Is Angels Landing risky?

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.



People Also Ask

Many consider the Angel's Landing trail one of the most dangerous in the United States, with notable sections such as Walter's Wiggles, a challenging portion with 21 steep switchbacks, and an exposed thin trail. Despite the danger, it is often listed as a “must-do” hike.

MORE DETAILS

Angels Landing trail is strenuous and challenging for both the mind and body.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, it's possible. But it's vary rare that people do this. It would total around 10 miles of hiking in one day, much of which is slow hiking due to the water in the Narrows and the Hog's Back on Angels Landing.

MORE DETAILS

Should I Hike Angels Landing With Children? In general, I think most 10 year olds are probably physically capable of doing this trail. The chains section is not significantly more strenuous than the rest of the hike, and the actual hike is fun.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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 ...

MORE DETAILS

The section of the route follows a steep and narrow ridge from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing itself, a fantastic observation point 1500 feet above Zion Canyon. Anchored support chains are attached along some sections of the sheer cliff to assist your way up and down the carved steps.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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).

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

Pack What You Need Walking sticks are great for the hike to Scout Lookout, but once you start up Angel's Landing, they won't be much help. The climb is simply too steep, and clinging to the chains is far safer.

MORE DETAILS

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.

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

Pack More Water Than You Expect to Use If there's one piece of gear that you absolutely can't hike Angels Landing Zion without, it's a water bottle—or several. As a general rule, hikers should plan to drink around one-half-liter of water for every hour of moderate hiking in moderate temperatures.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS