Angels Landing - 5.4mi Strenuous Chain Hike

Angels Landing Trail atop Zion National Park’s red cliffs offers dramatic canyon views from the high ledges.

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 5.4
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Strenuous, Class 3
Elevation Gain Feet: 1500

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 5.4
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Strenuous, Class 3
Elevation Gain Feet: 1500
Estimated Time: 4-5 hours typical; longer with crowds
Trail Surface: Paved initial section; sandy sections; final ascent on a narrow sandstone fin with chains
Trail Features: Paved initial section
Sandy terrain in mid-trail
Chain-assisted final ridge
Narrow sandstone fin with exposure
Steep switchbacks
Trail Highlights: Ridge traverse with chain-assisted exposure and sweeping canyon perspectives; the final crest above Zion Canyon delivers a tangible sense of accomplishment.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Grotto Trailhead, Zion Canyon; Shuttle Stop 6
Parking Lot Size: Very limited; parking fills extremely early
Parking Fill Time: Full by sunrise; often before 7 AM
Shuttle Required: 1
Shuttle Details: 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.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required: Yes
Permit Details: 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)
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Snow and ice typically present Oct-Mar; micro-spikes may be required; trail can be impassable in icy conditions

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: No reliable water along the trail; carry at least 3 liters per person
Accessibility: Rooty and steep; not suitable for mobility devices; final ridge requires full mobility and balance

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Steep drop-offs
Significant exposure
Slippery surfaces when wet or icy
Falls from the narrow ridge
Crowds impacting footing and pace
Hazard Details: 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
Cell Service: Unknown/limited; carry map
Crowd Level: Extremely crowded
Peak Crowd Times: Peak season and weekends; arrive very early or consider off-season for solitude
Best Season: Spring and Fall
Best Time To Visit: Spring or Fall; start before sunrise to beat heat and crowds. Shoulder seasons (April, October) offer better conditions and fewer people.
Tips Advice: 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.

More details

Park Area: Zion National Park, Utah
Trail Markers: Well-marked up to Scout Lookout; navigate final sections with a map
Dogs Allowed: Not allowed
Biking Allowed: Not allowed
Shade Level: Mostly exposed; Refrigerator Canyon offers some shade
Emergency Contacts: 911 for emergencies; Zion National Park rangers via the park’s official channels
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: October through March
Mud Season: Wet conditions can be slippery; no specific mud season noted
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.
Recent Updates: Seasonal shuttle schedules and permit lottery processes may change; verify current details before plan
Family Friendly 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
Review Summary: 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.

Location

Photos

Angels Landing Trail at Zion National Park winds along a steep sandstone ridge with hikers ascending.

Hikers ascend the rugged Angels Landing Trail beside orange cliff faces in Zion National Park.

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.