Angels Landing Home Angels Landing Known for its soaring heights and chain-lined trails, Angels Landing is for the adventurous, fit, and level-headed hiker. Once your permit (see detailed information below) is secured, you can embark upon one of the most iconic journeys in the country and understand how this hike got its name – it’s so high that “only angels could land there.” Difficulty: Hard Round-trip distance: 5.4 miles Route Type: Out and back Estimated Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Trailhead: Angels Landing (via West Rim Trail) Elevation Gain: 1480 Shuttle Stop: 6 Hike Details To begin your hike, hop off at Shuttle Stop 6, called “The Grotto.” Cross Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (the main road), then cross the bridge over the Virgin River. Once you’ve crossed, you will see a sign detailing several different trails you can access. For Angels Landing, you will take a right-hand turn onto the West Rim Trail. Getting to the Angels Landing trailhead requires the use of the West Rim Trail, which will take you up the canyon, through shady valleys (“the refrigerator”), and on two sets of steep switchbacks (one of which is “Walter’s Wiggles”) as you make your way to Scout Lookout. There is no permit needed to get to Scout Lookout or to be on the West Rim Trail; it’s simply the “chains section” that requires the permit. At Scout Lookout, you will show your permit to the park rangers before officially beginning Angels Landing (the “chains section”). The entire trek is just over five miles long round-trip, but the total Angels Landing hike time is four to five hours due to its steep inclines and technical maneuvers. Angels Landing Permit A permit is required to hike the “chains section” of the Angels Landing hike. Limiting the number of hikers on the narrow trail at one time creates the safest possible experience. When it comes to how to get a permit for Angels Landing, you must use recreation.gov. There, you will find two different options for obtaining your permit: the seasonal lottery or the day-before lottery. Angels Landing seasonal lottery The seasonal lottery issues permits several months in advance of your actual hike date. This is a great option if you’re planning your trip to Zion National Park far ahead of time. Just find the dates you are visiting (left column) and work backwards from there. Date of hike in Zion National Park Seasonal Lottery Opens (8 a.m. MST) Seasonal Lottery Closes (11:59 p.m. MST) Permits issued from recreation.gov via email Spring (March 1 – May 31) January 1 January 20 January 25 Summer (June 1 – August 31) April 1 April 20 April 25 Fall (September 1 – November 30) July 1 July 20 July 25 Winter (December 1 – February 28) October 1 October 20 October 25 Angels Landing Day-Before Lottery If you don’t obtain a seasonal permit for Angels Landing in advance or the entry window has already passed, there is still another option: the day-before lottery. As you might have guessed from the name, you enter this lottery the day before your actual hike. The lottery opens the day before your hike at 12:01 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m. MST. If your name is drawn, permits are issued via email around 4 p.m. – you will also be notified if you didn’t get a permit at this time. When to Hike When is the best time to hike Angels Landing? The answer depends on your personal experience and abilities, but fall and spring are your safest bets. The other seasons are doable, but keep these considerations in mind: During the summer, temperature in Zion National Park soars to over 100 degrees – not ideal for a strenuous hike like Angels Landing. Early mornings in the summer are your best bets. During the winter, the temperature is mild and enjoyable, and crowds are minimal; however, you are more likely to find ice and wet rocks due to the high elevation. Slick surfaces and adrenaline do not mix well, so bring chains for your shoes (or rent them from an outfitter in Springdale) and be prepared for some treacherous trail if you choose to hike Angels Landing in the winter. Planning your Hike to Angels Landing What to pack Water Sun protection Hiking shoes Shoe chains (seasonal) Snacks Backpack Adjustable clothing layers Check Current Conditions Often Do your research, plan accordingly, prepare daily – these are just a few of the steps you need to take to travel responsibly and safely in the Land of Forever. Visit this link for the most up-to-date current conditions in Zion National Park including weather, flash flood warnings, road closures, trail closures, etc. Using the Zion Canyon Shuttle To hike Angels Landing, you will need to exit the shuttle at Shuttle Stop 6, called “the Grotto.” This shuttle stop is across the road from the trailhead you need to enter. For more information on shuttle operations, explore this page.
