The hike to the top of Angel's Landing in Zion National Park is one of the two signature hikes in the park, the other being The Narrows. It is a relatively moderate hike for the first two miles, offering some nice views of Zion Canyon as you climb gradually up hill. The last half mile, however, is what makes this hike one you won't soon forget.

The trailhead is at the Grotto shuttle stop on Zion Canyon Road. Take the small bridge across the Virgin River, then head to the right and start up the trail. There's a nice overhang the trail passes under that provides a good spot to rest in the shade and catch your breath. The climb continues and passes thru Refrigerator Canyon, an interesting, flat, shady section.

Next, you come to a series of very short, leg burning switchbacks - Walter's Wiggles.



They are so much more fun on the way down! As you finish this section, you arrive at Scout's Lookout, and start to feel good about reaching some flat land. And you get your first view of the knife ridge to the top.

There are many good reasons to hang out for a while at this point. The views are outstanding. On your left you can look down to Zion Canyon Drive and the Virgin River, a thousand feet below, and watch the shuttle buses move along as if they were little toy cars. All around you are the great peaks of Zion, kind of at eye level, a real interesting perspective. And, dead ahead, is the remainder of the climb.

The remaing half mile is what sets the Angel's Landing hike apart and makes it so memorable. It's a steep, strenuous journey up a narrow ridge with drop offs on either side at various points and demands your full attention. The views from the top are as good as it gets. A spectacular view of Zion Canyon with the town of Springdale way off in the distance.

A lot has been written about this last part of the climb to the top of Angel's Landing and how dangerous it is or isn't, and what restrictions, if any, the park service should enact. Here's my opinion - it's challenging and strenuous first off. It takes me about 30-40 minutes to make it up. A fair portion of this time I am concentrating intently on making sure I have good balance with each step, particularly if I have any considerable amount of weight in my pack, using the chains that are concreted into the sandstone where needed. Doing this has resulted in me having no problems and feeling pretty comfortable and safe the whole way. There are good foot holds all the way up and I find the sandstone provides good traction. I can walk to the top without using the chains - I don't see them as the difference between falling or not, just more of a reassurance for the mind. I keep a pace that's comfortable for me, there is no hurry. Never any doubt I can or will make it up - and down. There are one or two moments of me telling myself "Pay attention here" - especially in the early going where you cross the narrowest section of the trail with a sheer drop off on either side. In fact, I don't think I would walk across this if there were no chains at this point. I'd slide across on my butt, though. To sum it up, if you have a fear of heights to the extent it puts serious doubt in your mind, don't go any further, you've done well to get to this point.

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