DARING THE ICONIC ANGELS LANDING HIKE IN ZION
Luckily, the iconic Angels Landing hike, offers views of what Zion is most known for; slot canyons, sandstone formations, and vertical walls. But not just any walls, 3,000-foot vertical walls, and the Virgin River. Zion National Park is also Utah’s top National Park in the state, and that vote speaks volumes!
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BEST TIMES TO GO
While Zion National Park can be visited year-round, temperatures are most pleasant in the months of April, May, early June, October, and November.
Also, please note that because of the shifting elevations, be sure to expect and to prepare for major temperature shifts as well. So, be prepared and pack what you need for cold and warmer weather, the varying clods do also depend on the month that you decide to travel.
On a side note, I also suggest avoiding major holidays, the park gets so incredibly packed that the park tends to cut their hours back to limit the amount of people coming through. After experiencing this during Memorial Day weekend, I say try to avoid major holidays or seasonal school breaks, if you can.
PERMITS AND FEES
As a heads-up, things have begun to shift and change; permits are now required as of April 2022 to hike up to the very top of the Angels Landing Hike.
Although, hiking up to Scouts Lookout is still free, continuing past the chains requires a permit.
Thankfully there is still a chance, there’s now a lottery system for the permits, which is about $6 per entry. Also, if you do win the lottery, it’s only about $3 per person, all permits can be obtained through recreation.gov
Typical lottery applications are about 3 months in advance, unless applying the day before (these are very limited though).
- Apply the day before trying to plan the hike
- The lottery runs from 12:01 am till 3:00 pm MT
- Results are sent by email at 4:00pm MT
Believe me when I say, this hike was totally worth it!!
Also, there is an entrance fee to get into Zion National Park itself, which is about $35 per person, or there’s the American The Beautiful Pass, which is absolutely essential for anyone regularly enjoying the outdoors.
So, most entrance fees start at $30 per entrance, but this pass covers all entrances annually, for only $80! WOW!
Seriously, I wish I had known about it sooner. It saves so much money and time!
Buy the America The Beautiful Pass Here!
THE ANGELS LANDING HIKE
Hiking specs:
Rated: Hard
Miles: 5.4 miles round trip
Trail Style: Out and Back
Shuttle stop #6 grotto
This iconic hike if fairly well trafficked, and you’ll be sure to encounter groups or a rather large number of people going, but thankfully the permit system is trying to limit this.
Also, please note that this hike has steep cliffsides, narrow walking paths that overlook those steep canyon sides and is known for being a strenuous hike. If you’re anything like me, that means it’s a challenge worth overcoming!
Not to fear, those narrow pathways are not nearly as thin as most media’s make it seem, but it is worth disclosing and giving the heads-up still.
First, the trail begins at some Walter’s Wiggles, which are the switchbacks before the elevation gain.
Soon after the Wiggles, you’ll begin to get into an owl sanctuary area, be sure to be very quiet and respectful of their space, you’ll see a sign telling you a bit about it, so you’ll know when you’re in the area.
Next, you’ll begin to go up a winding path of elevation that will begin to get thinner and thinner, and will connect to a chain that is meant to give you that added safety, as you go up and over the steep pathway.
Then, you’ll continue to take that until you reach the very top of the Angel’s Landing hike, where you’ll see Observation Point (another popular trail), the canyon, steep cliff-sides, 360 views, a wide array of sandstone textures & colors, and even the river going through the canyon.
Overall, the view is absolutely astonishing, and the hike is well worth the trek! You won’t b disappointed!
WHAT TO PACK
If you’re looking for what to pack, check out this article I had written on WHAT HIKE ESSENTIALS TO PACK FOR A DAY FULL OF ADVENTURE!
Additionally, be sure to pack warm and gloves (the chain gets incredibly cold and hot) because of the elevation and temperature differences.
WHERE TO STAY
Also, if you’re planning on staying in Zion National Park, be sure to check out Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, they are a full-service and adventure-filled resort located in the upper right-hand corner of Zion National Park.
I’ve actually had the pleasure of staying there myself and getting to experience their many adventures, the accommodations, and amenities.
Everything from zip lining, shuttle services, guided tours, star gazing events, jeep tours and more!
If you’re interested in reading up on them more, check out this article CHECKING INTO ZION PONDEROSA RANCH RESORT: THE ULTIMATE FULL SERVICE & ADVENTURE FILLED ACCOMMODATIONS IN ZION NATIONAL PARK
After reading this article on the Angel’s Landing hike, I hope that you’re feeling inspired to want to conquer this one for yourself as well!
If you’re not ready to conquer this right away, be sure to save it for later and Pin it below, having a bucket list board is always a win!
Oh, also don’t forget to share it with your friends, maybe someone else is also feeling courageous enough to join you!
