Angels Landing Trail
Zion’s iconic chain-assisted ridge climb above Scout Lookout, requiring a specific hiking permit.
Route overview
Angels Landing Trail in Colorado Plateau, Southwest Utah.
Angels Landing extends the West Rim approach beyond Scout Lookout onto a narrow sandstone ridge with chains, severe exposure and two-way traffic. Every hiker beyond Scout Lookout needs a permit, and the route is inappropriate in high wind, ice, storms or for anyone unable to manage sustained exposure safely.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Colorado Plateau, Southwest Utah
- Distance
- Approximately 5.4 miles / 8.7 km return
- Typical duration
- 4–5 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- Not published by official source
- Best season
- Spring and autumn in dry, calm conditions; avoid ice, storms and extreme heat
- Trail type
- Out and back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- Mandatory Angels Landing permit for every person going beyond Scout Lookout; park entrance separately required
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Fatal falls, severe exposure, congestion, heat, ice, high wind, lightning and dehydration
Highlights
Zion National Park, Angels Landing, permit hike, chain trail, exposed hike
Why find a buddy
A well-matched buddy is essential for exposure assessment, pacing and a no-pressure decision to stop at Scout Lookout.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.