Its' now famous name descends from Methodist minister Frederick Vining Fisher who, on his first visit to Zion Canyon in 1916 allegedly quipped only an angel could land there. The hike is strenuous, and your safety is your responsibility.
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History of Structure: Angels Landing Trail was constructed in 1926 following the completion of the West Rim Trail which provided access to the trail head at Scout Lookout. Work on the trail was supervised by Walter Rue'sch, acting Supt. Zion N.P.
Angels Landing in Zion National Park is one of the most spectacular day hikes in the world. The trail to its lofty summit was hewn out of its steep, rock-solid spine in 1926 and it continues to thrill hikers to this day.
Angels Landing is known as one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States. The summit is over a thousand feet off the valley floor and has no guard rails. People have hurt themselves, and even fallen to their deaths, so this is a trail to take seriously.
As of 2023, at least 17 confirmed deaths have happened on the Angels Landing hike, and some sources put that figure closer to 20 deaths. Most of these were falls from steep cliffs.
But the trail to Angels Landing is far from a beginner-friendly hike. In fact, even those with some hiking experience will want to consider their abilities before attempting it. At 5.5 miles roundtrip and climbing nearly 1,500 feet in elevation, the trail is physically demanding.
The out and back hike is rated strenuous and has an elevation gain of 453 m (1,488 ft). Round trip, the Angels Landing hike is 8.7 km (5.4 mi) and takes about 4 hours to complete. There are two distinct parts to the Angels Landing hike- before and after Scout Lookout.
In 1916, a man name Frederick Fisher discovered the thin, red mesa that is now known as Angels Landing and remarked that, “Angels Landing is so high, that only an angel could land on it,” hence the name. However, despite its height, Angels Landing is not the highest point in Zion Canyon.
The First Section Is GruelingAlthough Angels Landing's last half-mile ascent gets much of the attention, remember that you have to climb about 1,000 feet in elevation over 2 miles to get to that point. Don't underestimate the difficulty of the first part of Angels Landing.
The first European American settlers, Mormon pioneers, arrived in the area in the late 1800s. They named the area Zion, which is ancient Hebrew for “sanctuary” or “refuge.” The deep and spectacular canyons of this protected portion of the Virgin River Valley truly offer a safe haven to wildlife and humans alike.
You need a permit to hike Angels LandingEveryone 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.
It is intimidating to look at, but you can hike up half way, just past Walter's Wiggles and enjoy a great view on a wide area. There is also a port-a-potty there. I'm a fit 53 year old and that climb alone had me huffing and puffing and my quads burning. After a sandwich, my friends and I climbed up to Angel's Landing.
Every year, more than 4 million visitors make their way through the gates of Zion National Park. Of those visitors, researchers estimate that as many as 1,000 people a day hike — or attempt to hike — the park's most famous trail; Angels Landing.
Angels Landing Hike OverviewHazards: Cliff exposure; can be slippery and dangerous when wet. The Angels Landing hike is not recommended for young children. Finding the trailhead: The trail begins at the Grotto Trailhead, 0.6 miles beyond Zion Lodge on Zion Canyon Road (accessed via the tram).
At 1.9 miles you'll reach Scout's Landing. This is where the trail splits for the West Rim Hike to one side or the daring final half mile ascent to the top of Angels Landing. This is also the spot where hikers have the option to turn around if they have a fear of heights or small children.