Has anyone free climbed Angels Landing?

In December 2004, I (Mike) made the First Free Ascent (FFA) of the historic North Face of Angels Landing (aka Lowe Route). This amazing feature (the N Face of Angel's Landing) was the premier climbing feature in one of America's most beautiful National Parks, and yet it had never been free climbed.



In the context of "free climbing" (climbing using only hands and feet but with a rope for safety) or "free soloing" (climbing with no ropes at all), the standard Angels Landing Trail is not a traditional climbing route, but a strenuous hike. However, the massive vertical walls below the summit—such as the North Face of Angels Landing—are world-class big-wall climbing destinations. These 1,200-foot sandstone cliffs have been successfully free climbed by elite rock climbers, though most ascents are "aid climbs" due to the technical difficulty. Regarding the popular hiking trail, thousands of people "climb" it daily using the installed heavy chains for safety. As of 2026, a permit system is strictly enforced to manage the crowds on the narrow ridge. While some thrill-seekers may attempt the ridge without holding the chains, doing so is extremely dangerous and discouraged by the National Park Service due to the 1,000-foot drop-offs.

People Also Ask

People have died after falling from the trail. Since the early 1900s, it is believed more than 15 people have died while hiking the Angels Landing trail. That includes five deaths in the past five years, two of which occurred in 2021.

MORE DETAILS

You need a permit to hike Angels Landing Everyone who hikes Angels Landing needs to have a permit. Learn why you need a permit and about Zion's Visitor Use Research and Planning. You do not need a permit for many other popular activities in Zion Canyon.

MORE DETAILS

The truth is that Angels Landing is one of the most dangerous hikes in the country. People do fall off the edge of this very, very tall chunk of rock — there are no guardrails, after all.

MORE DETAILS

Angels Landing is a must-do in Zion National Park. Yet, permits are difficult to get, with only 43% of lottery applicants being successful in 2022.

MORE DETAILS

You do not need a permit to hike up the west rim trail towards Scout Lookout. The view from the top of the chain section (Angels Landing) is unparralleled however you can see some exceptional views from the west rim trail above scout lookout as an alternative.

MORE DETAILS

The Angels Landing Trail is a total of 5 miles round-trip, from the trailhead to the summit and back. The hike takes about 4 or 5 hours.

MORE DETAILS

With moderate elevation gain and a relatively limited mileage, the Angels Landing hike is in some ways beginner friendly. However, the Chains Section will be too intimidating for most beginners or anyone who struggles with vertigo or a fear of heights.

MORE DETAILS

You don't need any specialty gear in order to hike the Angels Landing Trail. However, there are a few things I would recommend bringing along: Hiking Shoes. You'll definitely want really good grip while hiking the Angels Landing Trail, so if possible, I recommend hiking shoes with traction over regular sneakers.

MORE DETAILS

To me, the scariest part about Angels Landing isn't the 1000 foot drop-offs on either side of the trail, but the fact that you have to share the trail with hundreds of other hikers. Otherwise, the trail is pretty well-protected along the way, and there are chains along the hike to help keep you stable.

MORE DETAILS

While the hike to Angels Landing is challenging based only on elevation gain, what makes it dangerous is the final ascent to the summit. The last half-mile of the trail is a ridge only a few feet across with steep drop-offs on either side.

MORE DETAILS

Proceed cautiously on this 15.5-mile loop trail near Springdale, Utah. Generally considered a highly challenging route, it should only be attempted by experienced adventurers.

MORE DETAILS

One trail that rivals an Angels Landing hike is the Narrows. This trail is perhaps even more unique than Angels Landing. Hikers travel up or downstream through the Virgin River, surrounded by towering canyon walls that narrow as you progress further into the canyon.

MORE DETAILS

Since Observation Point is even higher than Angel's Landing, you are actually looking down on the Angel's Landing viewpoint and not only can you see the top of the canyon walls, but you can see even more of the canyon itself from up above.

MORE DETAILS

Absolutely! While Angels Landing is a popular and iconic hike at Zion National Park, there are still plenty of other amazing sights to see in the park. We rarely hike Angels Landing when we visit, and yet we visit every year.

MORE DETAILS