Zion National Park in Utah has many amazing hiking trails to complete. Angels Landing is among the most popular hikes in Zion National Park. However, it is also one of the most dangerous hikes in the park. Nevertheless, if you do have the nerve to attempt this hike, you will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views you could get hiking in Utah. How long does it take you to hike Angels Landing in Zion National Park?
Angels Landing in Zion National Park is a 5 mile out and back hiking trail with an elevation gain of 1 500 feet. The trail takes roughly five hours to complete. This is a strenuous trail and should not be taken lightly as people have died hiking Angels Landing. The path is extremely narrow and steep.
Because Angels Landing has many extremely narrow sections, with only a few feet between the trail and a 1000-foot drop, you need to get a permit to hike Angels Landing. Be sure to apply for your permit in advance to avoid disappointment. Children and pets are not welcome on this trail for safety reasons. You shouldn’t hike Angels Landing if you fear heights or have balance issues.
How Long Does The Angels Landing Hike In Utah Take?
Angels Landing is among the most popular hikes in Zion National Park. It offers some of the best views in Utah if not all of the USA. However, Angels Landing is not suitable for all hikers. This day hike is 5 miles long and takes roughly five hours to complete for an average hiker.
What makes this hike so challenging is the elevation gain. At the start of the hike, the trail’s elevation is gradual. However, towards the viewpoint, Angels Landing has some extremely steep spots where you need to use chains to support you while going up.
Therefore, Angels Landing is not suitable for people who fear heights or have trouble balancing. Children are also not allowed on this hike unless they have ample hiking and rock scrambling experience.
Despite the dangers of hiking Angels Landing, this trail has increased in popularity over the past couple of years. However, to control the number of hikers on the trail at once, you now need to purchase a permit before hiking Angels Landing.
The introduction of permits prevents too many people from hiking the trail at once. Parts of the trail are incredibly narrow, and passing other hikers can be perilous. Therefore, it is crucial to remain alert when hiking Angels Landing and consider other hikers on the trail.
How To Get To Angels Landing In Zion National Park
To get to Angels Landing in Zion National Park, you must head into the park and drive to the Grotto Trailhead. Private vehicles are forbidden on the Zion National Park scenic route during the summer months. Therefore, you must wait for one of the shuttles to take you to the sixth stop. In winter, however, you can drive to Grotto Trailhead by yourself.
There are some park fees you must pay when entering Zion National Park. The cost is $35 per private vehicle and $20 per person. Children under the age of fifteen can enter the park for free.
Angels Landing is open to hikers all year. However, Spring and Fall are the best times to hike this trail. These seasons offer the best weather conditions. Since most of this trail is exposed to full sun, the summer temperatures can get dangerously high for hiking Angels Landing.
During the winter, the weather is unpredictable, and you might come across some snow or ice sections of the trail. This will make Angels Landing even more dangerous to hike. Regardless of the season, check the weather for the day you wish to hike Angels Landing in advance.
At Grotto Trailhead, you can find some water fountains to fill your bottles and restrooms. Be sure to use the amenities as there aren’t any on the trail. Apart from using the bathroom and getting your water bottles filled, there are other things you can do to prepare for hiking Angels Landing in Zion National Park, Utah.
Preparing For Angels Landing In Zion National Park, Utah
As Angels Landing in Zion National Park isn’t considered an easy hike by any means, there are certain things you must do to prepare yourself, both physically and emotionally, for this daunting hike. Keeping a level head when hiking Angels Landing is crucial, especially when crossing the more dangerous parts of the trail.
We have made a list of things you must do to prepare for hiking Angels Landing in Zion National Park, Utah:
- Assess your fitness level. Before even considering going on this hike, you must ensure that you are physically capable of completing it. Therefore, you might have to train beforehand and practice your balance and footwork.
- Pack enough water and food. Angels Landing is not an easy hike, and you will need to be hydrated and fueled to complete the hike. Using a hydration pack is a great way to ensure you are hydrated without letting go of the assisting chains to grab your water bottle. In addition, there are some clearings along the hike to eat a quick snack.
- Bring a backpack for your supplies. While some hiking trails allow you to carry your water and snacks in one hand, Angels Landing is not one of these trails. For the most part, you must hold on to chains or ropes. Therefore, you must be able to use both hands.
- Wear sturdy boots. Angels Landing is undoubtedly not a hike to be attempted in causal sneakers. The terrain is slippery and uneven. Therefore, you must wear proper hiking boots. If you have microspikes or crampons for your shoes, be sure to pack them. They will help you feel more secure when scrambling to the top of Angels Landing.
- Pack sunscreen, a hat, and a jacket. As mentioned, you are exposed for most of the Angels Landing hike. Therefore, you must wear a hat and sunscreen to protect you from sunburn. However, when crossing through Refrigerator Canyon, the temperatures may drop drastically, and you may need a jacket.
Conclusion
Angels Landing in Zion National Park, Utah, is one of the most popular hikes in the park. Angels Landing offers some of the best views of Utah and is well worth the effort and risk to reach the top. However, this is not an easy hike. There are many steep and narrow sections of this hike.
People afraid of heights or trouble with balance shouldn’t attempt to hike Angels Landing. This hike is 5 miles long and takes roughly five hours to complete. However, the terrain is rugged and dangerous. Be sure to stay alert and courteous of fellow hikers.
Lastly, consider driving over to Bryce National Park which is only 1.5 hours away for more fantastic hikes.
