Zion's most dramatic hike follows chains bolted into sheer sandstone to a narrow fin with 450-meter drop-offs on both sides. Permit required to hike the final chains section.
Angels Landing rises as a narrow sandstone fin above Zion Canyon in Zion National Park, Utah, and is one of the most dramatic and frequently photographed short hikes in the American Southwest. The trailhead is accessed from the Grotto shuttle stop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle (Route 1), which departs from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center near the south entrance. Private vehicles are prohibited in Zion Canyon during peak season from late March through late November; visitors park at the Visitor Center and take the free shuttle. A limited-entry permit is required to hike the final 1.6-kilometre chains section and is issued through a recreation.gov lottery; seasonal lotteries run in January for March through November dates, while day-before lotteries open daily. The 8.7-kilometre round trip gains 454 metres through three distinct sections. The lower section follows the paved West Rim Trail across the open canyon floor before ascending to the base of Walter's Wiggles — 21 short, tight switchbacks blasted into the sandstone cliff by the National Park Service in the 1920s, representing the trail's most sustained graded climb. Scout Lookout at the top of Walter's Wiggles provides the first panoramic views of Zion Canyon and serves as the turnaround point for hikers without a permit. The permitted chains section begins beyond Scout Lookout, traversing an exposed knife-edge ridge with drop-offs of up to 450 metres on both sides. Steel chains bolted into Navajo Sandstone provide handholds; wooden stakes serve as footholds on the steeper pitches. The rock surface is solid Navajo Sandstone offering excellent friction in dry conditions but becoming dangerously slick in rain. The final approach reaches a broad, flat viewpoint overlooking the full length of Zion Canyon, the Virgin River far below, and the surrounding sandstone plateau. No shade exists on the chains section and temperatures in the canyon regularly exceed 38°C between June and August.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Zion National Park, Utah
- Best season
- March to May and mid-September to November
Highlights
- chain sections with exposure
- Zion Canyon panorama
- Virgin River views
- dramatic sandstone scenery
Tips for visiting
- Book the Angels Landing permit through the recreation.gov lottery as early as possible; the day-before lottery at 12 PM Mountain Time is the only option for last-minute visits.
- Hike the chains section in early morning before the sandstone heats; afternoon sun makes the handholds uncomfortably hot and significantly increases slip risk.
- Do not attempt the chains in rain or wet conditions — wet Navajo Sandstone is extremely slippery and fatalities have occurred from falls on the ridge.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes with good rubber soles; the park prohibits sandals and flip-flops on the chains section.
- Children under approximately 10 years old and anyone with a significant fear of heights should use Scout Lookout as their turnaround point.
- Take the first shuttle of the day, typically 6 AM, to reach the Grotto before the trailhead becomes congested; the shuttle queue can exceed 45 minutes by 9 AM in peak season.
When to visit
Early morning visits from March through May and September through November offer the most comfortable temperatures and manageable trail congestion. Summer midday temperatures in Zion Canyon regularly exceed 38°C; all hikers should aim to complete the exposed chains section before 9 AM.
Accessibility
Angels Landing is not accessible for wheelchair or stroller users. The trail features sustained steep climbs on paved and unpaved surfaces, a narrow exposed ridge, and iron chain sections requiring confident use of both hands throughout much of the ascent. The flat canyon floor near the Grotto shuttle stop and the short paved section of the West Rim Trail provide some accessible canyon views.
Frequently asked questions
Is a permit required for Angels Landing?
A permit is required to hike beyond Scout Lookout to the summit chains section. Permits are allocated through seasonal and day-before lotteries at recreation.gov. No permit is needed to hike to Scout Lookout, which itself offers dramatic canyon views.
How exposed is the chains section?
The ridge narrows to roughly 3 to 4 metres at its most exposed points with sheer drops of up to 450 metres on both sides. The chains provide security but the terrain is genuinely vertiginous; a calm head for heights is essential.
What should hikers do if rain starts during the hike?
Wet sandstone becomes dangerously slippery on the chains section. Hikers should descend to Scout Lookout immediately if rain begins or storm clouds approach from any direction, as water on the rock surface dramatically increases fall risk.
How long does the hike take?
Most hikers complete the round trip in 4 to 5 hours. The chains section moves slowly when crowded, and descending the chains — which requires facing the rock and moving downward one step at a time — often takes considerably longer than ascending.
Is Angels Landing open in winter?
The trail remains open year-round, but the chains section may close temporarily during icy conditions. Winter visitors should check current trail status with the Zion Canyon Visitor Center before setting out.