An outdoors social network for the traveling & outdoors enthusiast - MyOutdoorAdventure.com
 

Angel's Landing Trail, Zion National Park

Posted on August 24, 2008 by: Traveler

  • The trail heads straight up the side of the cliff and into the notch above the shadow area.
  • From the Grotto parking area, cross over the Virgin River and then turn right.
  • Looking down at Zion Canyon from the initial series of switchbacks.
  • Resting on the switchback.
  • Winding trail of the initial switchbacks.
  • Initial switchbacks and Zion Canyon.
  • Just before turning into the notch between Angel's Landing and the canyon wall.
  • There is a small drainage through this notch area. Look to the opposite side and you will see these small alcoves.
  • There is also a small cave in this area.
  • Leading lines up the canyon wall.
  • These zig zags are called Walter's Wiggles, named after Walter Ruesch, Zion National Park's first custodian.
  • Walter's Wiggles in winter.
  • At the top of Walter's Wiggles looking toward Zion Canyon.
  • The knife edge of Angel's Landing finally comes into view.
  • With the knife edge in the foreground, Zion Canyon opens up beyond.
  • Chains have been set in place to aid hikers, very necessary during a winter ascent.
  • Hiker Mark Egge surveys the sheer drop down to the Virgin River below.
  • Pine tree rooted to the sheer drop.
  • The chains provide necessary assistance with high steps at some points.
  • Slow and steady in the winter snow makes for a successful summit bid.
  • Looking toward the Temple of Sinawava.
  • Looking down on The Organ and Virgin River flowing through this large amphitheater.
  • A valley shuttle enters the amphitheater far below. Observation Point is the highest point above with the burnt red tip.
  • Enjoying the view from up top Angel's Landing.
  • This pine has been beaten down and shaped according to the wind's desire.
  • Hiker Ryan Pierce kneels below the arched pine on top of Angel's Landing.
  • Looking south down Zion Canyon.
  • Edge of Angel's Landing while looking south.
  • Looking toward the Temple of Sinawava with the Virgin Riverwalk beyond.
  • At the top of Walter's Wiggles will be the trail junction of the West Rim Trail (left fork). This is just above the junction looking back toward Angel's Landing.
  • Angel's Landing.

Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Closest City: Springdale
State: 58
Country: 209

DIRECTIONS: From the main entrance of Zion National Park in the city of Springdale, UT, take the free canyon shuttle to The Grotto drop-off point. Shuttles run approximately every six minutes during the busiest season (March 28th through October 31st). Cross the Virgin River on the bridge and turn left. Angel's Landing is directly ahead. 

DESCRIPTION: Angel's Landing starts out on the West Rim Trail and it begins innocently enough to make you wonder what lies ahead. Following the Virgin River along a paved trail... paved? This isn't a real trail! Ok, look ahead my friend... look ahead because you are heading straight for a wall. Soon enough, the switchbacks begin and the trail begins it's skyward climb rising almost 1,500 feet in 2 1/2 miles. The last half mile of which is the knife-edge of the monolithe with chains set in place to aid the weary.

After the first series of switchback climbing the wall you will turn left passing in between Angel's Landing and the canyon wall. There is a small drainage passing through to the left with some pourous rock up the opposite side. Look to the right to see a small cave. Go to the back of the cave and take a picture looking back out toward the pine trees. After catching your breath on this semi-flat portion the next series of switchbacks begin.

These short zig-zags are called Walter's Wiggles. Walter Ruesch was Zion's first custodian who actually oversaw the construction of the West Rim Trail in 1924. On top of Walter's Wiggles the views begin to open up in all directions. At the junction on top, take the right fork leaving the West Rim Trail behind. You should now be facing directly at the knife-edge of Angel's Landing.

Chains have been set in place to aid hikers (on an icy winter morning, they become a necessity). Some portions of the knife-edge are less than ten feet across with a 1,000 foot drop to the left and a couple hundred foot drop to the right. The views down below are what you came for though. To the left is a sweeping amphitheater with the Virgin River winding around the rock outcrop called The Organ. From the canyon floor, you can see the resemblance that The Organ takes to the pipes of it's namesake, but from up on Angel's Landing, The Organ appears to be it's own knife edge. Straight across the amphitheater is Observation Point (look toward the closing point of the amphitheater for the highest point which is a burnt red tip). The courtesy shuttles will be slowly etching their way along the canyon road unaware of the perch you have chosen. Toward the top is a wind shaped pine tree which has been bowed down to form an arch over the trail. Try to not do much more than reach for the top branches for a photo. The tree thanks you for not hanging from or pulling it's branches. At last, the view down Zion Canyon is a rewarding sight. Relax, break out a snack, and eventually return the way you came.    

Angel's Landing truly is a must-do hike in Zion park. The rock won't leave you exhausted at the end of the day but she will let you know that you had to work to get on top.  

Back To Locations  

Related Activities:

*Click on an activity to search for more related locations.

Tags

Zion National Park, Angels Landing Trail, Observation Point, The Organ, The Great White Thrown, Virgin River, backpacking, camping, Utah, Springdale

*Click on a tag to search for more related locations.

Links

Location Notes:

No Notes Available

Login or Sign Up to leave a note.