Is Angels Landing better at sunrise or sunset?

I now exclusively hike Angels Landing for sunrise because it's the only way to enjoy the trail without hoards of people. However, both before and after the implementation of the permit, the way down from Angels Landing has always been very crowded. Today, it's mostly people who do not have permits.



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Our #1 Tip: Take the First Shuttle of the Day For the best experience, this is a hike that needs to be started early in the day. By being on the first shuttle, you will be one of the first on the trail. This gives you plenty of time to hike the spine of Angels Landing before it gets crowded with other hikers.

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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.

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If you're ever in Zion National Park, the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is an easy must-do hike, any time of the day. We have a feeling sunrise is the best time to see it though. Next time…

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There are some great spots to watch the sunrise in and near the park, including Canyon Overlook Trail (off the Zion-Mt. Carmel Scenic Highway) and at the Zion Human History Center, where you can watch the sunrise on the Towers of the Virgin.

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Plan to Arrive at Zion as Early in the Morning as Possible Especially if you're visiting during peak summer season or during a holiday weekend. If you're driving into the park, you will want to arrive before the free parking lot at the Visitor Center fills up. I recommend arriving at 7:00am if possible.

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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.

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It's important not to attempt this climb if you aren't in good physical shape. It is not appropriate for young children and is too dangerous to try with a kid in a backpack. Only hike Angels Landing if you are in good physical shape. If you have a fear of heights, do not attempt a trail literally called Angels Landing.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Most of the accidents have not occurred on the final 1.1-mile chain section from Scout Lookout to the top of Angels Landing as most of the accidents happened on both sides with people getting too close to the edge.

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The best time to photograph the arch is at sunset. At the end of the day, the warm light from the setting sun illuminates Delicate Arch, casting it in a warm glow. This makes the arch look fiery red during sunset. Sunset is a popular time to visit Delicate Arch so it can be crowded, especially during the summer months.

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Sunrise is better than sunset at Bryce Canyon as the hoodoos are in shadows in the late afternoon.

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Grand Canyon, Arches, Shenandoah, Acadia, Canyonlands, Glacier, Badlands, Yosemite, Great Smoky Mountains, and Yellowstone are among the most beautiful national parks to witness majestic sunrises and sunsets.

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It's no wonder that the night sky over Zion National Park is so indescribably enchanting with its swirling star clusters and views of the Milky Way. Zion was certified as an International Dark Sky Park in 2021 by the National Park Service and the International Dark Sky Association.

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However, if it is your first visit to Zion National Park, we would suggest visiting from the southern entrance. This will give you direct access to the main visitor's center, shuttles, and Zion Canyon which features Zion's most popular hikes, such as Angel's Landing and the Narrows.

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As with most national parks, Zion's busiest season is when the kids are off school and most people take their vacations. That means weekends much of the year and the most crowded time between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

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