Angels Landing is one of the most unique hikes in the states. The last half mile of the hike is a pretty narrow, exposed ridge with steep drop-offs on either side. Chains bolted into the rock make this fairly easy if you aren't afraid of heights. If you are afraid of heights, we will warn ya, you might be shook. Either way, the hike all the way up to the chain section is still epic and if you turn around at the chains, you at least won't need a permit. We love this one because there isn't really anything quite like it AND there are a lot of cool viewpoints just off the trail if you're looking for em.
Every time we hike this trail, we are honestly surprised/glad that you're still allowed to hike it. This hike is statistically one of the most deadly hikes in the US with 18+ deaths (as of 2024). This is likely the main reason this hike now uses a permit system (permit website linked above the coordinates). We've hiked this trail before the permit system a few times but always woke up early to beat the rush. From the videos and pictures we've seen of mid day Angels Landing pre-permit, it looks like a nightmare. Traffic jams everywhere. So this is one of the few hikes where we've been happy to acquiesce to a permit system. The cool thing about this permit system, is that they offer reserved permits and day before permits. Last time we hiked Angels Landing, we just picked a less crowded date and had the entire group apply for a lottery and got it first try. Submissions are cheap, so the risk is nominal. We are pretty allergic to planning ahead so naturally recommend this method. To land an actual reservation, you'll have to plan out months in advance so if you can pull that off, good on ya!
There are three available time slots for the Angels Landing permit.
The majority of this trail points mostly south, so there is little difference between going early or going late. However, definitely avoid the mid day slot. Aside from the lighting being worse, this will be the most crowded as the time slots overflow with the variable pace of each hiker. Zion can also get insanely hot even in the colder months of the year, so if you have the option, select the "before 9am" slot if you want to avoid the most people. Select the after 12pm if you want to take your time and shut down the top of Angels Landing.
There are a couple cool spots just off the trail that most hikers just walk right past. Our favorites include this platform right at the start of the chain section. The chains/trail will go down to the left, so most people miss it. Once you make it to the end, hike down a bit further to this platform. This gives you the best view right down the center of the canyon. As a bonus, there is another trail that connects with the Angels Landing trail from the north right at the start of the chains (where the porta potties are). If you follow this trail up (opposite direction from the start of the chains) there are some really cool views that you will get all to yourself. Very few people come up here. You're gonna have to explore this area for yourself though. Can't give away all our secrets 🤫.
Zion actually gets quite a bit of snow. Obviously from the photos above, we have done this one in about calf to knee deep snow. I will warn you, this hike is actually super sketch in the snow. The group that trekked up in the snow with us were all really experienced and all had the proper gear. If there is ANY snow on this trail, you absolutely want to get some crampons. Without crampons we would have definitely slid right off the side of the mountain. Not too sure how the permit system works with heavy snow, but if you decide to try....beware. Snow makes this already dangerous hike extra difficult.
If you're in Zion, definitely try and snag a permit for Angels Landing. There is some elevation gain, however this really isn't that tough of a hike. Now that there are no traffic jams, you can fly through this hike in a couple hours. There are a bunch of really cool platforms just off the trail so keep your eyes peeled...or just scroll up and see exactly where the are. If you have a couple buddies with you, our success rate just applying the day before has been pretty high. If even one of you wins the lottery selection, they can add the rest of the group to their permit. If you're there 3 days and not during a super busy time of year, you should have no problem. This hike is actually pretty dangerous with quite a few fatal falls, but if you take your time through the narrow sections you'll be just fine.