Hiking Angel's Landing, Zion National Park

Zion Canyon from Angel's Landing

Hiking Angel's Landing was the main reason we spent our spring break in the Southwest. We were here before, but did not get the chance to hike this trail because it rained. Usually, a regular hike can be approached on a rainy day. I actually do enjoy hiking in the rain (as long as it is not really that very heavy downpour)! It reminds me of my childhood where if it rained, we would run into the field and have an enjoyable shower from heaven. But hiking Angel's Landing on a rainy day is totally not advised, in fact, the park may close the trail when it rains. Why? For someone who is familiar with the trails of Angels Landing will understand that the very narrow rocky trail will turn slippery on a rainy day, and the danger is that the trail is exposed to major dizzying drop offs on both sides of the last half mile of the trail.

Angel's Landing is one of the most famous, challenging (more on mental and emotional challenge than physical challenge) and thrilling hikes of the National Park System. The last half mile of the trail is not to be approached by anyone who has fear of heights. But this is also a pretty rewarding trail. For those with fear of heights can probably do the first 2 miles of the trail, there may be some drop-off in the first 2 miles, but the trail is more manageable than the last half mile.

Virgin River, Zion National Park

The start of the trail is the Grotto Trailhead ( or grotto shuttle stop). From the trailhead, we crossed the Virgin River on a wooden footbridge. It is always interesting to see a lot of green and water in the desert. The first part of the trail just slowly ascends,

Slow Ascent in the First Part of the trail

and then the trail wiggles to gain significant change in elevation.

Winding West Rim Trail

The higher you go, the more beautiful the scenery you look down. After this winding West trail, the trail meanders through REfrigerator Canyon.

Refrigerator Canyon

This canyon always remain cool because of the tall steep walls providing a relief for hikers. It actually felt hiking in another slot canyon in going through this portion of the trail. After the cool Refrigerator Canyon, was the sight of the famous Walter Wiggles.

Walter's Wiggles

Though the picture above may not properly illustrate it, but this is a lot steeper than the first windy trail in the West Rim trail in the first portion of the trail. This is a series of 21 compact switchbacks that leads to Scouts Landing.

View from Scout's Landing

After Scout's Landing, the trail is chained to allow people to navigate the slick, narrow rocky ridge.

Chained Trail

After Scout's Landing, the hik is like what others describe as a "step of faith". This is basically where the challenge is, not so much on the physical but mental and emotional. As you step on the foothold of the rocks, with only the chain to hold on to,

Chain To Assist Hikers in Reaching the Summit of Angel's Landing

looking down several thousands feet down the canyon floor, with some parts of the trail too narrow probably 3 ft wide only with major drop off on both sides, you only have your faith to hold on to, that you can make it if you will not panic! That is the very reason why they warn anyone not to hike this trail if they have fear of heights since fear can cause anxiety, fear can loss presence of mind, and one mistake may just be too dangerous.

Narrow Slick Rocky Geological Fin of Angels Landing Trail

Resting on the Trail

However, for those who can keep their presence of mind, the hike is actually safe enough, and can be enjoyed by hikers of all levels and children above 8 years old.There were a lot of people who attempted but turned around, with weakened knees as they could no longer afford to look down anymore. It is actually easier going up than going down, since going up one can avoid looking down, but going down, one has no choice but really to see the drop off on both sides of the trail.

What is at the top? well, the amazing view of the Zion Canyon where birds are freer to experience.

Resting at the Top of Angel's Landing

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