Is Angels Landing really that hard?

How hard is the Angels Landing hike? This hike is difficult! This hike ascends about 1,800 feet in 2.5 miles, and it's uphill that whole way. If you do this hike in the summer, add in the fact that it is very, VERY hot, which will slow you down (and can be very dangerous if you aren't accustomed to hiking in the heat).



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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.

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To hike Angels Landing, you have to: Be in good shape, as the hike is 5 miles (round-trip) and ascends many steep switchbacks over 1,500 feet. Tolerate heights, as the last (and most famous) section of the hike goes across a narrow stretch of rock with cliffs on both sides called the Hog's Back.

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Living on the Edge The last half mile of the hike is what really ranks it as one of the nation's most dangerous. Angels Landing itself is a fin-like formation jutting 1,500 feet out of the canyon, and this is where you make the final 500-foot climb.

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How Difficult is the Angels Landing Trail? Angels Landing is a strenuous hike, with steep sections of rapid elevation gain in full sun exposure, and occasional scrambling. The total elevation change is 1,488 feet.

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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 ...

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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Having the right gear can make a huge difference, especially for Angels Landing. Here's what we pack and have relied upon for years: Gloves for the chains: Something that makes it a lot easier to grip those chains- Check on REI or Amazon.

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ST. GEORGE, Utah — A permit is now required to hike Angels Landing at Zion National Park. Some of the first people to hike it Friday with the new system in place said it was less crowded and felt safer.

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Steep grades, slippery ledges, and steep drop-offs make Angels Landing a strenuous trail. It is not recommended for children. The trail begins at the Grotto shuttle stop, crosses the Virgin River, and follows the West Rim Trail for the first two miles until reaching Refrigerator Canyon.

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In our opinion, the youngest age we would recommend is 12 years old, and only if they have lots of hiking experience. Yes, I do know kids that have successfully hiked Angels Landing at a younger age, but they had heaps of prior experience.

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Angels Landing Hike Overview Hazards: 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).

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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.

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Angels Landing permits are: Valid for a single day, and your hike should begin at the Grotto trailhead (Shuttle Stop 6) during the time slot indicated on your permit.

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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.

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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.

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Angels Landing has been recorded as one of the most dangerous public hikes in the United States. The top of the trail peaks off at a plateau, which is more than 1,000 feet high. But the most dangerous part of the hike involves a skinny land-bridge with a metal chain for guidance.

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