Angels Landing: Guide to Zion's Most Iconic Hike

Everything you need to know before tackling one of America's most thrilling hikes

Angels Landing is one of the most exhilarating hikes in America's national park system. This 5.4-mile trail culminates in a white-knuckle climb along a narrow ridge with 1,000-foot drop-offs on both sides—aided only by chains bolted into rock.

Trail Stats

• Distance: 5.4 miles round-trip

• Elevation Gain: 1,488 feet

• Time: 4-5 hours round-trip

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Exposure: Extreme on final section

• Permit: REQUIRED (since 2022)

Getting a Permit

You MUST have a permit to hike beyond Scout Lookout.

Option 1: Seasonal Lottery (Plan Ahead)

Timeline:

• Opens 1st of month for following month

• Application window: 1st-7th

• Results: Mid-month

Process:

1. Visit recreation.gov

2. Search "Angels Landing Permits"

3. Select date

4. Pay $6 application fee (non-refundable)

5. If selected, pay $3 per person permit fee

Success Rates:

• Peak season (Apr-Oct): 10-20%

• Shoulder season (Nov-Mar): 30-50%

Tips:

• Apply for multiple dates

• Choose weekdays over weekends

• Consider less popular months

Option 2: Day-Before Lottery

Timeline:

• Opens 12:00 PM MT day before hike

• Closes 3:00 PM MT

• Results: 4:00-6:00 PM

• Only 30% of permits available

Process: Apply noon-3 PM at recreation.gov, $6 per person.

Important Permit Rules

• Date-specific (not transferable)

• Valid 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM

• Maximum 6 people per permit

• Must carry permit on hike

• Rangers check at Scout Lookout

No permit? Scout Lookout offers spectacular views without chains—still a challenging, rewarding hike.

The Trail Breakdown

Trailhead to Refrigerator Canyon (1.5 miles)

• Paved switchbacks from The Grotto (Stop 6)

• Moderate climbing, good warmup

• Start early (6-7 AM in summer)

Refrigerator Canyon (0.5 miles)

• Shaded, cool, narrow canyon

• Brief flat section before serious climbing

• Last chance to catch breath

Walter's Wiggles (0.5 miles)

• 21 steep, relentless switchbacks

• Where trail earns "strenuous" rating

• Pace yourself, take breaks

• If completely winded here, reconsider chains

Scout Lookout (Mile 2.5)

• Permit checkpoint

• Last restroom

• Decision point: continue or turn back

• Phenomenal views—perfectly respectable endpoint

• 30-40% of hikers stop here

The Chains Section (0.2 miles)

• 1,000-foot drop-offs both sides

• Narrow ridge (2-3 feet wide in spots)

• Chains provide handholds

• Requires scrambling, using hands

• Two-way traffic on single-file sections

What to Expect:

• Looking left: 1,000-foot drop

• Looking right: 1,000-foot drop

• Looking down: Don't

• Slickrock can be slippery

• Wind gusts are real

Essential Gear

Must Bring:

• 2-3 liters water per person

• Salty snacks (electrolytes)

• Sturdy hiking boots (grippy soles)

• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)

• First aid kit

• Headlamp (if starting early)

• Permit (physical or digital)

Don't Bring:

• Trekking poles (nuisance on chains)

• Heavy backpack

• Flip-flops or sandals

Optional:

• Lightweight gloves for chains

• Camera/phone with wrist strap

Safety First

Before You Go:

• Check weather forecast

• Assess fitness honestly

• Get good sleep

• Eat substantial breakfast

• Tell someone your plans

During the Hike:

• Maintain 3 points of contact on chains

• Face rock on steep descents

• Don't rush—slow and steady

• Stay hydrated and fueled

• Know your limits

Turning Back is Smart:

• If terrified going up, descending is worse

• Fear is your brain protecting you

• No shame in stopping at Scout Lookout

• Always better safe than sorry

Most accidents happen descending—stay alert!

Descent Tips

• Slower than ascent

• Face mountain on steep sections

• Use chains even if you skipped them ascending

• Watch footing (tired legs make mistakes)

• Don't get complacent near the endx

The experience of standing on that summit, 1,500 feet above the canyon floor, with Zion's majesty in every direction—it's genuinely life-changing.