Angels Landing is the hike that defines Zion National Park. It’s also one that demands respect – narrow ridgelines, 1,000-foot drops, and a permit system that limits who gets on the trail each day. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
The Basics
Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,488 ft
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 4-5 hours round trip
Trailhead: Grotto Shuttle Stop, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
Do You Need a Permit?
Yes – and this is the part most visitors get wrong. Since 2022, a permit is required to hike the chains section of Angels Landing (the final half mile to the summit). Without a permit, you can still hike to Scout Lookout, which offers excellent views and is a worthy destination on its own.
Permits are issued via a lottery system through recreation.gov. There are two ways to enter:
- Seasonal lottery: Opens months in advance for popular seasons. Apply early – competition is fierce for spring and fall dates.
- Day-before lottery: Opens at midnight the night before and closes at 3pm. Results are posted at 5pm for the following day. This is your best shot if you’re already in the area.
Cost: $6 per person, per permit (plus the standard Zion park entrance fee).
Group size: Up to 6 people per permit.
What the Hike Actually Looks Like
The trail starts at the Grotto picnic area and follows the West Rim Trail up Refrigerator Canyon – a shaded, relatively gentle climb that lulls you into a false sense of ease. Then come Walter’s Wiggles: 21 short, steep switchbacks cut directly into the cliff face that gain 200 feet in less than a quarter mile. They’re brutal but manageable.
At the top of the switchbacks, you reach Scout Lookout – a wide sandstone platform with panoramic canyon views. This is where the permit checkpoint is. From here, the trail narrows dramatically onto a spine of rock with chains bolted into the wall for assistance. The final 0.5 miles to the summit is exposed on both sides – nothing between you and the canyon floor but air.
The summit is a flat sandstone slab about the size of a basketball court. The views are unreal: the entire length of Zion Canyon laid out below you, the Virgin River a thin thread of silver, and the massive red walls of the park stretching in every direction.
What to Bring
- Water: At least 2 liters. The hike is fully exposed above Scout Lookout.
- Snacks: You’ll be out 4-5 hours minimum.
- Shoes: Trail runners or hiking boots with grip. Sandals are not appropriate for the chains section – rangers will turn you away.
- Layers: The summit is windy even on warm days. A light jacket matters.
- Sunscreen: No shade above Refrigerator Canyon.
Basecamp matters on a hike like this. Book your stay at Zion’s Tiny Getaway – 30-minutes from the Grotto trailhead. Early starts are easy when you’re already close.
Best Time to Hike Angels Landing
Best months: March-May and September-November. Temperatures are manageable, the light is beautiful, and permits – while competitive – are more available than summer.
Avoid: Midday in summer (June-August). The exposed sections become dangerously hot, and the trail is at its most crowded. If you’re hiking in summer, start before 7am.
Winter: The trail stays open year-round but the chains section can be icy. Microspikes are strongly recommended December-February.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Going without a permit. Rangers check at Scout Lookout. You will be turned back.
- Starting late. The Grotto shuttle stop gets backed up by 9am. On the trail by 7am means you’ll have the chains section largely to yourself.
- Underestimating the chains section. It’s not technical climbing – but it’s genuine exposure. If heights make you freeze up, Scout Lookout is a better destination.
- Skipping the permit lottery the night before. The day-before lottery has lower competition than the seasonal lottery and is regularly how locals and in-the-know visitors score last-minute permits.
đź“Ť More planning resources: See our full list of best hikes near Zion ranked by difficulty, and check our guide to the best time of year to visit Zion – permit competition varies significantly by season.
Is It Worth It?
Yes. Angels Landing earns its reputation. The combination of the climb, the exposure, and the summit views makes it one of the most memorable hikes in the United States. Just come prepared, get your permit, and start early.
Ready to make it happen? Book your basecamp at Zion’s Tiny Getaway – we’re 30-minutes from the trailhead, and our guests have been tackling Angels Landing since day one.
