Everything You Need to Know to Hike Angels Landing at Zion National Park
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Everything You Need to Know about Hiking Angels Landing-Zion National Park
Angels Landing is one of Zion National Park’s most iconic hikes and is considered a bucket-list hike for many. With steep drop-offs, tight switchbacks, and unforgettable views, it’s an incredible experience when done right.
Here’s everything you need to know before hiking Angels Landing.
How to get an Angels Landing Permit?
The most important thing to know about Angels Landing is that a permit is required to hike beyond Scout Lookout. Permits are issued through a seasonal lottery system managed by the National Park Service on recreation.gov. You can apply in advance or through a day-before lottery or quarterly on the seasonal lottery. Rangers check permits at Scout Lookout before hikers continue to the chains section. Hiking Angels Landing without a permit can lead to a steep fine of $5,000. During the busier times of year, your chance of securing a permit can drop to only 8%.
>>Want a guaranteed permit? Angels Landing Tours with Explore Zion Tours include all required permits and can be booked here.
Quick Angels Landing Trail Facts
The full Angels Landing hike is about 5.4 miles round trip with roughly 1,500 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers take 4–6 hours to complete the hike, depending on crowds, fitness level, and how long you spend at the top taking in the amazing views.
How to Get to the Angels Landing Trailhead
The hike starts at The Grotto or stop #6, which is accessible via the Zion Canyon Shuttle. Private vehicles are not allowed in Zion Canyon most of the year, so plan to use the shuttle system and allow extra time during busy seasons. Check here for current shuttle schedules.
The Angels Landing Hike Play by Play
The trail begins by crossing a bridge over the Virgin River to get onto the West Rim Trail, where you complete a series of long switchbacks before entering Refrigerator Canyon (a shady, narrow corridor). Next, you'll tackle Walter's Wiggles, a series of 21 tight switchbacks, which is one of the most strenuous parts of the hike. Finally, you've reached Scout Lookout, which is as far as you can go without a permit. Those with permits may continue the final chain's section, which is about .5 miles with 500' of elevation. This section includes exposed drop-offs and requires good footing and some comfort with heights.
What to Bring & Wear for your Angels Landing Hike
Bring plenty of water, at least 2–3 liters per person in warmer months, and high-energy snacks like trail mix, bars, or fruit. There is no water available on the trail, and the climb is more strenuous than many visitors expect. Layers are your best friend in Zion Canyon, it can be cool and windy early in the morning, but as soon as the sun comes out, you might go down to shorts and a t-shirt even on a winter day. Shoes can make or break a day hiking in Zion. Not only do you want your shoes to be comfortable and broken in, but you want shoes with good traction.
How Hard is the Angels Landing Hike?
There is no getting around the fact that Angels Landing is a challenging hike, gaining 1,500' of elevation, but it is not so challenging that the average person can't complete it. We've witnessed all kinds of people successfully complete this hike, and we describe it as a moderately strenuous hike. We do not recommend this hike for those with medical conditions that could be exacerbated by moderate to strenuous physical activity (including steep up and downhills) or those with a fear of heights.
Is Angels Landing dangerous?
While Angels Landing is known for views and thrills, it doesn't come without risk and should be treated as such. There have been 18 confirmed deaths (some reports put the figure close to 20) on the Angels Landing hike. The last death was in March 2021, which was prior to the permit system. We tell you this not to scare you off, but to remind you to proceed with caution. It is estimated that 200,000 people safely hike Angels Landing each year.
>>Want to minimize risk? Going on a guided tour of Angels Landing adds another level of safety and confidence. Check out available dates here.
Why Angels Landing is Even Better with a Guide
Angels Landing is one of Zion’s most demanding and intimidating hikes, and having a knowledgeable guide can make all the difference. Angels Landing tours include the required permit, take the stress out of logistics, ensure you’re hiking at the right pace with current trail and weather conditions in mind. Your guide helps manage crowds on the chains, offers encouragement and safety tips through exposed sections, and knows when conditions aren’t right to continue. Along the way, you’ll also learn about Zion’s geology, wildlife, and human history, turning a bucket-list hike into a more meaningful and confident experience.
>>Angels Landing tours fill up fast, book your tour here.
If Angels Landing is on your bucket list, a guided hike is the safest and most reliable way to experience it. Wondering if an Angels Landing Guided Tour is right for you? Check out our blog post on why going guided is the right decision here. You can also check out our Angels Landing Tour FAQ page.
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