Angels Landing

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Geological Significance · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Running Angel's Landing is a rare experience. The route is as efficient as it is improbable - most of the elevation gain happens on a paved trail, but it leads to a stone ridge with hundreds of feet of vertical drop on either side. You'll never forget the view.

Restrooms are located at Grotto Trail, and there is an outhouse at Scout Lookout partway up the trail. Bring water, food, sunscreen and all necessary clothing. The run is not long, but it's intense and can be slow going. Bring what you need to stay safe and comfortable for an extended outing.

During the last 1/2 mile summit ridge past Scout Lookout, you'll encounter both exposure and lots of people. Leave pacing expectations at the trailhead as you'll be stopping to let others by at narrow sections. Be wary of dangerous ice during non-summer months and do not proceed to the summit if storms are in the area or if the rock is wet. Be ready for wild temperature swings - from scorching sun on the early switchbacks to chilly shade in Refrigerator Canyon. The stimulating summit pitch can be windy.

From the Grotto shuttle drop-off, look for the signed trail on the west side of the road. The trail starts by crossing the beautiful Virgin River, and bends north to largely follow the stream. Angel's Landing will be staring right at you. Savor this light warmup, because you'll be working hard soon.

As the grade increases, the trail becomes paved leading into the 21 grinding switchbacks. You'll transition into the shady depths of Refrigerator Canyon beneath Angel's Landing, soon turning to enter the final, compact switchbacks (called Walter's Wiggles) to Scout Lookout, where the pavement ends and the real fun begins.

Assess conditions and your comfort with the exposed route ahead. If you are game, continue on the final 1/2 mile of the "The Chains" to Angel's Landing summit. There are chains anchored by posts as optional assistance at the route's steepest spots. Grab them if you need to. Regardless, you'll certainly feel the rush of air beneath your feet.

When I did Angel's Landing the weekend before Thanksgiving, it was a magnificent sunny day, but a chilly wind was blowing big gusts on the top section. it doesn't take much to make you realize how vulnerable you are up there, so be careful.

Exposure eases in the last few hundred feet to the summit. Once you are on top you can take a seat, stretch, and enjoy the divine view. When ready, proceed back to Grotto trailhead exactly the way you came.

Angels Landing (previously Temple of Aeolus) sits in Zion National Park near the shuttle stop called The Grotto. The trail was first constructed in 1926 with the help of Walter Ruesch, whom the 21 switchbacks are named after. -- Walter's Wiggles. The final 0.5 miles beyond the switchbacks make the strenuous and infamous ridge climb, where several people have fallen and died over the years. You may choose to turn around at Scout Lookout instead of taking on the chains if you want an easier and less vertigo-inducing version of the hike.