The ULTIMATE Angels Landing Guide for First-timers

I am scared of everything… yes, I mean everything. Anddd hiking Angels Landing was no exception.

I will eventually do most things, but not until I look up every possible thing that could go wrong (I looked up the “Angel’s Landing deaths” more times then I’d like to admit), pace back and forth, and say “I’m not doing it” a million times.

Please tell me other people do this as well?!

Welll, 9 times out of 10, the activity at hand is not as bad as it seems.

Except my experience white water rafting… that was as bad as I thought it was going to be…but that’s a story for another time.

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Table of Contents

How do I get toAngel’s Landing?

Angels Landing is located in Zion National Park in southwest Utah.

Las Vegas Airport: 170 miles
Salt Lake City Airport: 311 miles

You have to use chains for balance when hiking Angels Landing?!?

Okay, on to Angels Landing… My friend and I were planning a camping trip to Zion National Park. She sent me a picture of Angel’s Landing and told me it was the hike she wanted to do.

I looked into it, and replied back “Sorry, you’ll be doing it alone”

I mean, why would I want to hike something that you have to use chains for balance? Give me a harness please.

I continued to research the death toll, and other personal experiences. I read that there sometimes isn’t room for other people to pass and that the trail is extremely busy.

Yep, still passing.

Okay, okaaaayy… after all of this, I eventually said “Okay, I’ll try, but I might wait for you halfway up”

Angels Landing Details

Distance: 5.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1488 ft
Estimated Time to Complete: 4 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Location: Zion National Park- Utah

TIP:: Want to keep track of all your epic hikes? Check out this complete (16+ page) HIKING JOURNAL!

When is the best time to hike Angels Landing?

I can only speak on my experience, but we hiked it during the first week of June. It was a great time because it was not too hot out yet.

When we started the hike, I was wearing a long-sleeve shirt and by the end I had on my tank top.

I can imagine it would be much harder (hotter) in the middle of the summer.

Do NOT hike Angels Landing when raining or snowing. It could be extremely dangerous. So, check the weather before you go.

Average temperatures in Zion National Park:

Summer (June-August): 85/53
Fall (September-November): 66/39
Winter (December-February): 49/25
Spring (March-May): 61/36

Getting there…

Once you have arrived at Zion National Park, you can only get to Angel’s Landing by shuttle…and it fills up quickly! Read more about the Shuttle Schedule HERE.

Park at Stop 1 at the Visitor Center and get off at Stop 6.

I recommend you get on the first shuttle (6 am) to beat most of the crowds.

IMPORTANT: We arrived around 5:20 am and there were only about 10-15 people in front of us. The rest of the bus was full by 6 though.

What to bring on this exhilarating hike

Water Pack for a hands-free hike
Hiking Shoes with great traction
GoPro
Hiking snacks
Travel First-aid Kit
Layers

The Hike

PART 1: Refrigerator Canyon

After the shuttle drops you off, make sure to stop at the bathrooms at the bottom of the trail.

Then you are ready to go!

The first part of the trail is paved and shaded. You will ascend 1,000 feet in the first two miles.

Bottom of the trailhead to Angels Landing

PART 2: Walter’s Wiggles

Honestly, I found this part of the trail to be the most difficult.

It is called “Walter Wiggles” and it consists of 21 switchbacks.

Be prepared to go back and forth (and back and forth) steadily up a hill.

As much as I LOVE to hike, I still always struggle going up-hill. I’m always out of breath and people always pass me. But, hey slow and steady wins the race?!

I just like to take my time and enjoy the surroundings 🙂

PART 3: Scout’s Landing

After you finish the switch backs, you arrive at Scout’s Landing. This was the point I thought I was going to stop at.

There were many people who stopped here, and there is still a great view.

Do NOT keep going if you do not feel comfortable. You can still get great views from this point.

Seriously, it is a dangerous trail, only proceed if you are ready and comfortable.

PART 4: Angels Landing Summit/The Spine

The last half-mile, you are climbing straight up with HUGE drop-offs on both sides of you.

There are chains available at the most exposed parts.

I went slow and watched my step (and put away my camera!!!), but never felt super scared. As long as you are careful, observant, and responsible, you will have no problem!

Then you reach the summit and are rewarded with the most magnificent views all around you!

There is enough room to take pictures, have a snack, and enjoy your accomplishment.

Beware! There are chipmunks EVERYWHERE at the summit that will try to eat any food you have.

The Way Down:

This is where we saw how busy the trail really gets! It was packed. We spent a lot of time allowing others to pass (at safe places) and taking our time navigating the crowds.

Final thought and tips:

Be prepared (see what to bring above)
Only proceed if comfortable
Go slow and let others pass (at a safe place)
Check the weather before hiking
Get on the first shuttle
Enjoy the view from the summit of Angel’s Landing!

Let’s be FRIENDS! Come tell me about your experience hiking Angels Landing or ask any remaining questions. Follow me on Instagram or join our private USA ROAD TRIPS Facebook group!

What other tips would you give first-timers before they hike Angels Landing?