Angels Landing in Zion National Park provides a little danger, thrills and some stunning views. It’s not a walk for uncontrollable children (we’ve all seen them) or those scared of heights.
While only a five mile roundtrip it usually takes five hours to complete due to the steepness of the trail and the technical element involved in the last half mile.
Two days prior while mountain biking Gooseberry Mesa during the middle of the day I’d gotten seriously dehydrated and heat exhausted; to avoid a similar occurrence we started our walk at 7am. An early start allowed us to get to the top, admire the view and be back on our way down before it got too hot.
The first section from The Grotto shuttle stop is a paved path which winds its way up into Refrigerator Canyon. Coming down we saw a mother pushing a pram up this section; it’s certainly a steep path but doable.
The Path - First Section up to Angels Landing
The second stage is a relaxing walk through Refrigerator Canyon, also paved.
Through Refrigerator Canyon - Second Section up to Angels Landing
Third is a paved path up a steep 1930′s engineering feat known as Walter’s Wiggles. Again you could probably push a pram but it would be punishing. This takes you right up to Scout’s Lookout where the official scramble to Angels Landing begins.
Up the Second Winding Path (Walter's Wiggles) - Third Section up to Angels Landing
There is a sign stating that six people have died by falling off the cliffs leading up to Angels Landing since 2004. The route follows a scarcely vegetated narrow sandstone ridge with near vertical drops on the left and right, 1200 and 800 feet respectively. Chains fixed to the rock provide handholds along particularly hazardous sections along with occasional cut-out steps to provide better footing. Just to be clear this final stage up to Angels Landing is not suitable for those afraid of heights, and certainly not for prams. Take your time, be courteous to other ‘scramblers’ and enjoy the walk.
Tip: Gloves (with good grip and finger dexterity eg. biking gloves) make handling the chains easier; especially when the metal gets hot during the day
Reach Angels Landing Sign at Scout Lookout - First Stage Completed
The Route to Angels Landing with Englarged Section
The Start of the Final Section to Angels Landing
Climbing Up to Angels Landing
Renee Found Some Shade Near the Top
On the top of Angels Landing you have magnificent 360 degree views of Zion Canyon. In 1916 early Zion explorer Frederick Fisher pronounced “only an angel could land on it,” congratulations, you’re now an angel.
The View up Zion Canyon
Renee Relaxing on the Edge
Renee at the Edge of the Big Bend
Looking Straight Down from Angels Landing
Looking East from the Top
Renee and I (Looking Down Zion Canyon) from the Top of Angels Landing
Looking Down Zion Canyon
In Zion Canyon - Looking Down it
Two more images:
Taking a Photo of Zion Canyon and the Big Bend
Renee took a sneaky photo of me taking a photo
The Photo (Showing Big Bend and Route Up Zion Canyon)
and here is the photo I took (above).
Going down you’ll probably feel more confident but remain vigilant and you’ll survive to tell the tale.
Renee Starting the Descent from Angels Landing
The Path Up (and Down) Angels Landing
Descending Holding the Chain
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What is your favourite hike? What slightly dangerous, kinda thrilling hike have you done?
December 12, 2011 at 9:27 am
I don’t believe six people have died on that hike. But then looking at some of the drops I can see how. Did it feel really dangerous?
December 12, 2011 at 10:26 am
We were certainly high up and the canyon walls are steep, there is certainly an element of danger and for me that added a layer of thrill but it did not feel really dangerous. There is a well worn route to the top and chain hand holds where you need them.
Sam recently posted..An Amazing Hike up to Angels Landing
December 12, 2011 at 9:43 am
Do you know what part of the hike that people fell from?
December 12, 2011 at 10:30 am
No, we never found out where or why some hikers fell off. Renee and I discussed it and we think you could only fall if a) you were doing something inappropriate and careless or b) you were unlucky enough to faint or have some other medical condition at an unlucky time.
Sam recently posted..Must Take Photos at Bonneville Salt Flats
December 12, 2011 at 9:45 am
I’m so glad we did this walk first thing in the morning!! By 9am it is already feeling unbearably hot.
December 12, 2011 at 10:31 am
Makes me thing of us trying to mountain bike Gooseberry Mesa in the middle of the day, the heat was so intense.
Sam recently posted..Gooseberry Mesa Mountain Biking
January 5, 2012 at 2:09 pm
nice guide.
does the weather permit us to get up to angels landing at the end of Jan.?
will it be too cold or snowy for the trail?
January 5, 2012 at 3:15 pm
Thank you. I understand Angels Landing walk is open year round however they will close the trail (I certainly imagine the last section) when snow or ice is present.
I would check the local weather forecast to give you a rough idea & then call the park service before you make any definite plans.
Zion National Park
Springdale, UT 84767-1099
Phone:
Visitor Information 1-435-772-3256
January 6, 2012 at 12:47 pm
Thanks a lot.
I enjoy your plagground quite much.
January 6, 2012 at 1:14 pm
You can try this place in China if you enjoy the thrill of height.
Mount Hua. You wont be disappointed.
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/64483514 , an obsolete plank road.
January 6, 2012 at 2:05 pm
Oh wow that does look cool. From the look of those planks I think you’d want to have a pretty firm grip on that chain!
Sam recently posted..Hostelling with Hostelworld