Angels Landing★5.0

How to Get There

From Springdale (4 mi): Drive to the Zion National Park south entrance, park at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, and take the park shuttle up Zion Canyon Scenic Drive to The Grotto, where the Angels Landing/West Rim Trail begins.

Trail

The trail to Angels Landing is 2.5 miles (4.0 km) long with an approximate 1,500 feet (460 m) elevation gain. The hike is rated as a class 3 difficulty based on the Yosemite Decimal System. It begins at the Grotto drop off point on the park's shuttle system, which operates from early spring through late fall. It roughly follows the path of the Virgin River for some time along the West Rim Trail, slowly gaining elevation in sandy terrain. Most of the trail is uphill on the way up to Angels Landing. As the trail gets steeper and leaves behind the river, it becomes paved. After a series of steep switchbacks, the trail goes through the area between Angels Landing and the Zion Canyon that is a gradual ascent. Walter's Wiggles, a series of 21 steep switchbacks, are the last hurdle before Scout Lookout. The wiggles are named after Walter Ruesch, who was the first superintendent for Zion National Park and constructed the switchbacks in 1926.

Scout Lookout is generally the turnaround point for those who are unwilling to make the final summit push to the top of Angels Landing. The last half-mile of the trail is strenuous and lined with numerous sharp drop offs and narrow paths. Chains to grip are provided for portions of the last half-mile to the top at 5,790 feet (1,760 m).

The half-mile section up the spine, the Angels Landing Trail-West Rim Trail, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

Angels Landing Permits

The Angels Landing Permit Program was established by Zion National Park to improve visitor safety, reduce crowding, and protect natural resources along one of the park's most popular and challenging hikes. Everyone hiking the permitted section of Angels Landing, from Scout Lookout to the summit, must obtain a permit before proceeding.

Angels Landing is known for its steep terrain, narrow ridgelines, and chain-assisted sections with significant drop-offs. Because of increasing visitation and trail congestion, permits are required year-round and at all times of day for anyone continuing beyond Scout Lookout toward the summit.

Where Permits Are Required

• Permit Required: The section of trail between Scout Lookout and the summit of Angels Landing.
• No Permit Required: Hiking the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout.
• Permit Checks: Rangers may verify permits and identification anywhere along the trail.
• Carry Documentation: Visitors should save or print their permit confirmation before beginning the hike.

How to Obtain a Permit

Permits are distributed through a lottery system managed by Recreation.gov. Visitors may obtain permits through either a Seasonal Lottery or a Day-Before Lottery, depending on their travel plans and availability.

• Seasonal Lottery: Apply months in advance for planned visits.
• Day-Before Lottery: Apply the day before a desired hiking date.
• Online Application: All permit applications are submitted through Recreation.gov.

Seasonal Lottery

The Seasonal Lottery allows visitors to plan ahead and apply for permits before their trip to Zion National Park. Applications use a ranked-choice system to help distribute permits fairly among applicants.

• Advance Planning: Applications are submitted during designated seasonal application periods.
• Ranked Choices: Applicants may select up to seven preferred hiking dates and time slots or date ranges.
• Group Size: Applications may include up to six people, including the applicant.
• Lottery Selection: Permits are awarded through a randomized selection process.

Day-Before Lottery

The Day-Before Lottery provides an opportunity for visitors to obtain permits with short notice. This option is especially useful for travelers already in the Zion area who have flexible schedules.

• Application Window: Applications are submitted the day before the intended hike.
• Notification: Results are provided later the same day.
• Last-Minute Option: Ideal for hikers who did not receive a seasonal permit or made spontaneous plans.
• Limited Availability: Permit availability depends on the number of permits allocated for each date.

Permit Holder Requirements

• Permit Required for Every Hiker: All individuals on a permit must follow permit conditions.
• Identification Required: Permit holders should carry a government-issued photo ID.
• Confirmation Email: Visitors should download, screenshot, or print permit confirmations before arriving.
• Limited Connectivity: Cellular service within Zion National Park may be unreliable.

Hiking Safety

Angels Landing is a strenuous hike requiring preparation, awareness, and caution. Visitors are responsible for evaluating weather conditions, personal fitness levels, and comfort with heights before attempting the trail.

• Strenuous Hike: The route includes significant elevation gain and steep terrain.
• Exposed Sections: The final portion of the trail follows a narrow sandstone ridge with chain handrails.
• Bring Water: Visitors should carry adequate water and supplies for changing weather conditions.
• Stay on the Trail: Follow all park regulations and remain on designated routes.

Fees

Two separate fees apply to Angels Landing permit applications. One fee is charged when applying for the lottery, while the second fee is charged only if a permit is awarded.

• Application Fee: $6 per lottery application.
• Group Coverage: One application may include up to six people.
• Non-Refundable: The application fee is not refunded regardless of lottery outcome.
• Permit Fee: $3 per person if a permit is awarded.
• Refund Eligibility: The per-person permit fee may be refunded if a permit is cancelled according to park policies.

This article uses material from National Park Service and Recreation.gov resources describing the Angels Landing Permit Program, including permit requirements, lottery procedures, application fees, visitor responsibilities, and hiking safety information. Sources: Zion National Park Angels Landing Permits & Hiking page and Recreation.gov Angels Landing permit lottery resources.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Angels Landing", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0