Angels Landing Trail in Zion National Park: Hiking One of America's Most Dangerous Trails
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Date: 2023-08-24
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Comments and reviews: 27
travel
This is one trail I wanted to complete, but had to stop where the chain started. Probably a good thing after watching some videos. I mean to the chain it's not too bad (although the switchbacks -- Walter's Wiggles I think is what they are called -- can be strenuous after a while if you are not in shape. But even if you stop part of the way up, there are some great views of the canyon below so I would say if you cannot make it to the top, don't feel bad. Many people probably haven't and it seems there have been quite a few deaths in the past few years since I was there (in 2018. I believe in 2018 there was only 6 deaths but it seems this has doubled in just a few short years. If you do want to go to the top though, people have told me that you really don't want anything that could weigh you down or make you lose balance (ie. if you're carrying a heavy backpack or don't have good hiking shoes with good tread.
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This is one trail I wanted to complete, but had to stop where the chain started. Probably a good thing after watching some videos. I mean to the chain it's not too bad (although the switchbacks -- Walter's Wiggles I think is what they are called -- can be strenuous after a while if you are not in shape. But even if you stop part of the way up, there are some great views of the canyon below so I would say if you cannot make it to the top, don't feel bad. Many people probably haven't and it seems there have been quite a few deaths in the past few years since I was there (in 2018. I believe in 2018 there was only 6 deaths but it seems this has doubled in just a few short years. If you do want to go to the top though, people have told me that you really don't want anything that could weigh you down or make you lose balance (ie. if you're carrying a heavy backpack or don't have good hiking shoes with good tread.
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JayBer
I did the climb several years ago. Believe it or not, there was an older couple - he was 81 and she was 73 - at the summit. They were there for their anniversary and they shared with the group while at the summit that every year for their anniversary they would travel to a destination with some of the tallest high rise buildings in the world. He had been a pilot so they traveled widely. Each anniversary they would go to the roof tops of the buildings and dance. Obviously there was no music on the top of Angel's Landing, so me and another guy (complete stranger) decided we would sing 'Let Me Call You Sweetheart' so the couple could embrace for one more sky-high dance. We didn't know all the words, but we did the best we could and the older couple held one another tightly and danced away. It was really one of those moments that make you feel so human, and so alive.
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I did the climb several years ago. Believe it or not, there was an older couple - he was 81 and she was 73 - at the summit. They were there for their anniversary and they shared with the group while at the summit that every year for their anniversary they would travel to a destination with some of the tallest high rise buildings in the world. He had been a pilot so they traveled widely. Each anniversary they would go to the roof tops of the buildings and dance. Obviously there was no music on the top of Angel's Landing, so me and another guy (complete stranger) decided we would sing 'Let Me Call You Sweetheart' so the couple could embrace for one more sky-high dance. We didn't know all the words, but we did the best we could and the older couple held one another tightly and danced away. It was really one of those moments that make you feel so human, and so alive.
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Donna
My sister and I did this hike in the middle 1990s. It was pretty different. There was almost no one else int he park and we parked at the base of the cliff. The trail was longer and no pavement that i recall and the chains were on he other side. Neither of us normally has a fear of heights, but one of us froze up and the way up and the other on the way down. What broke me out of my panic attack was a Dad and his 12 year old son who just sort of skipped around us as I clung to the chain for dear life unable to move for a few minutes. I cannot imagine how you would do this holding a camera the whole way. Not a chance I would do that. Next go do the Subway trail top down. It is a more exciting trail, not as scary but harder.
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My sister and I did this hike in the middle 1990s. It was pretty different. There was almost no one else int he park and we parked at the base of the cliff. The trail was longer and no pavement that i recall and the chains were on he other side. Neither of us normally has a fear of heights, but one of us froze up and the way up and the other on the way down. What broke me out of my panic attack was a Dad and his 12 year old son who just sort of skipped around us as I clung to the chain for dear life unable to move for a few minutes. I cannot imagine how you would do this holding a camera the whole way. Not a chance I would do that. Next go do the Subway trail top down. It is a more exciting trail, not as scary but harder.
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vista7
There's a reason this looks so scary - because it is. I did in back in the mid 90's and you didn't have to have a permit. I'm going in June and now you need a permit which is a bummer, but the National parks have just gotten so crowded they have to do this. EDIT: Went back last week and won the lottery! It was just as scary the 2nd time. The part you cover with the selfie stick the 8: 08 mark is definitely the most terrifying. I didn't think the vertical section was as bad. There isn't anything too technical about the trail, but it is very mentally challenging.
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There's a reason this looks so scary - because it is. I did in back in the mid 90's and you didn't have to have a permit. I'm going in June and now you need a permit which is a bummer, but the National parks have just gotten so crowded they have to do this. EDIT: Went back last week and won the lottery! It was just as scary the 2nd time. The part you cover with the selfie stick the 8: 08 mark is definitely the most terrifying. I didn't think the vertical section was as bad. There isn't anything too technical about the trail, but it is very mentally challenging.
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Taylor
Just wait until they hear about all the knife edge trails in Washington State where you have the added danger of no human contact, and if you don't take the right route it goes from a simple walk to a rock climb.
There's often a huge skill gap between hiking and scrambling simply because there aren't that many good examples across the majority of the US, existing mostly in the Sierras and up into the Cascades, as well as specific parts of the Rockies.
The exposure is bad but it really is just a simple walk.
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Just wait until they hear about all the knife edge trails in Washington State where you have the added danger of no human contact, and if you don't take the right route it goes from a simple walk to a rock climb.
There's often a huge skill gap between hiking and scrambling simply because there aren't that many good examples across the majority of the US, existing mostly in the Sierras and up into the Cascades, as well as specific parts of the Rockies.
The exposure is bad but it really is just a simple walk.
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climbslc
I live in Utah and have done it a bunch of time. The last time was in the winter on day much like the one you show. It was before the permits and even in January there were were TONS of people climbing all over each other and that made it super scary. Not that I felt I was going to fall, but that I was going to see some random 12 year old fall (worse. So I'm super glad they now limit the lemmings with a permit. Wait your turn and be thankful for it. Maybe I'll go back now because it is an incredible trail!
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I live in Utah and have done it a bunch of time. The last time was in the winter on day much like the one you show. It was before the permits and even in January there were were TONS of people climbing all over each other and that made it super scary. Not that I felt I was going to fall, but that I was going to see some random 12 year old fall (worse. So I'm super glad they now limit the lemmings with a permit. Wait your turn and be thankful for it. Maybe I'll go back now because it is an incredible trail!
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travel
I live in Utah and I really wish all these Out of Towners would just stay in their own area. This Trail gets up to 700 visitors a day sometimes. At what point do y'all think that that's just going to start affecting our national parks. In my opinion y'all should stay the hell out of our national parks because all of these people coming from out of town to do their little videos and this and that are destroying our nature and destroying our areas our trails are mountains are camping grounds.
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I live in Utah and I really wish all these Out of Towners would just stay in their own area. This Trail gets up to 700 visitors a day sometimes. At what point do y'all think that that's just going to start affecting our national parks. In my opinion y'all should stay the hell out of our national parks because all of these people coming from out of town to do their little videos and this and that are destroying our nature and destroying our areas our trails are mountains are camping grounds.
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Vis
I did this hike back in 2016, in August. We went to Zion without knowing anything about it, and we had only one day to spend there. We chose Angels Landing based on the lenght, because the promised 4-5 hours was a good fit in our time schedule. We started 6 of us, but 4 of us stopped at the lookout. Me and my buddy went on the top. It was one of the best decision that I ever made in my life. For me Angel's Landing deff triumphed Horseshoe, grand canyon or any other beautiful hike.
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I did this hike back in 2016, in August. We went to Zion without knowing anything about it, and we had only one day to spend there. We chose Angels Landing based on the lenght, because the promised 4-5 hours was a good fit in our time schedule. We started 6 of us, but 4 of us stopped at the lookout. Me and my buddy went on the top. It was one of the best decision that I ever made in my life. For me Angel's Landing deff triumphed Horseshoe, grand canyon or any other beautiful hike.
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Hurricane0721
Angels Landing is a safe trail as long as youre not afraid of heights, and you exercise good common sense on the trail. Many of the deaths on Angels Landing have been due to downright foolish behavior, such as turning your back to a 1000ft cliff to take a selfie. Youve got to be smart, be properly prepared for a strenuous hike by having plenty of water, and exercise caution by watching exactly where you put your hands and feet at all times.
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Angels Landing is a safe trail as long as youre not afraid of heights, and you exercise good common sense on the trail. Many of the deaths on Angels Landing have been due to downright foolish behavior, such as turning your back to a 1000ft cliff to take a selfie. Youve got to be smart, be properly prepared for a strenuous hike by having plenty of water, and exercise caution by watching exactly where you put your hands and feet at all times.
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Sebastian
I did angels landing after a top bottom trip of the west rim trail around early august and I have to say that doing angels landing in the off season like josh did is a MUCH better decision considering the amount of inexperienced people the trail attracts during the summer. So if anyone is looking to do this trail while visiting Zion I greatly recommend going like in February or March when it is not too cold, but also not very populated
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I did angels landing after a top bottom trip of the west rim trail around early august and I have to say that doing angels landing in the off season like josh did is a MUCH better decision considering the amount of inexperienced people the trail attracts during the summer. So if anyone is looking to do this trail while visiting Zion I greatly recommend going like in February or March when it is not too cold, but also not very populated
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scott
We went to the overlook last Fall. My wife was only about 12 weeks recovering from a hip replacement. She broke her hip about 2 years prior to that snow skiing. It was a very special victory for us to go as far as we did, her hip and fear of heights and narrow walkways. We are both just turning 50 and would to go back sometime to make the trip all the way to the top. Thanks for sharing.
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We went to the overlook last Fall. My wife was only about 12 weeks recovering from a hip replacement. She broke her hip about 2 years prior to that snow skiing. It was a very special victory for us to go as far as we did, her hip and fear of heights and narrow walkways. We are both just turning 50 and would to go back sometime to make the trip all the way to the top. Thanks for sharing.
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Ian
I dont really feel like this should be considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the country. Its a little sketchy sure but if your doing a hike like this you just need good hiking boots / shoes and hand grip and your good. Hiking Mnt Washington in New Hampshire is way more dangerous due to weather changes at any time and actually climbing up a mountain.
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I dont really feel like this should be considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the country. Its a little sketchy sure but if your doing a hike like this you just need good hiking boots / shoes and hand grip and your good. Hiking Mnt Washington in New Hampshire is way more dangerous due to weather changes at any time and actually climbing up a mountain.
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Sean
Kudos for making the hike. I did the hikes in Zion except this one. My fear of heights would have made that a bad idea. However, I was proud to have made that last curve to get to Delicate Arch in Arches. My family was shocked I did it. I wanted a photo after that long hike. I just hugged the side and walked slow. I about crapped my pants.
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Kudos for making the hike. I did the hikes in Zion except this one. My fear of heights would have made that a bad idea. However, I was proud to have made that last curve to get to Delicate Arch in Arches. My family was shocked I did it. I wanted a photo after that long hike. I just hugged the side and walked slow. I about crapped my pants.
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Marc
I went to Zion a few summers back and considered doing this hike. Unfortunately, it was the height of summer and the poor parking situation made my decision for me. In the end I didn't even visit the southern portion of the park. Fortunately, I had a nice hike the day before in the much less crowded northern portion of the park. :)
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I went to Zion a few summers back and considered doing this hike. Unfortunately, it was the height of summer and the poor parking situation made my decision for me. In the end I didn't even visit the southern portion of the park. Fortunately, I had a nice hike the day before in the much less crowded northern portion of the park. :)
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Maximus
I have done this trail multiple times, including running it first thing in the morning. One thing about the West if you are not from here: just because there are signs and chains does not mean it is not genuinely dangerous. Maintain situational awareness, and you should be fine.
This is an excellent video!
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I have done this trail multiple times, including running it first thing in the morning. One thing about the West if you are not from here: just because there are signs and chains does not mean it is not genuinely dangerous. Maintain situational awareness, and you should be fine.
This is an excellent video!
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Aerial
My wife and I stomped this out yesterday. When we stopped at scouts overlook. My wife had second thoughts about going to the top. She said if she didn't go all the way she knew she would regret it. I'll be honest it is intimidating to look at from scouts. But the anxiety is worth it.
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My wife and I stomped this out yesterday. When we stopped at scouts overlook. My wife had second thoughts about going to the top. She said if she didn't go all the way she knew she would regret it. I'll be honest it is intimidating to look at from scouts. But the anxiety is worth it.
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Mmm
Anyone else here enjoyed the chain section but hated the switchbacks? I hated all the uphill walking but absolutely loved my mountain goat climb of the chained section. Id do that part over in a heartbeat but the thought of going through all switchbacks again just bums me out.
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Anyone else here enjoyed the chain section but hated the switchbacks? I hated all the uphill walking but absolutely loved my mountain goat climb of the chained section. Id do that part over in a heartbeat but the thought of going through all switchbacks again just bums me out.
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Elden
If you are going to come keep a few things in mind. Be courteous, it gets crazy packed and busy, so dont be a dick on the narrow parts. Take turns and be patient. Dont litter and respect the area. Im glad they are at least requiring permits now.
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If you are going to come keep a few things in mind. Be courteous, it gets crazy packed and busy, so dont be a dick on the narrow parts. Take turns and be patient. Dont litter and respect the area. Im glad they are at least requiring permits now.
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Joyce
Yeah but I'm not afraid of heights either, just so you know. Today I made it to the third rung of my step ladder without my helmet! By the time I get to Utah I'll be able to do Angel's Landing with my eyes closed.
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Yeah but I'm not afraid of heights either, just so you know. Today I made it to the third rung of my step ladder without my helmet! By the time I get to Utah I'll be able to do Angel's Landing with my eyes closed.
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Dennis
Me and two buddies won the permit we just climbed to the top of angels landing about a week ago awesome experience I'm from Iowa so it's pretty much flat everywhere so it was a little intense for me personally
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Me and two buddies won the permit we just climbed to the top of angels landing about a week ago awesome experience I'm from Iowa so it's pretty much flat everywhere so it was a little intense for me personally
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Lee
Hi Josh, just wondering how long it is from the lookout to the actual summit? I am thinking of hiking up there with my family but leaving them at the lookout and going to the summit myself. Thanks mate!
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Hi Josh, just wondering how long it is from the lookout to the actual summit? I am thinking of hiking up there with my family but leaving them at the lookout and going to the summit myself. Thanks mate!
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Cup
Give it several years and I'll bet the very top section ends up closed off, just like Chimney Rocks Trail at GSMNP. Over tourism from social media is very real, whether people admit it or not.
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Give it several years and I'll bet the very top section ends up closed off, just like Chimney Rocks Trail at GSMNP. Over tourism from social media is very real, whether people admit it or not.
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Enzio
Absolutely stunning trail. The beauty of Zion National Park is mind boggling. I would never walk this trail as I'm afraid of heights. Thank you so much Josh for uploading this amazing video!
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Absolutely stunning trail. The beauty of Zion National Park is mind boggling. I would never walk this trail as I'm afraid of heights. Thank you so much Josh for uploading this amazing video!
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Sr89
I hiked it last year in summer at 105 degrees. I was operating on 2 hours sleep, and stomach cramps from bad food. I made it, but I was an idiot for going up the chains feeling light headed.
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I hiked it last year in summer at 105 degrees. I was operating on 2 hours sleep, and stomach cramps from bad food. I made it, but I was an idiot for going up the chains feeling light headed.
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Gil
I have hiked up to Scouts lookout 3 times in my life. I couldnt even begin the final 0. 5 mile to Angels Landing. Thanks for the video. At least I can see I was right in not going on.
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I have hiked up to Scouts lookout 3 times in my life. I couldnt even begin the final 0. 5 mile to Angels Landing. Thanks for the video. At least I can see I was right in not going on.
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Kane
glad you made this video. Recently went to zion with my grandfather and he said that he wouldn't be able to do angel's landing and i wanted to see what it looked like at the top.
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glad you made this video. Recently went to zion with my grandfather and he said that he wouldn't be able to do angel's landing and i wanted to see what it looked like at the top.
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JordanK
I was working at that lodge you parked at in the video at the time you were there lol. I had done angels landing in January before the permit was required. Beautiful views.
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I was working at that lodge you parked at in the video at the time you were there lol. I had done angels landing in January before the permit was required. Beautiful views.
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