When should I start Angels Landing hike?

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. The best time to go is March to October. Keep in mind that temperatures on summer afternoons get up into the 90s, sometimes topping 100 degrees.



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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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Understand That the Trail Isn't for Beginners The aptly named Riverside Walk is another paved trail, and offers an easy stroll along the Virgin River, under hanging gardens and with stunning views of the red rock cliffs rising far above the canyon. But the trail to Angels Landing is far from a beginner-friendly hike.

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Angels Landing Hike Overview Best season: Early spring to middle autumn. Hiking permit required beginning April 1, 2022. Hazards: Cliff exposure; can be slippery and dangerous when wet. The Angels Landing hike is not recommended for young children.

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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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The out and back hike is rated strenuous and has an elevation gain of 453 m (1,488 ft). Round trip, the Angels Landing hike is 8.7 km (5.4 mi) and takes about 4 hours to complete. There are two distinct parts to the Angels Landing hike- before and after Scout Lookout.

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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.

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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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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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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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Lots of water: Angels Landing takes on average five hours round trip, and it is a strenuous hike, so make sure you stay hydrated. Hiking shoes: Take care to wear shoes with good traction and support. The Angels Landing trailhead is paved but parts of the trail can be treacherous and slippery, even in fair weather.

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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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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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The First Section Is Grueling Although Angels Landing's last half-mile ascent gets much of the attention, remember that you have to climb about 1,000 feet in elevation over 2 miles to get to that point. Don't underestimate the difficulty of the first part of Angels Landing.

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Being prepared to hike the Angels Landing Trail means hiking boots or closed-toe hiking shoes with non-slip soles (sandals, flip-flops and skate shoes are all bad ideas), a day-pack to carry plenty of water and salty snacks, plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.

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The half-mile section up the spine, the Angels Landing Trail-West Rim Trail, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. As of 2023, 16 deaths have been confirmed at or near Angels Landing.

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A ranger may check your permit at the Grotto (Shuttle Stop 6), at Scout Lookout or along the trail. If you do not have your permit with you, we may not allow you to take your hike.

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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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