Angels Landing
An iconic, permit-required hike in Zion National Park featuring a narrow ridge with chains and sheer drop-offs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Angels Landing
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic, permit-required hike in Zion National Park featuring a narrow ridge with chains and sheer drop-offs.
"This hike is not for the faint of heart, but the views are out of this world!"
🎯 Secure Your Permit Early
Apply for the Angels Landing permit lottery well in advance via the NPS website.
🧤 Bring Gloves for Chains
Utility or climbing gloves provide better grip and protection on the chains.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Chain Section
Final 0.5 miles of the trail
Navigate narrow ridges with chains for support, offering an adrenaline rush and unparalleled canyon views.
Scout Lookout
Before the chain section
A rewarding viewpoint with incredible vistas, accessible even without a permit for the summit.
Walter's Wiggles
Ascent to Scout Lookout
A series of 21 steep switchbacks that test your endurance before reaching the main ascent.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Permit Required for the Summit
Prepare for Thrills and Heights
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🎯 Secure Your Permit Early
Apply for the Angels Landing permit lottery well in advance via the NPS website.
🧤 Bring Gloves for Chains
Utility or climbing gloves provide better grip and protection on the chains.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear good hiking shoes with excellent traction for the steep and exposed sections.
💧 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as the hike is strenuous.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Secure Your Permit Early
Apply for the Angels Landing permit lottery well in advance via the NPS website.
🧤 Bring Gloves for Chains
Utility or climbing gloves provide better grip and protection on the chains.
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear good hiking shoes with excellent traction for the steep and exposed sections.
💧 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as the hike is strenuous.
⬆️ Start Early to Avoid Crowds
Arrive at the park shuttle by 7:30 AM to beat the heat and the intense crowds.
⚠️ Not for Fear of Heights
The narrow trail with sheer drop-offs is challenging for those with acrophobia.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Angels Landing is hailed as an iconic, breathtaking hike with unparalleled views, offering an unforgettable adventure. While challenging and demanding, especially the chain section, most visitors find the experience incredibly rewarding. Safety is paramount, and preparation is key for this thrilling trek.
"The most iconic hike in one of the most incredible national parks in the world.
Zion is indescribable, and Angel's Landing is awesome.
Just be careful near the top, with the chains, when there is snow because it is slippery and damn dangerous. Don't muck around.
It's a fairly easy hike, but take water and sunscreen especially in the summer.
High season you need to pull permits and the crowds can be... intense."
Josiah Roe
"We were so lucky won our daily permits to hike this amazing trail yesterday, Friday 3/28/25. It’s not the hardest hike (we hiked a lot in Rocky Mountains) but it was so unique and beautiful. There are 21 steep switchbacks before reach scout lookout. Last 0.5 mile is the chain section. Rangers were there checking hikers permits and ID for the permit holders. The trail has many steep inclines but the chains help so much! Hikers on the trail were very nice and waited for others to come up or down in some dangerous chain spots. The top of the trail is a flat area, a great spot for a snack break and enjoy the gorgeous views. Bring plenty of water, good hiking shoes and a pair of gloves will be very helpful for this hike. Hiking sticks are not necessary because some areas you need to hold on the chain or rocks with both hands. Be careful and take it slow, you will be fine! This is a much hike if you get a chance. We enjoyed it so much!"
Jean Yu
"Angel’s Landing is a stunning trail with some seriously out-of-this-world views. It’s not an easy hike, especially if you’re a beginner but totally worth it for the scenery. I went at the end of October, and even then it was hot and sunny, so I highly recommend starting early to beat the heat and the crowds.
Bring lots of water. I didn’t go all the way to the peak with the chains (it gets pretty intense), but even stopping before that, the views were incredible. You don’t have to do the final stretch to enjoy the experience."
Daria Kurovskaya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You'll need to take the Zion National Park shuttle to the Grotto (Stop #6). From there, it's a short walk to the start of the West Rim Trail, which leads to Angels Landing. Parking at the visitor center is extremely limited, so using the shuttle is highly recommended.
Parking at the Zion National Park entrance is very difficult to find, especially during peak season. It's best to park in Springdale and take the town shuttle to the park entrance, then transfer to the park shuttle.
No, private vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive for most of the year. You must use the mandatory park shuttle system to access the trailhead.
The closest major airport is Las Vegas (LAS), about a 3-hour drive away. You can rent a car or take a shuttle service from Las Vegas. Driving from Salt Lake City (SLC) is also an option, approximately a 4.5-hour drive.
Yes, there is an entrance fee per vehicle. You can purchase a pass at the park entrance or online. An America the Beautiful Pass also covers entry.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a permit is required to hike the chain section of Angels Landing. Permits are issued through a lottery system by the National Park Service.
You can apply for a permit through the NPS's online lottery system. There are advance lotteries and a day-before lottery. Check the official NPS website for application dates and details.
If you don't have a permit for the chain section, you can still hike to Scout Lookout, which offers spectacular views and is about 0.5 miles before the summit.
The permit itself is free, but there is a small application fee when you enter the lottery.
Angels Landing is accessible year-round, but the permit system is in effect. The park shuttle operates on a seasonal schedule, which can affect access to the trailhead.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Angels Landing is considered strenuous and challenging due to its steepness, narrow sections, and exposure. The final 0.5 miles with chains requires significant upper body strength and a good head for heights.
The hike to the summit and back typically takes 3-5 hours, depending on your pace, the crowds, and how long you spend at the top.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip. Consider bringing gloves for the chains, and dress in layers as temperatures can change. Sunscreen and a hat are essential.
Yes, Angels Landing is considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the US due to steep drop-offs and narrow trails. At least 14 people have died from falls. Hikers must be physically fit and have no fear of heights.
It is generally not recommended for young children or the elderly due to the extreme exposure and physical demands. Parents should assess their child's capabilities carefully.
🍽️ 💧 Food & Dining
There are no food services directly on the Angels Landing trail. You'll need to pack all your own food and water. Restaurants and cafes are available in the nearby town of Springdale.
Pack high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and fruit. Ensure you have plenty of water, as there are no water sources on the trail.
No, there are no water refill stations on the Angels Landing trail. Bring more water than you think you'll need.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere! The views from Scout Lookout are stunning, and the chain section offers dramatic perspectives. The summit provides panoramic vistas of Zion Canyon.
Be extremely cautious when taking photos, especially on the chain section. Stop in safe areas and secure your belongings. Never let photography distract you from the trail.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunset can be particularly spectacular.
Tripods can be cumbersome and potentially hazardous on the narrow trail. Consider a lightweight, portable setup or focus on handheld shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast canyon landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant details. Ensure your gear is protected from dust and potential moisture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, families can still enjoy the beauty of Zion National Park by hiking to Scout Lookout. This section offers incredible views and is a challenging but achievable hike for older children and teens who are comfortable with heights and strenuous activity. It provides a taste of the Angels Landing experience without the most perilous parts.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and water is essential, as there are no services on the trail. This is far more economical than purchasing food at park lodges or nearby restaurants.
❤️ Couples & Adventure Seekers
For those who love an adrenaline rush, the chain section provides it in spades. Even if you don't go all the way to the summit, the journey to Scout Lookout is incredibly rewarding and offers stunning photo opportunities.
Consider a guided hike for added safety and local insights. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Permit System Explained
+1Without a permit, you can still hike to Scout Lookout, which is a significant achievement in itself and offers breathtaking views of Zion Canyon. This section of the trail involves the challenging Walter's Wiggles switchbacks but does not include the narrow, chain-assisted ridge. Many visitors find Scout Lookout to be a perfectly satisfying and awe-inspiring experience.
It's crucial to check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date information on the permit application process, deadlines, and any changes to the system. Being prepared with a permit or a plan to hike to Scout Lookout will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable visit.
Safety on the Chains
+1Gloves are highly recommended by many hikers to improve grip on the chains and protect hands from abrasion. Utility or climbing gloves are often suggested.
Weather can drastically impact safety. Flash floods, rain, or snow can make the rock slippery and the chains treacherous.
Best Times to Hike and Avoid Crowds
Weekdays generally see fewer visitors than weekends. If your schedule allows, planning your hike for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday can lead to a more serene experience.
Shoulder seasons like late October or early spring can offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer months. However, be aware that conditions like snow or ice can make the chain section particularly hazardous during colder months.
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