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the USA🇺🇸 | hikesAngels LandingPermit lottery, fixed chains, knife-edge ridge, Walter’s Wiggles | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Angels Landing
🏆 Top pickhike ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Angels Landing is not a wilderness scramble you can wing on a whim: since the permit system began, you need a lottery or day-before win to set foot on the chains. That correction made, the hike sits in Zion National Park in the southwest of the United States, in Utah. It runs about 8.7 kilometers round trip, climbs roughly 450 meters, and finishes on a spine of sandstone with drop-offs of around 450 meters on both sides. The scenery is absurdly good. The crowds are the other attraction, shuffling along the chains like a very scenic bank queue. Public transport is easy, because the park shuttle drops you right at the trailhead, though cars cannot get you there for most of the year. I expected the summit to feel like a wide lookout. It is narrower than my kitchen table, and people were calmly eating sandwiches on it. Apply for the permit early, and screenshot it, since rangers check and phone signal vanishes.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 the USA Travel Guide.
Best time to go: February - June, September - November
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Distance: 8.7 kilometers
Total ascent: 450 meters


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 hike in the USAWhat makes it a must-see hike

Angels Landing earns its reputation because Walter’s Wiggles, a run of 21 tight switchbacks, and the final half-mile of chains give you real exposure without any technical climbing. A reasonably fit first-timer can finish it in half a day, which is rare for a view this dramatic. Most hikes with a drop like this demand ropes, a guide or a multi-day approach. Here you clip nothing, carry a daypack and still stand over the Virgin River canyon at the end.

The second pull is how neatly it slots into a Utah road-and-shuttle loop. The trailhead is a short shuttle ride from the park’s Springdale entrance, so you can hike in the morning and be on your way to the next canyon by afternoon. Backpackers also like that the permit lottery is cheap, so the logistics cost very little. The challenge is mostly … read more 👉
Angels Landing earns its reputation because Walter’s Wiggles, a run of 21 tight switchbacks, and the final half-mile of chains give you real exposure without any technical climbing. A reasonably fit first-timer can finish it in half a day, which is rare for a view this dramatic. Most hikes with a drop like this demand ropes, a guide or a multi-day approach. Here you clip nothing, carry a daypack and still stand over the Virgin River canyon at the end.

The second pull is how neatly it slots into a Utah road-and-shuttle loop. The trailhead is a short shuttle ride from the park’s Springdale entrance, so you can hike in the morning and be on your way to the next canyon by afternoon. Backpackers also like that the permit lottery is cheap, so the logistics cost very little. The challenge is mostly in your head, which suits people who want a story rather than a suffer-fest.

💡 HighlightsPlaces and moments you shouldn't skip

  1. The Summit of Angels Landing: The reason everyone comes. A small, flat sandstone crest at the end of the ridge looks straight down into Zion Canyon, with the Virgin River curling around the Big Bend far below.
  2. The Chains Section: Roughly half a mile of fixed anchor chains bolted along a knife-edge ridge. Drops fall away on both sides, and the line moves in both directions, so patience matters as much as nerve.
  3. Walter’s Wiggles: Twenty-one steep, regular switchbacks cut into a narrow side canyon in the 1920s. They are paved, shaded in the morning, and a satisfying stair to the saddle above.
  4. Scout Lookout: The saddle where the trail to the chains begins. It offers wide views down both Zion Canyon and Refrigerator Canyon, and many hikers decide here whether to continue. The pause is worthwhile even
… read more 👉
  1. The Summit of Angels Landing: The reason everyone comes. A small, flat sandstone crest at the end of the ridge looks straight down into Zion Canyon, with the Virgin River curling around the Big Bend far below.
  2. The Chains Section: Roughly half a mile of fixed anchor chains bolted along a knife-edge ridge. Drops fall away on both sides, and the line moves in both directions, so patience matters as much as nerve.
  3. Walter’s Wiggles: Twenty-one steep, regular switchbacks cut into a narrow side canyon in the 1920s. They are paved, shaded in the morning, and a satisfying stair to the saddle above.
  4. Scout Lookout: The saddle where the trail to the chains begins. It offers wide views down both Zion Canyon and Refrigerator Canyon, and many hikers decide here whether to continue. The pause is worthwhile even if you turn back.
  5. Refrigerator Canyon: A cool, shaded slot section before the switchbacks, where the walls trap cold air and the temperature drops noticeably. Hanging gardens of ferns cling to the rock.
Scout Lookout and Refrigerator Canyon pair well in a single morning, since you pass through both on the way up and can rest in the canyon’s shade on the way down.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Angels Landing

Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks Self-Driving Bundle Tour

Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks Self-Driving Bundle Tour

4.2(76)
From €23
per personViator
Zion National Park Angels Landing With Permit!!

Zion National Park Angels Landing With Permit!!

5.0(33) 6h
From €349
per personViator
Angels Landing Small Group Hiking Tour in Zion National Park

Angels Landing Small Group Hiking Tour in Zion National Park

5.0(17)
From €271
per personViator
Zion National Park Self-Guided Driving & Shuttling Tour

Zion National Park Self-Guided Driving & Shuttling Tour

3.6(28)
From €15.42
per personViator
Utah Mighty 5 Adventure Bundle: 8 Self-Guided Audio Tours

Utah Mighty 5 Adventure Bundle: 8 Self-Guided Audio Tours

4.6(12) 192h
From €35
per personViator
Zion National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

Zion National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

3.8(4)
From €13.60
per personViator
Discover Zion National Park : A Self-Guided Tour

Discover Zion National Park : A Self-Guided Tour

1.0(1) 6h 30m
From €0.99
per personViator
Zion and Bryce Canyon Self Guided Audio Tour

Zion and Bryce Canyon Self Guided Audio Tour

0.0(0) 48h
From €9.63
per personViator
Zion Bryce and Capitol Reef Self-Guided Audio Tours

Zion Bryce and Capitol Reef Self-Guided Audio Tours

0.0(0) 120h
From €27
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

  • Spring (April to May): Highs run 18 to 29°C (64 to 84°F) and mornings start near 4 to 10°C (39 to 50°F). Wildflowers and running waterfalls show up, and the park shuttle is running. Crowds build fast by May.
  • Summer (June to August): Highs reach 35 to 40°C (95 to 104°F) in the canyon, and afternoon thunderstorms arrive in July and August. Days are longest, so a dawn start still gives you cool air on the chains. Lodging and the lottery are at their busiest.
  • Fall (September to October): Highs of 20 to 33°C (68 to 91°F) and cottonwoods turning yellow make this the most comfortable stretch. Crowds thin slightly after mid-October.
  • Winter (November to March): Highs of 7 to 13°C (45 to 55°F) and lows below freezing. Ice can glaze the chain section and shorter daylight limits your window. Trails are quiet
… read more 👉
  • Spring (April to May): Highs run 18 to 29°C (64 to 84°F) and mornings start near 4 to 10°C (39 to 50°F). Wildflowers and running waterfalls show up, and the park shuttle is running. Crowds build fast by May.
  • Summer (June to August): Highs reach 35 to 40°C (95 to 104°F) in the canyon, and afternoon thunderstorms arrive in July and August. Days are longest, so a dawn start still gives you cool air on the chains. Lodging and the lottery are at their busiest.
  • Fall (September to October): Highs of 20 to 33°C (68 to 91°F) and cottonwoods turning yellow make this the most comfortable stretch. Crowds thin slightly after mid-October.
  • Winter (November to March): Highs of 7 to 13°C (45 to 55°F) and lows below freezing. Ice can glaze the chain section and shorter daylight limits your window. Trails are quiet and lodging rates drop.
Angels Landing requires a permit through a seasonal lottery, so choose your dates around the lottery windows before booking lodging.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: good for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: good for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: good for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
united-states-hike-angels-landing
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option.

Best hostels in the USA


Best quality hotels in the USA

🥾 Hike detailsHike details: route, duration, and difficulty of Angels Landing

Angels Landing is an 8.7 kilometer round-trip hike in Zion National Park, Utah, with a permit required for the chains section.
Total Distance: About 8.7 kilometers round trip.
Estimated Duration: 4 to 5 hours, including time waiting on the chains.
Difficulty: Strenuous. The climb is steady and the final section is exposed.
Starting Point: The Grotto trailhead, reached by the free park shuttle from the visitor center area. Private vehicles are generally not allowed on that road for most of the year.
Major Landmarks:
  • Refrigerator Canyon: A shaded, cool stretch early on, with a gentle gradient.
  • Walter’s
… read more 👉
Angels Landing is an 8.7 kilometer round-trip hike in Zion National Park, Utah, with a permit required for the chains section.
Total Distance: About 8.7 kilometers round trip.
Estimated Duration: 4 to 5 hours, including time waiting on the chains.
Difficulty: Strenuous. The climb is steady and the final section is exposed.
Starting Point: The Grotto trailhead, reached by the free park shuttle from the visitor center area. Private vehicles are generally not allowed on that road for most of the year.
Major Landmarks:
  • Refrigerator Canyon: A shaded, cool stretch early on, with a gentle gradient.
  • Walter’s Wiggles: 21 steep switchbacks climbing to the saddle.
  • Scout Lookout: The decision point and the last place for a comfortable rest.
  • The Chains: About 0.8 kilometer of fixed chain along a narrow ridge to the summit.
Terrain and Scenery: Paved trail at first, then rough slickrock and sandstone steps. The ridge has sheer drops, and the views take in the red-and-cream cliffs of Zion Canyon and the river below.
Vegetation: Cottonwoods and ferns near the river, then pinyon pine, juniper and cacti on the open sandstone.
Wildlife: Mule deer, rock squirrels and lizards are common. California condors have been seen soaring along the cliffs, and canyon wrens call from the rock walls.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Angels Landing

Angels Landing is a well-managed trail, but the final half mile is a narrow fin of sandstone with chains and drop-offs of roughly 450 meters (1,500 feet) on both sides. The first 2 miles to Scout Lookout are paved and steady, with switchbacks through Walter’s Wiggles. Beyond that, footing is polished rock, and it gets slick when wet or icy. Skip the summit if clouds build, since lightning and wet stone are a bad pairing. People pass each other in both directions on the chains, so be patient, let faster hikers by at wider spots, and keep three points of contact where it feels steep. Wear shoes with real grip, not sandals. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person, especially in summer heat, because there is none on the trail. Rock squirrels are bold around Scout Lookout, so keep food packed … read more 👉
Angels Landing is a well-managed trail, but the final half mile is a narrow fin of sandstone with chains and drop-offs of roughly 450 meters (1,500 feet) on both sides. The first 2 miles to Scout Lookout are paved and steady, with switchbacks through Walter’s Wiggles. Beyond that, footing is polished rock, and it gets slick when wet or icy. Skip the summit if clouds build, since lightning and wet stone are a bad pairing. People pass each other in both directions on the chains, so be patient, let faster hikers by at wider spots, and keep three points of contact where it feels steep. Wear shoes with real grip, not sandals. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person, especially in summer heat, because there is none on the trail. Rock squirrels are bold around Scout Lookout, so keep food packed away and never feed them. Anyone who dislikes heights can happily stop at Scout Lookout.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Angels Landing takes most hikers 4 to 5 hours round trip for the 5.4-mile (8.7-kilometer) route from the Grotto shuttle stop. Plan extra time at the top and on the chain section, where traffic slows to a shuffle at busy hours. Add the shuttle ride from Zion Canyon Visitor Center, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes including waits.
Angels Landing is rated strenuous, with about 450 meters (1,500 feet) of elevation gain and a final half mile that relies on chains bolted into exposed sandstone. The first 2 miles to Scout Lookout are paved and manageable for fit beginners. Anyone nervous about heights should consider stopping there, or hiking nearby Observation Point or Canyon Overlook instead.
Yes, Angels Landing requires a permit to reach the chain section beyond Scout Lookout, awarded through a lottery on Recreation.gov with a small fee, around US$6 to 7 per application, plus a US$3 per person fee if selected. Zion National Park entry costs US$35 per vehicle or US$20 per person on foot or by bike, plus US$100 per person for non-US residents aged 16 and over, and no guide is required. Without a permit you can still hike to Scout Lookout, and rangers may check permits at the start of the chains.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other American hikes near Angels Landing

Explore more nearby:

  • Zion Narrows—River wading, Wall Street, sandstone slot, neoprene socks| 5 km away
  • Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim—Canyon crossing, Phantom Ranch, Colorado River bridges, rim shuttle| 152 km away
  • John Muir Trail—Sierra passes, point-to-point, Mount Whitney, resupply buckets| 524 km away

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We 💚 feedbackSumming up the experience

Angels Landing is better in the early light than in the middle of the day, when the chains jam with traffic. Many first-timers focus on the summit and skip Scout Lookout, which has wide views and far fewer people. I would bring gloves with grip, start early, and happily stop at the saddle if the crowd feels wrong.

✈️ When did I visit the USA?
In January 2023 I visited New York. Many years before, before digital cameras existed, I discovered most of the national parks in the West.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in the USA, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

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