Zion National Park, Utah
Angels Landing
A steep sandstone climb to a narrow fin above Zion Canyon. The last section is exposed and requires a permit; many hikers turn around at Scout Lookout.
Parking: In peak months, park in Springdale or the visitor center and use the Zion Canyon Shuttle. Do not assume you can drive to the Grotto.
Permits: Angels Landing chain section requires a permit. Scout Lookout is the usual turnaround without one. Verify current rules before you travel. Figures on this page are typical planning ranges, not a substitute for the park’s current trail report.
Overview
Angels Landing is one of the most requested hikes in Zion National Park because it combines a well-built lower trail with a short, exposed finish on a rock fin. The first half uses paved switchbacks and a cooler canyon called Refrigerator Canyon. Walter’s Wiggles then climb to Scout Lookout. Beyond that point, chains are installed on steep rock, drop-offs are immediate, and a day-use permit is required. This page treats the hike as a serious outing, not a photo stunt. If wind, ice, crowds, or your own comfort with exposure say stop, Scout Lookout is a legitimate end point with a full canyon view.
Why Hike This Trail
- You want a Zion hike with a clear destination and a defined decision point at Scout Lookout.
- You are comfortable on steep rock with drop-offs and are willing to wait for other hikers on the chains.
- You prefer a half-day objective rather than a long wilderness route.
Route Description
- Start at the Grotto (Shuttle Stop 6 in the shuttle season, or the same area when the canyon road is open to private cars). Confirm current shuttle and parking rules on the National Park Service Zion pages before you go.
- Cross the Virgin River and follow the West Rim Trail. The first mile is paved and steadily uphill along sun-facing sandstone.
- Refrigerator Canyon offers shade and a brief flattening. Use it to drink water; the next climb is concentrated.
- Walter’s Wiggles are a tight stack of switchbacks. Pace them. Scout Lookout is the saddle above.
- If you hold a permit and conditions are dry, the chain section follows the fin. There is often two-way traffic. Yield, keep three points of contact, and do not pass on blind edges.
- The summit is a small sandstone platform. Spend a short time, then reverse the same route. Descending the chains usually takes longer than people expect.
What to Expect
- Heat on the lower switchbacks from late spring through early fall. Start early.
- Congestion on the chains even with permits, especially late morning.
- No reliable water on the route after the trailhead area. Carry more than you think you need.
- Sudden wind on the fin. If gusts make balance uncertain, turn around.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall usually offer the most manageable temperatures. Summer afternoons in Zion Canyon are often too hot for a steep climb with limited shade. Winter can ice the chains; the park may close the route. Always check the day’s weather, flash-flood outlook, and trail status on nps.gov/zion.
What to Bring
- At least 3 liters of water per person in warm weather; more if you hike slowly.
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, light long sleeves.
- Shoes with sticky rubber and a defined tread. Smooth-soled shoes are a poor match for sandstone.
- A small amount of food. This is not a picnic summit; eat where you are stable.
- Headlamp if there is any chance you will finish near dusk.
See also the full-day packing guide and hiking checklist.
How to Prepare
- Reserve or lottery an Angels Landing permit for the chain section. Scout Lookout does not require that permit, but the park’s current wording is what counts—read it the week you travel.
- Practice on local steep trails with elevation gain before you use vacation days on this route.
- Talk through a turnaround plan with your group: time, wind, ice, crowd density, and anyone who feels unsteady.
Nearby Attractions
- Emerald Pools trails from Zion Lodge
- Riverside Walk at the Temple of Sinawava
- Canyon Overlook Trail on the east side of the tunnel (separate parking)
- Watchman Trail near the south entrance
Nearby Places to Stay
- Springdale has the densest lodging and food within a short drive of the south entrance.
- Watchman and South campgrounds are inside the park; reserve early for peak months.
- Zion Lodge is the in-canyon option when the shuttle is running; availability is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for the whole trail?
A permit is required to hike the chain section to Angels Landing. The West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout is a different decision. Confirm the current permit boundary on the official Zion National Park website, because rules have changed in recent years.
Is Angels Landing a good first desert hike?
The lower trail is steep but well built. The finish is not a beginner objective. If you are new to exposure, hike to Scout Lookout and treat that as the day.
Can children hike it?
The chain section is not a place to test whether a child is ready for cliffs. Many families stop at Scout Lookout. There is no single age that makes the fin appropriate.
Safety Notes
- People have fallen from the chain section. Treat drop-offs as a real hazard, not a backdrop.
- Do not hike the fin in thunderstorms, high wind, snow, or ice.
- Stay on the trail. Sandstone crust and hanging gardens are easy to damage.
- Flash floods can affect other Zion routes the same day; check the forecast even if this trail is high on a ridge.
Official Resource Links
Zion National Park (NPS)Angels Landing permits (NPS)
Keep planning
Destination: Utah. Nearby drive: Utah National Parks Road Trip. Itinerary: 5-Day Utah National Parks.
