Angel’s Landing – extreme hiking in Zion National Park
Angel’s Landing (the area called the “saddle” is the dip between the two mountains on the left)
Usually, on my way to and from Mexico, I stop at Zion National Park in southern Utah. It is one of my favourite places. The park is located in a canyon with steep walls. It is 24 km (15 miles) long, and the canyon walls are up to 800 metres (half a mile) high.
The canyon is lush with plants and wildlife. Wild Turkeys are common, and there are 289 other species of birds, including the very rare California Condor.
On my previous visits, I explored the canyon and searched for wildlife. On one trip, I walked the entire length of the canyon and returned on the park bus that comes along often (private cars are not allowed in the park during the summer months).
I Climb Angel’s Landing
On my last visit, I decided to climb the canyon. I chose Angel’s Landing, which stands alone with a space on either side and the remainder of the canyon wall. It rises 454 metres (1,488 feet) above the canyon floor. On the first day, I walked along the base of the mountain and studied it. When I first saw Angel’s Landing, I thought climbing would be impossible. But there is a trail that goes up, and you do not need to make a vertical ascent nor have climbing gear or experience. Anyone in good physical condition can do it if they are not clumsy or afraid of heights. But it is not for the faint of heart!
The trail begins at the base of the canyon to the left of Angel’s Landing. This part is easy and is 3.9 km (2.4 miles) in length. It wanders through the trees, from the canyon’s centre to the cliff’s base. It starts to get steep near the end of this section.
Walter’s Wiggles
After that, you come to a part of the trail known as Walter’s Wiggles. It is as wide as a city sidewalk and is not difficult other than being very steep. It has 21 switchbacks and is hard work, and you will need to stop a few times and catch your breath.
Crossing the Saddle
After getting to the top of Walter’s Wiggles, you come to the saddle. Here you cross over from the canyon wall to Angel’s Landing itself. The saddle is a little wider than a city sidewalk. It is not really tricky, but it is somewhat scary. It is about 400 metres straight down on either side. There is a sign here warning of the danger. Several people have fallen to their deaths here. This is where the faint of heart chicken out and go back. It is no different than walking along a trail through the forest; just don’t fall off it.
The Final Ascent
After crossing the saddle, there is a steep descent; then, you begin the ascent of Angel’s Landing. This is the most challenging part. Here the trail is very narrow. In places, it moved horizontally across a small ledge not much wider than my boot. Something like walking along the ledge outside the window of a skyscraper. In some areas, the climb is almost straight up. Also, straight down if you fall. In places, chains are embedded into the cliff for people to hang onto. I would not recommend going there if the ledge is wet, although it does not rain often. In some places, it involved climbing over a jumble of huge rocks. Many people tried to make the accent the day I was there, but most of them gave up at this point and went back down.
At the Top
I finally reached the top, and the view was breathtaking in all directions. It is called Angel’s Landing because it is so high that angels might land there. The climb was exciting. I learned afterwards that seven people had been killed attempting to climb this mountain
Although I didn’t see any angels or condors, climbing Angel’s Landing will always be a momentous event in my life that I will never forget!
(Later I also climbed the canyon wall on the other side of the canyon).
Movie by Lonny and Deanne
The articles on this website are provided for information and entertainment only. If you go, you do so at your own risk. Three more people have fallen to their death from Angel’s Landing since I was there. Please read my disclaimer by clicking the link at the bottom of the page. Many people climb Angel’s Landing every day, including children. You just need to be cautious. Do not go in winter when snow or ice is at higher levels. Do not go for at least one day after rain. I saw people going up in flip-flops which I thought was dumb. Most people wear runners, but I suggest a good sturdy pair of hiking boots.