Angels Landing is open all year, but in winter the trail is more likely to be covered in snow, ice, or rain, which spells danger on the slickrock ridge.
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Angels Landing is best hiked in the early morning or late afternoon. It is highly recommended to catch the first Zion Canyon Shuttle into the canyon. This trail is a hugely popular hike as hundreds of people hike this trail every day during the summer in Zion. Most hikers will start this hike between 8 am and 3 pm.
Angels Landing is also accessible in November but with increased caution. There is the possibility for ice and snow, however slight, that can make this hike go from “not for those afraid of heights” to “trying to climb a slippery wall of ice.” Always put safety above reaching the top.
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.
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.
Everyone who wants to hike from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing along the half-mile section of trail with chains needs to have a permit. This applies to hikers at all times of day and all times of year. Get a permit by applying to a Seasonal Lottery or by applying for our Day-before Lottery.
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.
The National Park Service considers ascending the 4,800 feet and traveling the minimum 14.5 miles to Half Dome's summit, “one of the most challenging day hikes in any national park.” Measured by vertical ascent, hiking Half Dome is roughly three times as challenging as hiking Angels Landing, and even includes a 7-mile ...
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.
Zion National Park is open all year, but buildings open and close at different times during the year. The National Park Service provides free shuttles in the town of Springdale and Zion Canyon. From early-spring until late-fall, riding a shuttle bus is the only way to visit Zion Canyon.
So how many people have died on Angels Landing? 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.
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.
Why is Angels Landing so popular? This is a hike where it is more about the journey than the destination. Yes, the view from the top of Angels Landing is spectacular, but it's the final climb along the narrow ridge that draws so many people here.
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.