Angels Landing
Angels Landing is frequently listed amongst the best hikes in the USA. Its located within Zion National Park in Southern Utah and because of its popularity, it requires a permit in order to hike it. The only way to obtain a permit is to enter a lottery and hope for the best. We entered the lottery on the first day it was open and were very pleased when we were awarded a permit. (We tried 10 times to get a permit to the Wave and were never successful). This iconic hike offers a challenge that rewards hikers with unforgettable memories (or nightmares in you are afraid of heights!) and a profound connection to nature.
Looking up to Angels Landing from the valley floor. (Angels Landing is on the left side of this picture)
The Trailhead
The journey to Angels Landing begins at the Grotto Trailhead, where hikers are greeted by towering sandstone cliffs and the gentle flow of the Virgin River. But to get to the trailhead, you must board a shuttle bus to take you up the canyon from the visitors center. Zion National Park has become so popular that they have restricted vehicles from the portion of the park that has Angels Landing and several other iconic hikes. The first bus leaves at 7 am but we needed to pick up our permits for the Subway hike that we were doing the next day and the permit office didn’t open until 8 am. We got our Subway permits and jumped on the next bus at around 8:15 am to take us to the Grotto Trailhead. From here, the trail winds its way through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Zion Canyon, offering glimpses of the park's unique flora and fauna along the way.
The trail
The Ascent
As you leave the valley floor behind, the trail begins to ascend steadily, ultimately presenting a series of switchbacks known as "Walter's Wiggles." Named after Zion's first superintendent, Walter Ruesch, these 21 tight switchbacks provide a physical challenge, testing both stamina and determination.
Looking down on the Walter’s Wiggles switchbacks
After conquering Walter's Wiggles, we found ourselves at Scout Lookout, a plateau offering panoramic views of Zion Canyon below. If Scout Lookout was the final destination, this would still be a fantastic hike with awe inspiring views but this trail has a final challenge that will test the courage of even the bravest hikers. Brenda decided to stay at Scout Lookout due to her fear of heights and she had a lot of company as many hikers chose not to try the final half mile up to Angels Landing.
Looking at Angels Landing from Scout Lookout
The Challenge: Navigating the Knife-Edge Ridge
The ascent to Angels Landing is not for the faint of heart. The narrow ridge, with sheer drop-offs on either side, demands focus, balance, and a steady nerve. Chains anchored to the rock offer a reassuring handhold, but each step requires careful deliberation as hikers traverse the exposed pathway. Another challenge is the large number of people going up and down on this very narrow, exposed “trail”. Passing is not always easy and a few folks get part way up before their fear of heights kicks in and they become paralyzed with fear on the knife edge trail.
Despite the challenge, the reward awaiting at the summit makes every heart-pounding moment worthwhile. Perched 1,488 feet above the canyon floor, Angels Landing offers unparalleled views of Zion's dramatic landscapes, with the Virgin River winding through the valley below and the towering cliffs rising majestically on all sides.
The Summit
Reaching the summit of Angels Landing is a momentous achievement, marked by a sense of triumph and reverence for the natural world. As I take in the sweeping vistas and bask in the beauty of their surroundings, I’m reminded of the power and resilience of the wilderness.
A view from Angels Landing
As they say, what goes up must come down and that certainly applies here. In my opinion, the decent is more treacherous than the climb up but I made it down without any difficulties.
Once a returned to Scout Lookout where Brenda was waiting for me, we decided to continue up the West Rim trail to a beautiful lookout above Angels Landing. The view of the valley with Angels Landing looking like an island in the valley is really a site to see. It was beautiful. We then made the 2+ mile descent back to the valley floor and returned to our car on the shuttle bus.
Conclusion: A Hike to Remember
In the heart of Zion National Park, Angels Landing beckons adventurers to embark on a journey of discovery and exploration. From the challenge of the ascent to the awe-inspiring vistas awaiting at the summit, this iconic hike offers an experience that transcends the ordinary and leaves an indelible mark on all who undertake it.
As visitors descend back into the valley below, they carry with them not only memories of breathtaking beauty but also a profound appreciation for the wonders of the natural world and the resilience of the human spirit. For those seeking adventure, inspiration, and a deeper connection to the great outdoors, Angels Landing stands as a testament to the transformative power of exploration.
Back at the bottom looking up to Angels Landing