Angels Landing is one of the most popular trails at Zion National Park. The views from the top are incredible, and the mental and physical challenge of the hike draws thousands to it every year. You might have this hike on your bucket list, but there are a few things you should know before you hit the trail. Here are 9 hiking tips to help you safely climb to the top:
Angels Landing is one of the most dangerous hiking trails in the country. The park reports nine deaths from falling over the years, and many more hikers have been taken off the trail by rescue crews. Take these nine tips seriously.
Maggie Tacheny/flickr
- Your Angels Landing hike starts with the right footwear.
Tim Tadder/Corbis Collection Getty Images This is a real hike, not a ride on Disneyland. Skip the flip flops and wear your hiking boots. You’ll want the stability of boots with good tread on this climb.
- Know what you’re getting into.
Udo S/flickr This hike just isn’t for everyone. If you’re not in good physical shape, don’t even attempt it. While most people think that the danger comes from falling at the top, the reality is that a lot of people have heart attacks on Walter’s Wiggles - the steep switchbacks that take you right up the side of the mountain. Zion National Park is a long way from any hospital - you don’t want to find yourself halfway up and suffering from chest pains.
- Hydrate.
Michael Hanson/The Image Bank Getty Images Zion is hot for many months of the year, and you’re going to be expending a lot of energy on this hike. Bring plenty of water, and take some breaks along the way to hydrate.
- Think twice if you’re afraid of heights.
Zion National Park/flickr Angels Landing is 1,488 feet tall, and stands at 5,790 feet in elevation. It’s a long way down.
- Use the chains.
Alex Proimos/flickr They’re there for a reason. Use them to help you climb the steep parts, and to keep you from falling on the narrow parts.
- Be patient.
Maggie Tacheny/flickr Angels Landing is so crowded now that park rangers often direct traffic. Some people get impatient along the chain areas, and actually push past those who are hiking slowly. Don’t be a jerk - you put everyone on the mountain in danger.
- Be prepared for all kinds of weather, and skip it if there’s snow and ice.
Jason/flickr It can take up to six hours to hike Angels Landing, especially if it’s crowded. The weather here can change quickly, so make sure you’re prepared for full sun, as well as wind and rain. During winter months, the trail can have snow and ice on it, and you shouldn’t even attempt it then.
- Stay right on the trail.
Anna Irene/flickr There’s always that one person who thinks the signs and boundaries don’t apply to him. Don’t be that person. The signs are there for a reason, and that reason is that it’s dangerous to go off trail. Do you want to fall 1,000 feet to your death?
- Take your photos from a safe vantage point.
fortherock/flickr You might be feeling a rush of adrenaline once you reach the top, and you might figure that the best photo can be found right on the edge. You don’t want that selfie to be the last photo you ever take.
Have you hiked Angels Landing? We’d love to hear your stories and see your photos!
Maggie Tacheny/flickr
Tim Tadder/Corbis Collection Getty Images
This is a real hike, not a ride on Disneyland. Skip the flip flops and wear your hiking boots. You’ll want the stability of boots with good tread on this climb.
Udo S/flickr
This hike just isn’t for everyone. If you’re not in good physical shape, don’t even attempt it. While most people think that the danger comes from falling at the top, the reality is that a lot of people have heart attacks on Walter’s Wiggles - the steep switchbacks that take you right up the side of the mountain. Zion National Park is a long way from any hospital - you don’t want to find yourself halfway up and suffering from chest pains.
Michael Hanson/The Image Bank Getty Images
Zion is hot for many months of the year, and you’re going to be expending a lot of energy on this hike. Bring plenty of water, and take some breaks along the way to hydrate.
Zion National Park/flickr
Angels Landing is 1,488 feet tall, and stands at 5,790 feet in elevation. It’s a long way down.
Alex Proimos/flickr
They’re there for a reason. Use them to help you climb the steep parts, and to keep you from falling on the narrow parts.
Angels Landing is so crowded now that park rangers often direct traffic. Some people get impatient along the chain areas, and actually push past those who are hiking slowly. Don’t be a jerk - you put everyone on the mountain in danger.
Jason/flickr
It can take up to six hours to hike Angels Landing, especially if it’s crowded. The weather here can change quickly, so make sure you’re prepared for full sun, as well as wind and rain. During winter months, the trail can have snow and ice on it, and you shouldn’t even attempt it then.
Anna Irene/flickr
There’s always that one person who thinks the signs and boundaries don’t apply to him. Don’t be that person. The signs are there for a reason, and that reason is that it’s dangerous to go off trail. Do you want to fall 1,000 feet to your death?
fortherock/flickr
You might be feeling a rush of adrenaline once you reach the top, and you might figure that the best photo can be found right on the edge. You don’t want that selfie to be the last photo you ever take.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Angels Landing, Utah 84737, USA
