Angels Landing
Zion's iconic permit-controlled climb, finishing with a narrow chain-assisted ridge above Zion Canyon.
Route overview
Strenuous permit-controlled climb with an extremely exposed final ridge.
Angels Landing follows the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout and then continues onto a narrow sandstone spine equipped with a single chain in exposed sections. Every person going beyond Scout Lookout toward Angels Landing needs a permit. The chain section includes severe drop-offs, two-way traffic and limited safe passing space. NPS advises hikers not to ascend in storms, darkness, wet or icy conditions, or when they are uncomfortable with heights. This route should never be framed as a routine viewpoint walk.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Zion National Park, Utah
- Distance
- 5.4 mi / 8.7 km round trip
- Typical duration
- approximately 4 hours or longer
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- 1,488 ft / 454 m
- Best season
- Spring and autumn in dry, calm conditions
- Trail type
- Out and back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- Use the current NPS seasonal or day-before lottery information; permit details and fees are time-sensitive
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 fall exposure, storms, wet or icy sandstone, crowding, rockfall, heat and unreliable mobile service
Highlights
Zion Canyon panorama, Walter's Wiggles, Scout Lookout, chain-assisted ridge
Why find a buddy
Partner selection must prioritise similar exposure tolerance, conservative judgement, communication and willingness to turn around.
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.