Angels Landing - 5.4mi Strenuous Chain Hike

Q: Do I need a permit to hike to the summit?

Yes. Permits are issued online via Recreation.gov through seasonal or day-before lotteries and cover up to 6 hikers. They are not available at park offices or day-of.

Q: What should I bring and how should I prepare?

Water: at least 3 liters per person; sturdy footwear; sun protection; layers; gloves for chains; headlamp; map since cell service is unreliable. Start early and plan for a 4-5 hour trek that can stretch longer with crowds.

Q: Is the shuttle mandatory for access?

Yes, for much of the year. The Zion Canyon Shuttle is required to reach the Grotto Trailhead; verify the seasonal schedule to avoid being stranded.

Q: Are there water sources along the trail?

No reliable sources along Angels Landing. Carry and manage your water to meet the 3-liter-per-person minimum throughout the hike.

Distance

5.4 mi

Elevation Gain

1,500 ft

Est. Time

4-5 hours typical; longer with crowds

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Spring and Fall

Overview

About This Trail

Angels Landing demands grit from start to finish. You’ll cover 5.4 miles round trip with about 1,500 feet of gain, beginning on a paved path and finishing on a narrow ridge with chains. It’s a Class 3 scramble with significant exposure, so come prepared for heat, crowds, and tough footing. Hydration (3 liters per person), a summit permit, and a solid plan to turn back if weather or fatigue hit hard are non-negotiables.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Strenuous, Class 3

Trail Highlights

Ridge traverse with chain-assisted exposure and sweeping canyon perspectives; the final crest above Zion Canyon delivers a tangible sense of accomplishment.

Insider Tips

• Go early to beat heat and crowds. • If you have a permit, be on the first shuttle. • Shoulder seasons (April, October) reduce crowds. • Winter offers solitude but ice/snow require caution. • Gloves can help grip on the chains.

Best Season to Hike

Spring and Fall

Hiking Tips

Carry at least 3 liters of water per person.
Wear sturdy boots with good tread; gloves can help on the chains.
Start at the first shuttle to beat crowds; the parking lot fills before 7 AM.
Have a map and plan; cell service is unreliable.
If weather turns or fatigue sets in, turn back at any point—there is no shame in retreat.

Family Info

Not recommended for young children due to extreme exposure and fatal-fall risk

What Hikers Say

Rating 4.8/5 from 468 reviews. Hikers say it is a brutal test that pays off with a life-affirming ridge traverse; the climb is demanding, crowds are inevitable, and the final chain-assisted ridge is the defining moment. The trail is iconic and repeatedly cited as a must-do for serious hikers who respect the exposure and plan accordingly.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 5.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft

Duration: 4-5 hours typical; longer with crowds

Difficulty: Strenuous, Class 3

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Paved initial section; sandy sections; final ascent on a narrow sandstone fin with chains

Getting There

Trailhead: Grotto Trailhead, Zion Canyon; Shuttle Stop 6

Parking: Very limited; parking fills extremely early

Fills Up: Full by sunrise; often before 7 AM

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

Permits issued via online lotteries on Recreation.gov (seasonal and day-before options); not available at Zion offices or day-of; $6 to apply for up to 6 people; non-refundable.

Fees: $6 permit lottery application (covers up to 6 people)

Shuttle Required

Zion Canyon Shuttle is mandatory for access to the Grotto Trailhead for much of the year; check seasonal schedules; missing the last shuttle can strand hikers.

Trail Rules

Dogs: Not allowed

Biking: Not allowed

Trail Markers: Well-marked up to Scout Lookout; navigate final sections with a map

Map/GPS recommended

View on AllTrails

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: No reliable water along the trail; carry at least 3 liters per person

Shade: Mostly exposed; Refrigerator Canyon offers some shade

Cell Service: Unknown/limited; carry map

Hazards:

Final half-mile is a narrow, few-feet-wide ridge with sheer drop-offs on both sides; the chains are bolted for support but footing remains treacherous in wind or rain

Emergency: 911 for emergencies; Zion National Park rangers via the park’s official channels

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Extremely crowded

Peak Times: Peak season and weekends; arrive very early or consider off-season for solitude

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Rooty and steep; not suitable for mobility devices; final ridge requires full mobility and balance

Family Notes:

Not recommended for young children due to extreme exposure and fatal-fall risk

Nearby Facilities

Grotto Trailhead restrooms; Scout Lookout restrooms; no reliable water along trail

What Hikers Say

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.8 /5

Based on 468 Google reviews

Based on 468 guest reviews

" Rating 4.8/5 from 468 reviews. Hikers say it is a brutal test that pays off with a life-affirming ridge traverse; the climb is demanding, crowds are inevitable, and the final chain-assisted ridge is the defining moment. The trail is iconic and repeatedly cited as a must-do for serious hikers who respect the exposure and plan accordingly."

Reviews from Google

Showing 1 of 468 reviews

FAQs

Is Angels Landing suitable for beginners?

No. It is a strenuous, exposure-filled scramble with a 5.4-mile distance and 1,500 feet of gain. A permit is required for the summit, and strong fitness, preparation, and decision-making are essential.

Do I need a permit to hike to the summit?

What should I bring and how should I prepare?

Is the shuttle mandatory for access?

Are there water sources along the trail?

📖 National Park Service — Zion National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-02-02) 📖 trailwalkertravels.com 📖 visitutah.com 📖 reddit.com 📖 youtube.com 📖 wikipedia.org 📖 zionnationalpark.net 📖 noahlangphotography.com 📖 shedreamsofalpine.com 📖 zionnationalpark.com 📖 utah.com 📖 mdpi.com 📖 recreation.gov 📖 zionwildflower.com 📖 outsideonline.com 📖 wildlandtrekking.com 📖 zionguru.com 📖 allwaysadventure.com 📖 lifestyledbysofia.com 📖 myutahparks.com 📖 backpacker.com 📖 researchgate.net ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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