Angels Landing

Angels Landing begins at The Grotto Trailhead (~4,298') in Zion National Park, accessible via the Zion Canyon Shuttle from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center (shuttle stop 6). From the trailhead, cross the footbridge over the North Fork Virgin River and bear left onto the West Rim Trail heading north. The trail enters Refrigerator Canyon — a cool, shaded slot canyon — at approximately 0.5 miles and follows it northwest. At 1.4 miles, the trail reaches Walter's Wiggles, 21 short steep switchbacks carved into the sandstone cliff. Crest the switchbacks to Scout Lookout (~5,060'), a broad flat area at 1.6 miles where NPS rangers verify permits — do not proceed without a valid Angels Landing Permit. From Scout Lookout, the route narrows dramatically onto the ridge crest. The final 0.5 miles to the summit (5,781') follows fixed chains bolted into the sandstone across exposed ridgeline terrain with sheer drop-offs on both sides. Move one handhold at a time; the chains are shared by ascending and descending hikers. Do not attempt the chains section when wet, icy, or in thunderstorm conditions. Return on the same route.

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.