Angels Landing — Local services in Four Corners States

I’m scared of heights and wasn’t sure if I’d end up doing Angels Landing (you need a permit), and I was prepared to turn back at any point if I felt fearful. But I never felt unsafe and actually did the whole thing confidently.

Our ascent was slow and steady. It felt good to ask people on their way down about their experience. Everyone said it was great and was encouraging. We saw folk of all ages (kinda sus seeing little kids on this hike tho) and sizes, so the hike should be doable so long as you feel confident about your step and just hike normally with some extra caution (like not jumping and holding the chains even if not needed). I think if you’re able to climb the first chains part, then the rest will be similar and achievable.

There are many wide areas throughout the hike that you can rest. Shade is a bit uncommon, but there is some. The steep parts all had chains so that provided peace of mind even if they weren’t necessarily required. I kept a hand on the chain when available just in case though. The chains were not hot and easy to grip with your bare hands. The parts without chains were comfortably wide and stable. The paths aren’t as narrow as a lot of videos make them out to be.

The only time I became a bit wary was when two parties were trying to cross a chain part at the same time. Most of the time, we would just wait for the other party to pass, or vice versa, before continuing on so that was good. The hike was not crowded at all too

Overall, super fun and enjoyable.

I did this in my normal tennis shoes bc I don’t have hiking shoes and felt my hiking boots would be too hot. However, my friends all wore their boots in the hot weather, so I recommend wearing hiking boots for this. Tennis shoes still fine

Definitely bring at least 2L of water. 1.5L might be too little. More than 2L is always better. There’s a refill station at the Grotto shuttle stop

We started the hike at 10.30am, took 2.5 hours to reach the peak, spent 30 mins at the top, then took 1.5 hours to reach the bottom again. We took plenty of rests and slight detours, so our time is prob on the higher end.

Park at the Zion visitor center, then wait in line for the shuttle to stop 6 at the Grotto to begin this hike. The shuttle lines can be long so be prepared to wait like 30 mins.

I recommend going earlier in the hike bc the heat can be brutal at peak day time. We definitely felt the heat beaming starting on our way down from Angels Landing. Some of the rocks were hot to touch on the descent, but had been fine earlier on the ascent. Also earlier means more shade in the earlier part of the hike before Angels Landing.

Don’t touch the squirrels. They are aggressive trying to steal your food. The rangers said they can carry rabies and the plague, so avoid getting bitten.

We visited Zion in mid-June and it was already getting to 95F weather. If I were to return, I’d probably come in like April or May instead. But the heat is not terrible if you start earlier, or take plenty of rests, and definitely bring a lot of water (2L+ per person!)

Overall, I recommend this hike. Pretty fun, good views, and not as terrifying as some...

Often often called "The most dangerous hike in North America". Idk about that. I think for how much tourism it gets and from people not knowing what they're doing, some do fall off and die. Most are suicides tho. My first time doing it when I was like 12 or so I saw a sign that said "since blank year (I don't remember which year but recently enough) 13 people have died from the hike and it freaked me out but I didn't understand that most were suicides.

Anyways, as a Utah native and an experienced hiker, I've done it twice and know how to work the system. First You need to apply for your reservation as soon as the date opens which will almost guarantee you being able to get one. Check Recreation.gov to see when the lottery dates open.

I have never gotten reservations for after 9:00 a.m. because it is an absolute nightmare from what I see online. It looks like a never-ending flow of inexperienced hikers creating bottlenecks. I've heard of people freezing up cuz of how scared they are from the exposure and I just would not be able to handle not moving at all and being squished between everyone else on any hike.

Would I have done both times I did it and for when I do it again needs dedication. We wake up at 2:30am and bike up the canyon because no cars are allowed. We bring change for our bikes because it's a pretty crowded area and anyone can steal it, who knows. When we get to the top of refrigerator canyon and scouts landing, at the end of Walter's Wiggles, we sometimes might have to wait for the sun to rise just enough that we can see on the chained part with exposure but we would still need to use our headlamps. we'd get up to the top of Angel's landing at around 7-7:30am and watch the sun fully rise and then head back down. It's really funny to be the only ones going down and see the never-ending line of people coming up from the first shuttles of the day.

One time while coming down Walter's wiggles which are like never-ending switchbacks, I saw some social media person taking a break on their way up sweating their butt off and having to redo their makeup for a photo shoot. It was pretty funny and kind of brings you back to reality and shows that social media is a lie and no one or their lives are perfect other than one person who is. It's a wonderful hike but because of the huge...

PARKING IN SPRINGDALE: As of June 26, 2018, the Springdale lots were NOT free unless you are staying at one of the inns/lodges. There is street parking near the Springdale shuttle stops that is free after 5pm. Otherwise it is 1USD for the first hour then 3.50USD for each additional hour. The Springdale shuttle will bring you to the Zion visitor center where you will need to take another shuttle to the Grotto stop to start the hike.

PREPARING FOR THE HIKE: Can be done with any shoes that have good traction and soles. Full on hiking boots aren't necessary, trail runners are best, but sneakers with good traction (the final half mile to the top is steep and sandy so having friction on the bottom of your shoes is important) are good enough. I had trail runners and they were perfect for the hike, but my two friends had regular athletic sneakers and were fine except for a few mild slips.

Hydrate the night before, the morning of, during, and after the hike. Take at least 2 liters of water per person. This is because in the summer time, it can get over 100F. If you are feeling quite thirsty as you hike you are already too dehydrated. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are dangerous and can be fatal. Being well hydrated can help present this in the summer months.

THE HIKE: We started the hike at about 5:30pm in 105F and finished at about 8pm. It was perfect because there weren't many hikers and it was not crowded at all, there was minimal sun directly on us until we got to the summit, and the temperature cooled down pretty quick from 105F. It took about 1:45 to get to the summit. Take your time, follow all signs, and be conscious of each of your steps and you will be fine. Since 2004, about 6 people have died on the final 0.5 miles. Be careful and don't be an idiot and you will be safe. Lastly, be respectful of the trail and hang out to your trash and do not feed the many chipmunks and squirrels along the trail.

AFTER THE HIKE: Stretch, hydrate, and get proper nutrition to minimize soreness and cramps. I'm a medical professional, so please listen, especially about hydrating well before, during, and...