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Is Zion worth it without Angels Landing?

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.



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Angels Landing is an absolute must hike for those in good enough shape to handle it. It will challenge you cardiovascularly even if you're in shape. Also, those with a fear of heights or those who can get claustrophobic may want to skip it, or at least stop before the chain section and head back down.

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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. With chain-assisted rock scrambling sections, stunning views, and vertigo-inducing heights, this really is a thrilling hike.

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Canyon Overlook Trail One of the things that makes an Angels Landing hike or a hike on the Narrows so unique is that they combine great views with an incredible adventure. If you're looking for an easier trail that replicates this, Canyon Overlook Trail is a great choice.

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Angel's Landing can be very scary at times, with sheer drop-offs and narrow ledges with only a chain to hold onto. If heights make you queasy, The Narrows is definitely the better option. Although it involves wading through cold water in places, it's relatively safe and there's never any exposure to heights.

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Angels landing is a very strenuous hike. Narrows is not strenuous but will take about 3 to 3.5 hours and Angel Landing could take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours. Suggest you do the Angels Landing first thing in the morning and the. Take a break and head to the Narrows.

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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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Best Hikes to Avoid The Crowds in Zion National Park
  • The Watchman Trail (kid-friendly) - panoramic views you don't have to share.
  • Pa'Rus Trail (kid & dog-friendly) - for sunset lovers & landscape photographers.
  • Canyon Overlook Trail (kid-friendly) - Angels Landing views without the congestion and chains.


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1) Angels Landing Angels Landing is first on the list of the most difficult hikes in Zion. It is one of the most popular hikes in Zion as it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. However, it is also the most dangerous hike in Zion and one of the most dangerous hikes in the U.S.

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Best Time to Go to Zion National Park to Avoid Crowds The least crowded months in Zion are December to February when the weather is cold. If you're looking for warmer weather with fewer crowds, consider visiting from March to April or October to November instead.

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Zion National Park has three entrances, the South Entrance, East Entrance, and Kolob Canyons Entrance. As far as which one is best, really depends on where you want to go in Zion, but by far the most popular entrance is the South Entrance.

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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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Two completely different hikes. Narrows is level...as long as you consider walking in the river level (which it is not). Angels Landing is much more strenuous, uphill, and people with height or edge concerns are strongly discouraged.

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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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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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The best easy hikes in Zion are the Canyon Overlook Trail, the Riverside Walk, the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Timber Creek Overlook Trail.

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But, based on trail popularity, here are the five best hikes in Zion:
  • Angels Landing (permit required beginning April 1, 2022)
  • Emerald Pools Trail.
  • The Narrows.
  • Zion Canyon Overlook Trail.
  • The Watchman.


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The hiking trails in Zion are longer and more challenging than those of Bryce Canyon, which tend to be more family-friendly and easier to get around. In addition, Zion is known for its canyoneering and rock climbing opportunities, while Bryce is better suited for traditional hiking and nighttime stargazing.

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Two Zion activities that we'll include as honorable mentions are the Kolob Canyons scenic drive which is about 40 miles north of the main canyon as well as Zion National Park helicopter tours. Both Zion activities are amazing and don't require any hiking at all!

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Angels Landing is a strenuous hike, with steep sections of rapid elevation gain in full sun exposure, and occasional scrambling.

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Crowds and wildlife at Bryce Canyon National Park Crowds are common at most scenic overlooks and a number of trails, especially in summer, but the atmosphere is quieter than at Zion.

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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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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 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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