Riding the Ridges: Climbing Angels Landing in Zion National Park
A vertiginous classic—the steep trail, the chain-hugged ridge, and a view that makes every step worth it.
The switchbacks climb first, a ribbon of worn sandstone that snakes up through walls the color of old honey. You feel the canyon pulling at you—its steep face, the stubborn stand of pinyon pines on the ledges, the Virgin River far below that has patiently, insistently carved the gorge into being. As you round Walter's Wiggles and the trail narrows to a spine of rock, the wind becomes a character, testing balance, whispering through juniper. At the chain section, hands find rusted steel, fingers pull, feet seek small holds in the slick Navajo sandstone. The top is not a summit so much as a proclamation: a narrow perch above a world that unfurls in vertical slices, the canyon folding into tiers of shadow and light.
Trail Wisdom
Start before sunrise
Begin early to avoid heat and crowds—first light offers cooler rock and quieter switchbacks.
Wear gloves for the chains
Light, grippy gloves protect hands on the steel chains and improve your grip on slick sandstone.
Hydrate more than you think
Carry at least 2–3 liters per person; desert exertion and sun exposure increase fluid needs quickly.
Yield on the chains
When traffic is tight, wait at safe pullouts and let uphill hikers pass; maintain three points of contact.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Observation Point—higher view with fewer crowds
- •Canyon Overlook Trail—short, scenic alternative at sunrise
Wildlife
Desert bighorn sheep, Peregrine falcon
Conservation Note
High visitation stresses trails and vegetation—stick to established paths, use park shuttle service, and pack out all waste to protect fragile canyon ecosystems.
The canyon was named and popularized in the early 20th century by explorers and settlers; the area was historically used by the Southern Paiute people for centuries prior.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: wildflowers, cooler hiking, fewer crowds
Challenges: sporadic flash floods, mud after storms
Spring offers mild temperatures and blooming desert flora, but watch for wet or slippery rock after rain.
summer
Best for: long daylight, vivid sunlit colors
Challenges: extreme heat, crowds and permit demand
High sun amplifies colors but also the heat—start very early and plan for heat management.
fall
Best for: stable weather, golden light, moderate crowds
Challenges: shortening days, possible chilly mornings
Clear skies and comfortable temperatures make fall an ideal season; dress in layers for cool mornings.
winter
Best for: quiet trails, crisply clear views
Challenges: ice on chains, cold temperatures
Winter can be peaceful and spectacular, but icy conditions on exposed sections make traction devices essential.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking shoes or light approach shoesEssential
Provide traction on steep and sometimes slick sandstone surfaces.
Grip glovesEssential
Protect hands and improve purchase on the chains during exposed sections.
3 liters of water and electrolyte mixEssential
Sustains hydration in the desert heat and during strenuous climbs.
Microspikes or traction devices
Useful in icy conditions on upper ledges and chain sections.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit to hike Angels Landing?
Yes—during the busiest months the park requires a permit for the final chain section; check the National Park Service website for the current lottery and permit season.
Is Angels Landing safe for children?
It depends on the child’s experience and comfort with exposure; many families choose not to continue past Scout Lookout where the trail becomes narrow and exposed.
Can I drive my car to the trailhead?
Private vehicles are restricted in peak season—use the Zion Canyon Shuttle from Springdale or park in authorized lots and shuttle to the trailhead.
What should I do if it starts raining?
Avoid exposed sections; rain makes sandstone slick and increases rockfall risk—seek lower ground and consider turning back if storms approach.
Are there alternatives if the chains are closed?
Observation Point provides a high vantage without the exposed chain section, and trails like Canyon Overlook offer sweeping views with less exposure.
When is the best time of day to hike?
Early morning is best for cooler temperatures, calmer winds, and to avoid midday crowds and heat.
What to Pack
Sturdy shoes for grip, 2–3 liters water to avoid dehydration, gloves for chain sections to protect hands, sun protection (hat + sunscreen) for exposed desert sun
Did You Know
Angels Landing was named in 1916 by Methodist minister Frederick Vining Fisher, who said an angel could land at the summit—his remark helped popularize the peak.
Quick Travel Tips
Use the Zion shuttle to reach the trailhead and avoid parking headaches; aim for early starts to beat heat and crowds; check the NPS website for permit and closure updates; dress in layers—temperatures shift rapidly from canyon floor to ridge.
Local Flavor
Springdale is a small gateway town with a tight-knit outdoor community—grab a hearty breakfast before your hike, and support local guides for canyon lore and safe, informed trips.
Logistics Snapshot
Distance: 5.4 miles RT | Elevation gain: ~1,488 ft | Permit: required seasonally | Start point: Shuttle stop to Angels Landing Trailhead | Difficulty: difficult—exposed sections with chains
Sustainability Note
Stick to durable surfaces, use shuttle services, and pack out all trash; high foot traffic accelerates erosion on sandstone—minimize impact by staying on trail and avoiding fragile vegetation.