Angels Landing

Spectacular, amazing, breathtaking! Tips & suggestions for the busy season.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Angels Landing is one of the most sought out hikes at Zion National Park, it’s become a bucket list destination for people from all over the world. However, the downside to its popularity is that the trail can become very crowded during the busy season, which adds another element of difficulty. Here are a few tips and suggestions from our observations as guides that may be of help when planning your visit to Zion and Angels Landing. #knowbeforeyougo

Getting there In the busy season take the free shuttle to stop number 6, Grotto Picnic Area. In the off-season you can park in the Grotto’s parking lot. The trailhead is across the footbridge on the opposite side of the road from the shuttle stop. Restrooms and water filling stations are available in the parking lot.

Click here for shuttle details and schedule.

What to bring Unless you are planning to spend the night on the West Rim Trail (permit required), there’s no need to take a large backpack, daypacks for water, snacks, sunscreen, and camera is sufficient. I see people hauling way too much on this trail. Conversely, I see hikers without enough water and no snacks. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. I occasionally see “hikers” wearing flip flops on this trail. NOT a good idea. With the exception of Refrigerator Canyon, you will be exposed to the sun throughout this hike. Hat, ample water, and sunscreen are highly recommended. We also carry Gatorade to replenish electrolytes.

When to go The best time to hike Angels Landing is first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds and hottest part of the day. If you arrive mid-morning you could end up in a long shuttle line at the visitor center shuttle stop. This is when most people show up for the day. Late morning you’ll likely miss the longer shuttle lines but you’ll catch up to them on the trails. Early birds on the trail will still run in to a busy trail coming back but at least you avoid it going out.

Be prepared The trail often gets backed up at both ends of the narrow ridge between Scout Lookout and the steep climb to the top landing. This is because the narrow section of the ridge is only wide enough for one-way traffic with sheer drops of 900 ft. on the Refrigerator Canyon side and 1,200 ft. drop above Big Bend. Don’t be in a rush, this is a good place to exercise patience.

The last half mile of the trail from Scout Lookout to the end is fairly strenuous with extreme exposure that is not recommended for small children or those with a fear of heights.

Hike with care and be courteous to other hikers throughout this trail but especially in this section. Sometimes the only thing between us and bottom is common sense. Below is a pic Bob shot to show how narrow the trail gets. Big Bend shuttle stop on the right, Refrigerator Canyon on the left.

Angels Landing Trail

Busy holidays This year (2019) the park service began managing the trail on busy holidays. They do this by staggering the number of hikers in intervals from the Grotto shuttle stop. This helps reduce congestion at the top but creates long wait times at the bottom. Considering there is water refilling stations, shade, and better restrooms at the bottom, I think this is a much better option than waiting at the top.

Don’t let the crowds discourage you from hiking this amazing trail! Knowing in advance what you might encounter will help in planning your visit.

Below are details about Angels Landing that may be helpful in planning your time at Zion National Park.

Zion National Park Springdale Page

Trail details

Difficulty: Strenuous with steep switchbacks and long drop-offs. Not for young children or anyone fearful of heights. Last section is a route along a steep, narrow ridge with extreme exposure to the summit.

Distance & elevation gain: 5.4 miles out and back from the Grotto shuttle stop with 1,488 feet elevation gain.

Trail type: Out and back. I strongly recommend wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes. Flip flops are not the ideal footwear (We’ve actually seen people on this trail in flip flops)

Time required: 3-6 hours depending on fitness, pace, and time spent at the top.

Dogs: Not allowed

Fees: Zion National Park entrance fee

Seasonality: Year-round. Spring and fall are most favorable temperature-wise; summer can be very hot. The trail is accessible in winter, during the coldest months the trail is likely to have sections of ice and snow that can be a bit risky.

Bathroom: Restrooms available at the Grotto shuttle stop and at Scout Lookout

Water: Refilling station available at the Grotto shuttle stop. Bring plenty of water and snacks, there is no water available along the trail.

Trailhead to Refrigerator Canyon

The Angels Landing trailhead is located across the river from the Grotto Picnic Area. The lower section is fairly easy traveling over relatively flat terrain until you reach switchbacks that lead to Refrigerator Canyon. In the morning hours there is little shade along this stretch. Refrigerator Canyon is always shady with a refreshing breeze that offers relief to hikers on hot summer days. Before entering the canyon there is a viewpoint with views of the canyon and trail below, this a great place to get photos of the switchbacks.

Walter’s Wiggles to Scout Lookout

Angels Landing

The Iconic Final Half Mile This is where things really get interesting! The trail follows a ridge that gets very narrow with extreme 1000 ft drop-offs on each side before ascending the hogback to the top. The climb to the top is steep and technical in some sections. There are chains to hang on to that are anchored in the rock in the more dangerous and technical sections to help steady you along. In the winter, this section is especially dangerous when icy. Once you reach the summit landing, hikers will be treated to 360 degree views of canyons below. This is the end of the trail and gathering spot where hikers enjoy the payoff of one of Zion’s most challenging trails.

Background & History

Named by Methodist Minister Frederick Vining Fisher during an excursion up Zion Canyon in 1916. Fisher was accompanied by two Rockville boys acting as guides, Claud Hirschi and Ethelbert Bingham. After Fisher praised the striking presence of the Great White Throne he turned toward what would soon become Angels Landing and stated “The Angels would never land on the throne, but would reverently pause at the foot of Angels Landing.”

Refrigerator Canyon
This cool canyon brings a breath of fresh, crisp air as one ascends Angels Landing in the heat of the summer. Refrigerator Canyon is just before the famed Walter’s Wiggles and was named for the surprisingly cool breeze. It receives very little sunlight. In 1985 extensive repair was done on the West Rim Trail from 4900 ft. through Refrigerator Canyon to the top of Angel’s Landing. The concrete for this job was hauled in by maintenance and mules from the Grotto. Walters Wiggles was resurfaced with 88 cubic yards of concrete, and the concrete for this job was hauled onto the site by helicopter. This took 258 flights.

Walter’s Wiggles
Refers to a short section of the Angels Landing Trail with twenty-one short switchbacks leading from Refrigerator Canyon to Scout Lookout. It was named in honor of Walter Ruesch, first custodian of the park around the time of construction in 1925. Ruesch not only conceived the idea for this section of trail, but was active in the engineering and building.

Scout Lookout
A viewpoint 1,000 feet above the canyon floor, on the way to Angels Landing. The origin is unknown, but possibly named for John and Barney Gifford who first “scouted” the route for the West Rim Trail.