David Austin Photography Blog: Great Hike: Angels Landing, Zion National Park

By Michael Lanza

Thrilling, scenic, and popular, an impressive feat of trail building, an intimidating and exposed scramble—these are some of the descriptions commonly given to Angels Landing in Zion National Park, all of them accurate. Constructed nearly a century ago, with steps carved out of rock and chain handrails in places to make it safer, it’s a tribute to a time when park managers were more comfortable with engineering nature for human recreation. The result is one of the classic dayhikes in the National Park System, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and one that should be in the sights of every avid hiker.

Nearly five miles and 1,500 vertical feet round-trip, the route is paved for roughly its first two miles on the West Rim Trail, including the cool slot of Refrigerator Canyon and the 21 steep switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles. Then you reach Scout Lookout, at the beginning of the spur trail ascending the narrow, sandstone fin of Angels Landing, where hikers encounter steep scrambling, chains anchored into the rock in the most intimidating spots, and drop-offs of 1,000 feet or more to each side.

For those willing to brave the exposure—often hundreds of people a day during the hiking season—the 5,790-foot summit offers arguably the best view of Zion Canyon. That’s why I consider it one of “The 20 Best National Park Dayhikes.”

The Big Outside is proud to partner with sponsors Backcountry.com and Visit North Carolina, who support the stories you read at this blog. Find out more about them and how to sponsor my blog at my sponsors page at The Big Outside. Click on the backcountry.com ad below for the best prices on great gear.

//www.avantlink.com/link.php?ml=28933&p=136987&pw=166267&open=_blank

The out-and-back hike starts from the Grotto Trailhead in Zion Canyon, one of the stops on the free and frequent park shuttle bus that operates generally from mid-March through October.

If the forecast calls for hot temperatures (and to avoid the crowds), either start early in the morning, or if your party consists of strong hikers, wait until afternoon, when you’ll get more shade for the ascent and have beautiful, late-day sunlight slanting across the canyon for your summit view. Bring a headlamp for the descent. Avoid the hike in high winds, icy or wet conditions, or if lightning threatens. Angels Landing has been the scene of several fatalities from falls, but if done with caution in dry weather, it’s safe for adults and school-age kids.

Got a trip coming up? See my reviews of the best gear duffles and luggage and 6 favorite daypacks.

See a menu of all of my stories about Zion National Park, including my photo gallery “One Incomparable Place: Hiking and Backpacking in Zion National Park,” “Ask Me: The Best Hiking Shoes for Zion’s Angels Landing,” and my feature stories about a family backpacking trip, a 50-mile dayhike across the park, and hiking Zion’s Subway.

See also all of my stories about national park adventures, hiking and backpacking in southern Utah, and family adventures at The Big Outside.

//www.avantlink.com/link.php?ml=3483&p=136987&pw=166267&open=_blank

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, recognized as a top outdoors blog by USA Today and others. I invite you to get email updates about new stories and gear giveaways by entering your email address in the box in the left sidebar, at the bottom of this post, or on my About page, and follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

♦

This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.