Angels Landing

By far the most famous Zion hike is Angel's Landing. The trail is 5 miles round trip with 1500 feet of elevation gain. While these stats aren't overly daunting, the trail isn't for the faint of heart. The first 2 miles climb steadily with many switchbacks, but the "hard part" is the last half-mile. After an area called Scout Overlook, the trail skirts across the spine of a huge rock slab, with drop-offs on both sides up to 1500 feet, before eventually dead-ending at an overlook with incredible views in every direction.

Chains have been installed intermittently across the "dangerous parts" by the National Park Service to give you something to hold onto. The trail is extremely popular and the most difficult part is safely avoiding hikers traveling the opposite direction. In most areas, this isn't too difficult, but there are narrow sections of the trail that can be tricky during high volume foot traffic.

 

Unfortunately, every now and then, there are fatalities on Angel's Landing. That fact alone discourages some people from attempting it. Although the hazards shouldn't be taken lightly, the trail is not overly difficult for a reasonably fit person that doesn't have an extreme fear of heights. I always just assume everyone else on the trail is an idiot, and I play it as safely as possible on the narrow sections. It's a great hike that I've done 3 times now, and I'd probably bet on myself going back some day.

Here are some highlights from my trips.

From my first trip, in August 2009 with friends Dustin and Ali:

(Yes, the trail goes over that, and it's not as bad as it looks.)

 

Dustin and Ali, making their way towards the top with a 1,000+ foot drop-off below:



Hanging out at the top: 

(On a side note, what was I thinking when I bought those sunglasses?)

Dustin, looking straight off the edge (much more daring than I am):

Spectacular views:

My last trip to Angel's Landing was with my girlfriend, Stephany. Here are some photos from that March, 2011 trip.

Just starting off, and looking up at what's ahead of us:

Looking up at the switchbacks before Scout Lookout. This series of 21 switchbacks is famously known as Walter's Wiggles.

 At Scout Lookout, the turnaround point for many: 

 (But not us.)

 

If you time it right during early spring, you might get some snowcapped views.

 

You just can't beat this:

The views alone are tough to match, and if you're looking for a bit of a thrill, you'll probably enjoy Angel's Landing. Just don't let anyone talk you out of it!