Angels Landing

The trail to Angels Landing is 2.5 miles (4.0 km) long with an approximate 1,500 feet (460 m) elevation gain. The hike is rated as a class 3 difficulty based on the Yosemite Decimal System.[3] It begins at the Grotto drop-off point on the park's shuttle system, which operates from early spring through late fall.[4] It roughly follows the path of the Virgin River for some time along the West Rim Trail, slowly gaining elevation in sandy terrain. Most of the trail is uphill on the way up to Angels Landing. As the trail gets steeper and leaves behind the river, it becomes paved. After a series of steep switchbacks, the trail goes through the area between Angels Landing and the Zion Canyon that is a gradual ascent. Walter's Wiggles, a series of 21 steep switchbacks, are the last hurdle before Scout Lookout. The wiggles are named after Walter Ruesch, who was the first superintendent for Zion National Park and constructed the switchbacks in 1926.[5]

Scout Lookout is generally the turnaround point for those who are unwilling to make the final summit push to the top of Angels Landing.[6] The last half-mile of the trail is strenuous and lined with numerous sharp drop-offs and narrow paths. Chains to grip are provided for portions of the last half-mile to the top at 5,790 feet (1,760 m).[7]

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.[8]

As of 2023, 16 deaths have been confirmed at or near Angels Landing.[9]

In July 2018, the trail was closed following damage due to a severe storm and was reopened in September 2018.[10]

Since 2022, hikers who go beyond Scout Lookout have been required to have a permit.[11] This permit program was instituted due to overcrowding in prior years and is intended to improve visitor experiences, protect the park, and increase the safety of the hike. Permits can be acquired from the National Park Service in a quarterly seasonal lottery, as well as through a day-before application.[12]

Spring and fall are the most favorable seasons to visit Angels Landing. According to the Köppen climate classification system, it is located in a Cold semi-arid climate zone, which is defined by the coldest month having an average mean temperature below 32 °F (0 °C), and at least 50% of the total annual precipitation being received during the spring and summer. This desert climate receives less than 10 inches (250 millimeters) of annual rainfall, and snowfall is generally light during the winter.[13]

Climbing Routes on Angels Landing include:[14]

• Prodigal Son - V class 5.7 C2 - 9 pitches
• Lowe Route - IV/V class 5.13 or 5.9 C3 - 13 pitches
• Northeast Buttress - IV class 5.10+ - 8 pitches
• South Face - II class 5.10 - 3 pitches
• Ball and Chain - V class 5.12d A0 - 9 pitches
• Angels Hair - V class 5.13a - 11 pitches

• 
  Summit of Angels Landing
• 
  Zion Canyon as seen from the summit of Angels Landing
• 
  Looking toward the top of Angels Landing
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  Angels Landing trail including chain cables
• 
  Zion Canyon viewed from Angels Landing, showing the immense vertical relief

Panorama of Zion National Park taken from Angels Landing with Cathedral Mountain left of center and the Great White Throne far right (Zoom View)

• Great White Throne

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Angels Landing (Zion National Park).

• SummitPost
• AllTrails
• Angel's Landing Photos and Trip Report 2012
• Angels Landing winter hike and trip report, February 2010
• Angel's Landing trip report
• Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) No. UT-40-A, "Zion National Park Historic Trails System, Angels Landing, Springdale, Washington County, UT", 2 data pages