Down The Trail

at the Watchman Campground

Angels Landing is surely the most popular hike in Zion National Park. From the trailhead at “The Grotto,” it’s 2.4 miles to the top, with 1,500 feet of elevation gain.

Beyond its inherent beauty, the main attraction of this route is the final half mile, as the path reaches the summit of a narrow fin of rock jutting out into Zion canyon. With significant exposure, the last section is not to be attempted by anyone with a fear of heights. There are even heavy-duty chains drilled into the solid rock to use as handholds, though they serve as more of a guide for peace of mind than an absolute necessity.

Just beyond the trailhead The Grotto shuttle bus stop, the path crosses the Virgin River at 4,300 feet above sea level.

The main promontory seen here is the summit of Angels Landing.

The path is very well built, and even paved in the lower areas. It reminds me of CCC work, though I don’t know who constructed this trail… probably the Park Service.

The trail leaves the Virgin River valley and enters the narrow “Refrigerator Canyon,” to the west.

It follows this ravine until it reaches the famous swithbacks kown as “Walter’s Wiggles.”

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