Angels Landing
Also known as: West Rim Trail finale
Aerial views over Zion Canyon and the Virgin River from a fin of Navajo Sandstone
The route
The line through Zion NP, Utah, United States - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Season & conditions
Mar-Nov (permit seasons); spring/fall best
Extreme summer heat on the climb; lightning risk on the exposed spine - avoid in storms
Open year-round; icy/snowy chains in winter are dangerous. Confirm.
On the trail
Paved/rock switchbacks then bare sandstone ridge with fixed chains
Steep switchbacks (Walter’s Wiggles) then a narrow chained spine with sheer drops on both sides
Well-marked; the chains section is obvious
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
Very popular; the permit lottery caps numbers but Scout Lookout stays busy
Turn around at Scout Lookout (no permit needed) for most of the view without the exposure
Getting there & staying
Zion Canyon shuttle to The Grotto (stop 6); private cars not allowed on the canyon road in season
Out-and-back/loop - no shuttle needed
Day route - none needed
Day-hike kit, water, sun/rain protection, sturdy footwear; coverage varies
Services in Springdale; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
A seasonal permit is required for the chained section via a Recreation.gov lottery (seasonal + day-before lotteries); ~US$6 application + US$3/person if awarded, plus Zion entry fee. Confirm current fees/dates.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Fatal falls have occurred on the chains; heat, crowding at pinch points, lightning
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.