Hiking Angels Landing in Zion National Park: Everything you need to know about
Whether you’re still debating about hiking Angels Landing, or you’ve already made up your mind - this blog will give you everything you need to know about it!
Content:
What is Angels Landing?
Information about the trail, and how to get there
Everything you need to know about the permit
Common misconceptions
What is Angels Landing?
Angels Landing is a summit located in the heart of Zion National Park. At its highest point, 5,791 feet above sea level, it offers stunning views of the surrounding valley. While it's renowned for its breathtaking vistas, it's the ascent that truly defines this hike.
The final half-mile is the most thrilling, with a narrow ridge that demands careful navigation along steep drop-offs on both sides. This section involves a climb where chains have been installed to assist hikers in making their way up safely.
Before summiting Angels Landing for the first time, we researched online and watched several videos. We were a bit confused by the varying opinions we encountered. Would it be dangerous? Do you really need a permit? How difficult would it actually be?
With this blog, we hope to clarify the different, often confusing, misconceptions and help you plan your own adventure to this beautiful place!
The trail and how to get there
There are two trails that lead to Angels Landing: the Angels Landing Trail, starting from the Grotto, and the West Rim Trail (top-down), starting near Springdale. While the West Rim Trail takes you 14 miles through the Zion Wilderness, most people begin at the Grotto and hike the 5.4-mile out-and-back Angels Landing Trail, gaining 1,488 feet in elevation.
You can take the park shuttle and get off at the Grotto bus station. The trailhead starts just across the Virgin River. Depending on the season, the bus schedule may vary, so be sure to check the official website before your visit. You don’t want to miss the last bus, especially if you parked your car at the entrance, which is about 4.9 miles from the Grotto!
One important thing to know: You will need a permit to summit Angels Landing, regardless of which trail you take. The next section will explain how to obtain the permit and what else you need to know!
Everything you need to know about the permit
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There are 3 different time slots for starting the trail:
before 9 AM
between 9 AM and 12 PM
after 12 PM
If you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to start the trail before 9 AM or after 12 PM. There will still be plenty of people, but the earlier or later you start, the better.
On our second visit, we took the first shuttle at 6 AM, and it was completely full of people eager to hike Angels Landing. However, depending on your hiking speed, you could be one of the first to summit. This has the significant advantage of not having people trying to pass you, which can be a bit tricky. We met a couple who started in the late afternoon, and they said they were completely alone.
So, depending on your preferences, we recommend choosing either the early or late time slot.
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Always. No matter the season, you will always need a permit, obtained through the official website of the National Park Service. There’s no way around it, as Park Rangers check permits on the trail. There’s one misconception about this permit check that we can definitely debunk. Read about it in the last section of this blog!
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There are two different lotteries:
The seasonal lottery, and
The day-before lottery
The Seasonal Lottery allows you to apply for a permit several months in advance, typically during a designated application period that opens about two to four months before the hiking season.
The Day-Before Lottery offers a more last-minute option, where you can apply for a permit the day before your intended hike. Both lotteries are conducted online through the official National Park Service website.
The lotteries are highly competitive, so applying as early as possible is recommended.
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The cost of a permit is $6 per entry, which covers an application for up to 6 people. If selected, there is an additional $3 per person to finalize the reservation.
The cost is intended to support trail maintenance and the management of the permit system.
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Park Rangers will be on the trail checking for permits, so be sure to carry both your permit and ID. Since internet connection might be unreliable, it's a good idea to have a downloaded copy or a screenshot of your permit handy.
Common misconceptions
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Some believe that by taking the West Rim Trail, they can bypass the permit system and still access the chain section of Angels Landing without being checked by rangers. However, this is not true. Rangers regularly position themselves at key points along the trail, including the start of the chain section, to check permits. Attempting to avoid the permit system not only risks getting turned back but also undermines the safety and conservation efforts that the permit system supports.
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There’s a common misconception that hiking Angels Landing is extremely dangerous, fueled by dramatic videos that often exaggerate the risks. While the trail does have steep drop-offs and can be challenging, the danger is significantly reduced if you are aware of your own capabilities, take your time, and are mindful of others on the trail. By moving at a steady pace, paying attention to your footing, and respecting the space of fellow hikers, the hike is manageable and safe for those who are prepared and cautious.
The key is not to let the hype deter you but to approach the trail with respect and self-awareness.
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You do not need climbing gear to hike Angels Landing. The trail is designed for hikers with the use of chains bolted into the rock to assist with the most exposed sections.
Hiking boots with good grip and a pair of gloves for added comfort on the chains are generally sufficient. Specialized climbing equipment is not necessary for the hike.
Please let us know, if you have any further questions about hiking Angels Landing. We are happy to hear from you!
