It’s by far the most notorious hike to do in ZNP! Why??? Because not everyone makes it off alive!! I’ve included a detailed description of this infamous hike so you can get an idea of why the fame. I kept my eyes on the path ahead of me and didn’t have any trouble. It was perfect weather in the 60’s with sunny, blue skies but there was quite a bit of wind up on the Landing. The views were spectacular in every direction. Glad I’ve got that one accomplished!
The trail to Angels Landing is 2.4 miles long. It begins at the Grotto drop off point then roughly follows the path of the Virgin River for some time, slowly gaining elevation in sandy terrain. As the trail gets steeper and leaves behind the river, it becomes paved. After a series of steep switchbacks, the trail goes through the area between Angels Landing and the Zion Canyon that is a gradual ascent. Walter’s Wiggles, a series of 21 steep switchbacks, are the last hurdle before Scout Lookout. Scout Lookout is generally the turnaround point for those who are unwilling to make the final summit push to the top of Angels Landing. The last half-mile of the trail is strenuous and littered with sharp drop offs and narrow paths. Chains to grip are provided for portions of the last half-mile to the top at 5,790 feet.
According to the Nation Park Service, “The route to Angels Landing involves travel along a steep, narrow ridge with support chains anchored intermittently along the route. Footing can be slippery even when the rock is dry. Unevenly surfaced steps are cut into the rock with major cliff dropoffs adjacent. Keep off when it is wet, icy or thunderstorms are in the area. Plan to be off before dark. The National Park Service website officially recognizes six fatalities within the last 10 years where suspicious activity was not involved along Angels Landing, however other deaths have been reported.
