Angel's Landing is a life list hike. The thing that makes this one different than most great hikes is the amazing views from the top of the trail, and the shear cliffs that drop off on both sides of the trail. At the crux, the knife edge is about 3 feet wide in a 20 foot section, and your way is assisted with a metal swinging chain gripped tightly with sweaty hands.
The trip: After getting the buffet breakfast at the Zion Lodge, fill up your water bottles (it's a dry trail with no water stops), catch the shuttle early in the morning to beat the heat of the day. Avoid going when it's slippery footing - ice, rain, etc. Going early will also save you from crowed conditions on the narrow parts of the trail.
Get off the shuttle bus at "The Grotto". You must take the shuttle, private cars are prohibited in this area of Zion. Look fo rthe well marked trail head to Angel's Landing and cross the Virgin River and turn right (upstream). The first half mile or so is an easy grade up to the mouth of Refirdgerator Canyon. This is where the switchbacks and the steep part begins. Several beautiful view await along this section before turning into the canyon. You'll feel the cooler temperatures when you enter the canyon. After a short hike, abruptly, the gentle ascent into the canyon makes a 180 degree turn and a series of steep switchbacks called "Walters Wiggles" begins. At the top of the wiggles, you reach Scouts Lookout, a trail split and some restrooms.
Scouts Lookout is where you'll want to stop and take photograps if you have a fear of heights. After the lookout, the trail gets narrow, sandy, and the drop offs are next to the trail. Iron Chains have been anchored into the rock to provide additional hand rails, but it doesn't help settle your mind. At one point, the trail narrows to a 3 foot wide knide edge that is about 15 feet long. This section is the most dicey, and has a metal chain supported by three poles. With sweaty palms, this part can and will test your fear of heights. If you make it, you'll get another chance to pass it on the way back.
Take your time, don't rush. Enjoy the views, and have someone take your photograph. After summiting, spend time taking in all the canyons that are visible from this point.
TO TRAILHEAD: GPS to Zion National Park, Catch the shuttle (required - no cars allowed north of the main road) to The Grotto and follow the signs.
Position Format:
Datum:
Tracks
21-JUN-09
Distance: 3.24 mi
Points: 106
Calories: none
Total Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Active Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Points of Interest
001
Location: 37.258942, -112.951011
21-JUN-09 10:38:58AM Start of trail. Cross the Virgin River on the bridge and turn right at a three way intersection. Follow signs towards Angels Landing. PLENTY OF WARNING SIGNS ABOUT DANGERS OF FALLING.
002
Location: 37.274736, -112.950783
21-JUN-09 11:47:44AM Turn right at a three way intersection. Restrooms nearby.
003
Location: 37.269321, -112.947901
21-JUN-09 1:26:43PM Summit of Angels Landing. Make sure someone takes your picture!
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