Angels Landing Trail is one of the most popular trail in the state of Utah. The trail is 5.5 miles long in round trip distance with significant elevation gain in the middle section and the last climbing section. Angels Landing is known for its magnificent view at the top and also known for its steep drop at the last 0.5 miles of the trail. The last 0.5 mile of the trail require hikers to utilize the chains that are installed along the cliff to hike up the rock.
Angels Landing is the very first trail that we attempted when we visited Zion. We got to the visitor center at 5:50AM and it was already so crowded. There were already so many people waiting at the bus stop and we were sure everyone was heading to the same place. Luckily we had reservation tickets at 6AM and thus we were allowed to get onto the bus before anyone else.
The bus stop for Angels Landing was at Grottos and as expected, everyone got off here. When we got to the trail head, the rangers stamped our hands which indicated that we were allowed to climb Angels Landing. The stamp was used to control the crowd going up there.
The beginning of the trail was quite easy with limited elevation gain. We were enjoying the view very much with between Zion canyon scenery. We loved it. After about 1 mile, the trail started to climb with switch backs. The switch backs were not difficult to hike on however, the trail was well maintained and nicely graded. We got to Scott's Lookout within an hour and it felt really good to be up here. From Scott's Lookout, the view was already so amazing. This was also the place for people to decide on whether to go forward to climb the chain, or stay down here and turn back.
One of us stayed behind to wait and the other went on to climb the chain. The chains were firmly installed along the cliff side for people to grab on. It was not a difficult climb, but anyone with fear of height should not attempt this. Part of the trail had a steep vertical drop right on the side and it could be very scary for people. Also, when there were people coming down while I was going up, I had to find a good spot to allow both of us to go through. After about 30 minutes, I finally made it to the top. The top of Angels Landing was a somewhat large surface of rock. People could rest here to enjoy the view and rehydrate. The view from the top was simply breath taking.
Going back down the chain section was a different challenge. This was because some sections require people to reach far down to set the footings on the rocks. Also, people would be starring down the vertical drop with the body leaning downwards.
After about 30 minutes, I finally made it back down to Scott's Lookout and there were already so many people there waiting to climb Angels Landing! When speaking to the rangers, people have to wait for an hour to get a chance to climb all the way to the top! It was crazy!
As we head back down to the trail head, there were just so many people flooding in to do this climb. We have never seen so many people on a hiking trail. It was insane! When we got to the trail head, there was a long line waiting at the trail head. We were told that the wait at the trail head was 2 hours! We were so glad that we started early.
Overall, Angels Landing trail was an amazing experience! If you have fear of height, do not attempt to climb the chain section! The views along the way are equally amazing! In addition, the West Rim trail was amazing as well! From the top of West Rim, it is higher than Angels Landing and you could see the entire canyon as well! Nevertheless, this trail is a must do when visiting Zion!
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