Angels Landing Trail

Angels Landing Trail is a short but intense out-and-back hike in Zion National Park, accessed from The Grotto shuttle stop (Stop 6). The route climbs from the canyon floor into the narrows area and eventually takes hikers onto Angels Landing’s exposed rock fin.

From The Grotto, start by crossing the Virgin River on a bridge, then follow the West Rim Trail as you gain elevation along the river corridor toward Refrigerator Canyon. The canyon section keeps things cooler before the uphill steepens again.

A key landmark en route is Refrigerator Canyon, followed by Walter’s Wiggles—21 steep switchbacks that rapidly pick up elevation on the way to Scout Lookout. Scout Lookout is the typical turnaround for people who don’t want to continue into the final exposed section.

Beyond Scout Lookout, the trail transitions to the famous chain-assisted section on a narrow, exposed spine. The final push is the most demanding part of the route, with steep, drop-off sides where you’ll rely on anchored chains for grip through the hardest exposed stretches.

Scouting and timing matter on this hike: the high-exposure, narrow portions reward deliberate footing and patience, and wet or slick conditions increase risk on the rock and steps. If you’re planning to tackle the chained section, take a moment early in the day to assess how you’re handling exposure and traction.

This hike has a permit requirement for those going beyond Scout Lookout and into the chains section. Plan logistics around that requirement before you commit to the top push.

Typical trip scale for planning is about 5 miles round trip, with roughly 1,500 feet to 1,800 feet of elevation gain and around 3.5 to 5 hours total time for many hikers, depending on pace and congestion.

For preparation, treat Angels Landing as a serious safety objective: stay on established route edges, keep your balance on narrow steps, and be ready for the consequences of slips in the final half-mile. Don’t count on the trail being forgiving if it’s wet—postpone if conditions look slick.

More information: Wikipedia, Hiking to Angels Landing - Zion National Park - Visit Utah, Ultimate Guide to the Angels Landing Hike in Zion National Park