivate you to be as safe as possible at Angels Landing, and also so you can make an informed decision about whether itโ€™s the right hike for you.

Donโ€™t get me wrong, Angelโ€™s Landing is a very scenic and amazing hike, and itโ€™s one of my all time favorites. Itโ€™s not as bad as some people make it out to be, and reaching the top is a fun achievement, but donโ€™t forget to put safety first.

Since permits are required for the Angelโ€™s Landing trail since 2022, that has reduced the crowds quite a bit and the overall safety of this hike is better than ever.

More info: Angels Landing Deaths

Angels Landing Hike Trail Zion National Park Utah

Permits are now required for the Angels Landing hike. Iโ€™ll talk about that in a minute.


 

What To Bring To Angelโ€™s Landing

  • Shoes. This trail is not sandal friendly at all. You want hiking shoes with good grip for Angels Landing Utah.
  • Water. Try to pack at least 3 liters per person. In Utah, you should always bring more water than you think you need.
  • Snacks. We brought some granola bars and other snacks, and shared them at the top of the mountain, after climbing the Angels Landing chains.
  • Sunscreen. Most of the Angelโ€™s Landing hike has no shade at all to protect you from the sun, which also happens to be very strong here in southern Utah. Youโ€™ll definitely want sunscreen and a hat.
  • Gloves. This one is optional. Some people say gloves are helpful for the Angels Landing chain section, but Iโ€™m not sure it really makes much difference. We didnโ€™t find the Angels Landing chains to be abrasive or slippery in our hands at all, even without gloves.
  • Phone. Pictures on the Angelโ€™s Landing hike are a must. On most of the trail you wonโ€™t get any cell phone reception or texts, but at the top summit of Angels Landing we did. This could be handy if you have any important messages to send or receive.

Angels Landing Hike Trail Zion National Park Utah

Zion Canyon View       Zion Canyon View
 
 

When To Hike Angelโ€™s Landing

The best time of year to hike Angels Landing Utah is in the spring, summer, or fall. Even winter can be good as long as there isnโ€™t snow or ice making the trail hazardous.

Summer is the hottest and also the busiest time to hike Angels Landing, but itโ€™s not too bad if you go early in the morning. Otherwise, the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) are really ideal because they have the best weather and theyโ€™re not quite as busy.

Either way, the best time of day to do this hike is very early in the morning, to beat the heat and crowds. Try to get the very first shuttle of the day, if possible.

This means waking up very, very early, but itโ€™s the best way to go if you want to avoid long lines for the shuttle, traffic jams at the chain section, and potentially brutal temperatures.

Zion Canyon Trail Chain Section

Zion Canyon Trail
 
 

Where Is Angels Landing Zion?

Angelโ€™s Landing is part of the Zion National Park, in southwest Utah.

Zion National Park is located in the far corner of Utah state, so itโ€™s also within easy driving distance of Page, Arizona or Las Vegas, Nevada.

The park is about 2.5 hours of driving from Las Vegas, or 4.5 hours from Salt Lake City.

Zion Cliff Chain Trail       Zion Cliff Chain Trail
 
 

Angels Landing Trail Head: How To Get There

The Angels Landing trail head is limited to shuttle access only for most of the year, and they only open it to cars during some winter months.

The Zion shuttle is free and easy to use. Just park your vehicle at the Zion National Park Visitor Center (map and GPS location here) and then take the shuttle to stop 6, also known as The Grotto.

The shuttles start early in the morning and go every 5-10 minutes. You can read more about the Zion shuttle schedule at the official website here.

Once you arrive at the shuttle stop 6, just walk across the road and youโ€™ll find a sign marking the Angels Landing trail head (GPS here). Cross the bridge and the hike begins.

Angels Landing Trail Head Sign Trailhead Zion National Park

Angels Landing trail head sign at Zion National Park


 

Is Angels Landing Open / Closed?

The Angelโ€™s Landing hike is open all year long, except for trail maintenance or the occasional storm.

You can check about any current trail closures in Zion at the Zion National Park website.
 

U.S. National Park Regulations

The Angels Landing trail is part of Zion National Park, so the usual U.S. national park regulations apply.

As always, please remember to keep the trail clean, be considerate of other hikers, and leave no trace. Thanks and happy travels!
 

Entrance Fee

Youโ€™ll need a park pass to enter Zion National Park, but itโ€™s pretty easy to get and you can buy it online or in person.

We normally get the annual pass and visit several U.S. parks in a year, but they also have daily passes. More information and current fees can be found on the Zion National Park website.

Angels Landing Hike Trail Zion National Park Utah

The final Angels Landing view above Zion Canyon


 

Angels Landing Lottery Permit System

Since 2022, the National Park Service now requires day use permits (via lottery) for the Angels Landing chain section. This is a new pilot permit system.

The reason for this change was because the trail was becoming very crowded, and oftentimes youโ€™d be passing other hikers going the opposite direction, which was annoying and made it less safe for everyone.

Before the change, Angels Landing was averaging more than 1,200 hikers per day during the busy season, and during the Covid years those numbers surged even higher. Now that permits are required, the trail has less than half as many hikers as before.

I have mixed feelings about the change. While itโ€™s true Angels Landing was a crowded hike and some changes were needed, I donโ€™t know if a lottery is the best way to do it.

This is one of the main bucket list hikes that brings people to Zion, and for many people itโ€™s not convenient to plan their schedule around a lottery.

In any case, itโ€™s still an amazing hike, and Iโ€™ll explain how to get Angels Landing permits in the following section.
 

How To Get Angels Landing Permits

There are currently two main ways to get permits for the Angels Landing hike: thereโ€™s a seasonal lottery you can enter well before your trip, and there are also some permits handed out on a day-before lottery for people who werenโ€™t able to get a permit ahead of time.

According to the National Park Service website, permits are only needed for the Angels Landing chain section. In other words, you can hike all the way up to Scout Lookout without getting a permit, which is handy if not everyone in your group is able to get a permit.

At the moment, it costs $6 USD to apply for Angels Landing permits (which allows you to enter up to 6 people at a time), and then if you successfully receive a permit youโ€™ll have to pay another $3 per person. The fees are non-refundable.

Logically, you have the best chance of getting Angels Landing permits if you apply for a less busy day, month, and/or time slot, when there arenโ€™t as many people hiking in Zion. For example, if you apply to hike at noon on a weekday in March or October (thatโ€™s just an example).

The system seems a bit overcomplicated right now since itโ€™s still brand new, but hopefully theyโ€™ll iron out some of the kinks over time. You can find more info and apply for permits on the official National Park Service page!

Apply Now: Angels Landing Permits

 

Can You Hike Angels Landing Without A Permit?

All of this begs the inevitable question: can you hike Angels Landing without a permit? What do you do if you arenโ€™t able to win a permit in the lottery?

Obviously I would not recommend trying to hike Angels Landing without a permit. According to the National Park Service, rangers may ask to see permits at any point along the trail at any time of day or night.

You can hike all the way up to Scout Lookout without a permit, but if you get caught hiking the Angels Landing chain section without a permit, the punishment could be a fine of up to $5,000 USD and/or six months in jail. Itโ€™s not worth the risk.

However, you still have some options if you arenโ€™t able to win the lottery. You can hike up to Scout Lookout and then turn back, or you can do the Observation Point hike, which has some of the best views in Zion National Park.

Itโ€™s also possible to book a guided hike of Angels Landing with a tour company. Prices are steep, but a guide and permit is included so you arenโ€™t at the mercy of the lottery system.

Book Now: Angels Landing Guided Hike (Permits Included)

 

Where To Stay At Zion

 

Best Utah Tours


 

More Utah Travel Guides

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for the Angels Landing trail in Zion National Park, Utah.

Donโ€™t forget to check out my other Utah hiking guides before you go!
 

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4 comments

Rich July 30, 2022 - 8:07 pm

Permits are required bc y’all keep posting about Angels Landing & ZNP. Used to be our great Utah secret. Now there’s a bunch of red tape to even get on the trail. To be fair, this is a great article. ๐Ÿ‘ Very thorough. Just long for the old days when it wasn’t so packed that we need to obtain a permit.

Reply
Dan August 3, 2023 - 8:23 pm

Winter is actually a great time to hike Angel’s landing. The amount of people is the most dangerous thing. In winter, there are very few hikers to clutter up the chains.

Reply
David August 4, 2023 - 5:46 am

Yep, winter can be good too as long as there isn’t snow or ice.

Reply
WARREN October 13, 2023 - 6:49 pm

Just completed with a friend this past Wednesday. Saw plenty of fatties doing it. There are 4 key points to remember.
1. GO VERY VERY SLOW
2. SEE POINT 1
3. SEE POINT 2
4. BRING AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

Reply

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