Angels Landing Trail
Zion National Park • Springdale, Utah
Angels Landing Trail in Zion National Park is a 5.4-mile out & back trail with +1,488 feet of elevation gain, rated as Strenuous (SAC T3). Best hiked between March, April, May, September, October, November, the route requires approximately 4 - 5 hours and requires an official permit (NPS seasonal lottery permit required year-round for Scout Lookout to Angels Landing summit spine.).
Trail Overview
Beginning at the Grotto Trailhead, Angels Landing follows the West Rim Trail across the Virgin River footbridge. The trail ascends the paved path through Refrigerator Canyon, a sheltered cool oasis, before tackling Walter's Wiggles—a masterwork of 21 steep, tight switchbacks carved directly into the red Navajo sandstone. Reaching Scout Lookout provides sweeping panoramic canyon vistas. From here, permit holders navigate the final half-mile along a narrow sandstone fin flanked by sheer 1,000-foot vertical drops on both sides. Heavy bolted chain handrails assist with balance across the sandstone knobs to the spectacular summit perch.
Key Route Highlights
- 21 engineered stone switchbacks of Walter's Wiggles
- Chain-assisted sandstone spine scramble
- 360-degree aerial panorama of Zion Canyon
- Towering red Navajo sandstone cliffs
- Turn around immediately if ice, snow, or high winds are present on the chain section.
- Carry at least 3 liters of water per person during warm months; dehydration exacerbates vertigo.
- Footwear with sticky rubber vibram outsoles is essential for traction on polished sandstone.
- Stay strictly on the chained spine; never step out onto sloping gravel ledges.
Calculate Your Time on Angels Landing Trail
Customize with your specific pack weight and rest intervals using Naismith's formula.
Logistics & Regulations
NPS seasonal lottery permit required year-round for Scout Lookout to Angels Landing summit spine.
March, April, May, September, October, November
No water on trail. Potable water at Grotto Trailhead (Stop 6).
Not Allowed
High Traffic