The chains section on Angels Landing was closed in March of 2020 because of Covid-19. It was re-opened in October 2020, but be sure check the park service website before your trip. Also note that the shuttle buses now require tickets until further notice.
how to survive (and enjoy!) your hike up Angels Landing at Zion National Park
Angels Landing Trail Guide
MAP: Trails Illustrated (or see below)
PERMITS: none (for now)
DESIGNATION: Zion National Park, entrance fee required
BEST SEASONS: spring and fall
HIKE LENGTH: 5.4 miles round trip
HIKE TIME: most take 3 to 5 hours
WATER: none
TRAILHEAD ELEVATION: ~4,300 feet
SUMMIT ELEVATION: 5,790 feet
ELEVATION GAIN: ~1,500 feet
ACCESS: shuttle bus only throughout most of the season (early February through late November). Parking is at Zion’s main entrance, though The Grotto parking lot is available in winter.
DIRECTIONS: When shuttle buses are running, board at the visitor center and exit at the bus stop for The Grotto. The well-signed trail begins across the street, and follows the West Rim Trail for the first leg of the hike.
Drive up the main canyon to The Grotto when buses are not in operation.
ROUTE: well maintained, crowded trail, signed junctions
GUIDEBOOK: Favorite Hikes in & around Zion
Trail Map
This is a very straightforward hike, but here’s a topo map that shows the Angels Landing Trail, marked in green.
The hike begins at The Grotto Picnic Area bus stop. From here you follow the West Rim Trail across the Virgin River and up to Scout’s Lookout, and take the infamous chains for the last half-mile to the top. (see trail description below)
The Chains Section is the Deadliest Place in Zion
The attraction of Angels Landing is its “living on the edge” factor of dangerous exposure. The last half-mile of the route, called the chains section, is dramatic and narrow.
The path is only a few feet wide here, thinner than a sidewalk, and exposed to high cliffs. Sometimes the cliffs are on both sides of the trail.
There’s a series of chain link handrails drilled into the rock. The chains add a measure of safety and intrigue to the hike, but accidents still happen.
Yes, people have fallen from here and it’s not pretty.
How many people really fell?
It’s not easy to dial in an exact death toll. There’s a number of different figures floating around from various sources, but I can say with confidence that there’s been at least 18 deaths. The great majority of those are falls from the trail.
This CNN article about a recent fall in 2019 quotes an NPS spokesperson on a figure of 9 deaths.
Several other tallies can be found around the web, unlikely to be up-to-date with the the latest falls, or clouding the number with other causes of death.
The most accurate figure is that 14 people have died as a result of falls from Angel’s Landing. You can trace the individual sources of these 14 deaths via the news articles linked in the list below.
After a couple of recent falls in early 2021, major news outlets (Fox 13 distributed via the Associated Press) began reporting a history of 13 falls since 2000, but it’s not verified if all of these incidents specifically took place at Angels Landing.
The death of George Sender for example, (from Illertissen, Germany, age 63) is attributed to Angels Landing, but online reports only state he “fell while hiking” at Zion in 2000.
The recent fall of Corbin McMillen (widely attributed to Angels Landing) likely occurred from the nearby West Rim Trail, beyond its approach to Angels Landing (see “Most Recent Deaths,” below).
The most reliable source
Dave Nally, author of Deaths and Rescues in Zion National Park, states “Angels Landing is the deadliest spot in Zion. There have been at least 15 deaths there during the last century.”
Note that this figure above cites “deaths,” rather than “falls.”
Dave shared this with me in early 2019 (a year in which there were two more ensuing deaths), so we can logically increase the figure to “at least 17,” or even bring it to a statement of “about 20” fatalities.
Timeline of 14 Falls Resulting in Death at Angels Landing
This list below may be incomplete, but it’s the most comprehensive take on the subject to be found on the internet. Here we can definitively see that at least 14 people fell since 1987, in sync with NPS statements that begin in 2004.
Since 2017 there’s an average of almost one death per year from falling!
2021 March – Jason Hartwell of Draper, Utah, age 43 Salt Lake Tribune
2019 November – 19 year-old Savannah McTague fell – she was a Zion concessions employee from Maine. Portland WGME
2019 April – Pradeep Beryl Solomon, a 35 year-old resident of Salt Lake City. KSL
2018 February – 13-year-old girl from Colorado City, Utah (name unreleased) Salt Lake Tribune
2017 March – Tate Ryan Volino, a 45 year-old man from Osprey, Florida Deseret News
2010 April – Regine Milobedzki, 63 of Upland California NPS
2009 November – 50 year-old Tammy Grunig of Pocatello Idaho Idaho State Journal
2009 August – Nancy Maltez, age 55 of Glendora California LA Times
2007 June – Barry Goldstein, age 53, of St. Louis, Missouri National Parks Traveler
2006 August – Bernadette Vandermeer, age 29, of Las Vegas, Nevada Deseret
2004 June – Kristoffer Jones, age 14, of Long Beach, California Salt Lake Tribune
1997 January – John Christensen, 36, of Provo, Utah Deseret
April 1989 – Jeffery Robert Dwyer, 28, of Sandpoint, Idaho Deseret
May 1987 – Denver woman Deseret
Most recent deaths in 2020 and 2021
There were no recorded falls in 2020.
Most news outlets are reporting 2 recent deaths at Angels Landing in early 2021 – Corbin McMillen (late February) and Jason Hartwell (early March).
Though he reported to his family he’d be hiking Angels Landing, Corbin McMillen was found at the base of a rock climbing feature called Moonlight Buttress. This suggests that he technically fell from the West Rim Trail beyond Angels Landing (rather than the infamous Chains Section), so he is not included in my tally of 14 falls.
Corbin was age 42 and lived in St. George, Utah. Salt Lake Tribune
Man pushes wife?
There’s a story in May of 1997 where a man was accused of pushing his wife (Patricia Bottarini, 36, of Medford, New Jersey) from a cliff in Zion. Sometimes the case is attributed to Angels Landing, but the incident actually took place along the Observation Point Trail.
James Bottarini was ultimately acquitted of the charges (AP News), but the notion of such an incident is not as improbable as you may think. Similar cases have occurred in other national parks:
- in 2012 a man pushed his wife in Rocky Mountain National Park (Huffington Post)
- in 2013 a woman pushed her husband in Glacier National Park (CNN)
- finally, there’s the classic story of serial killer Robert Spangler pushing his wife at Grand Canyon (Wikipedia)
If it sounds like I’m preoccupied with death and danger, it’s because I’m trying to scare you. A part of me wants you to choose another hike.
Why Must You Hike Angels Landing?
Ask yourself this.
The trail is vastly overcrowded and it’s not even the best view in Zion. The views from places like Observation Point and farther up the West Rim Trail are much better. The classic approach to Observation Point is currently CLOSED because of massive rockslide that obliterated the trail.
The thing is, people have established this as “must-do” hike.
After your visit, whenever you talk to someone who has been to Zion, their first question is likely to be “Did you do Angels Landing?”
If you say no, then you’re going to feel inferior. It’s simple peer-pressure stuff going on here, and I think it’s stupid.
This mentality leads to too many people on the trail! A majority of experienced hikers do not find Angels Landing to be especially scary. Even kids are often just fine and have fun with it. You may not even need to rely on the chains for balance. The problem is the crowds!
The chains and cliffs can be a whole lot of fun, but only if you’re surrounded by a manageable number of hikers.
Going on a hike where you share a half-mile, exposed section of the trail with hundreds of people doesn’t even feel like hiking anymore.
It feels kind of like Vegas.
But with cliffs.
WARNING: Do Not Hike Angels Landing If:
- You don’t like heights.
- You don’t like crowds of strangers.
- You can’t hike up and down 1,500ft of elevation in relative comfort.
- It’s noon in July.
- You’re not wearing shoes.
- You don’t have water.
- You don’t have a snack.
- You have to poop.
- Poop could possibly be in your future.
- You did not leave your drone in the car.
- You like for others to hear your awesome bluetooth speaker.
- You must feed alllllllll the chipmunks. They’re so cute!
4 Ways to Beat the Awful Crowds
1) Start Early
Really early.
Arrive a day before the hike and find out when the first bus leaves the visitor center. It should be at six or seven in the morning. Then arrive at least half an hour before the first scheduled departure.
There will often be a line that forms for the first bus. Remember, it’s better to wait in line here than on a cliff!
If you do manage to start the hike early, don’t linger on the summit too long… the barbaric hordes are gathering below you.
Note that the bus system is running a little differently in 2020.
2) Start Late
Try this only if you’re experienced and at ease in the outdoors at night.
Time your hike so you’ll reach the top 30 minutes prior to sunset. If this method is for you, then I shouldn’t have to tell you how to calculate this.
After sunset you’ll have about 30 minutes of good light to get back down the chains.
Then use your headlamp to walk the remaining trail down to the road.
Be sure to check the shuttle schedule, but in most cases the buses run well after sunset.
This works because people are generally fearful of being caught out in the dark.
3) Go in the Off-Season
Unfortunately there isn’t much of an off-season anymore.
February is good. January is better. Early December is best.
Just be mindful of snow and ice.
Don’t go in March (Spring Break). March is bad. Memorial Day is worse.
If you’re in Zion when the buses aren’t running, you can drive to the Grotto and start before sunrise.
You get the idea. Buy low and sell high – easier said than done.
If you manage to work out your transportation, it’s doable for confident hikers to go entirely at night, too.
4) Do something else
Look into The Narrows, Observation Point, Emerald Pools, The West Rim Trail, Watchman, etc.
You’ll have a much better experience.
Or go anyway, and just know what to expect.
So it’s August and you’ve slept in too late. You don’t like the idea of being on the trail at sunset.
Are you in good shape? Okay with heights? Can you responsibly handle yourself among a crowd of strangers, lined up on a thin trail along the edge of a cliff, and be patient? Will you refrain from judging others too much? Is your heart really set on this hike?
Then go anyway. Make friends and share jokes with your fellow hikers out there. You’ll be fine.
If, on the day of the hike, you doubt your ability to practice the qualities I’ve listed above, then please choose a different hike, or resign yourself to hanging around at the Scout Overlook while the rest of your party tags the top.
Trail Description (with more tips)
There’s a restroom where you leave the bus at The Grotto. Use it.
There are no good bathroom options along the trail, even for urinating. The Park Service maintains a couple of pit toilets at the Scout Overlook, but these are for emergency only! The NPS doesn’t have the funds to keep up with the regular toilets in the Park, let alone the extra maintenance required at backcountry locations like this.
From The Grotto Picnic Area you’ll cross the road, and cross the bridge over the Virgin River. Hang a right on the West Rim Trail.
You’ll start ascending a wide, paved trail. It’s a fairly steep grade, even from the very beginning.
At the top of the initial climb you’ll come to a narrow place called Refrigerator Canyon. This is the only place along the entirety of the hike where there’s good, reliable shade, so it’s a great place to take a break!
Take a deep breath, because at the end of Refrigerator Canyon you’ll trudge up the famous “Walter’s Wiggles.”
History of Walter’s Wiggles
Walter Ruesch was Zion’s first Park Superintendent, or “Custodian.” He’s largely responsible for planning the Angels Landing Trail, and overseeing its construction in the 1920s. Back then, Angels Landing was still called The Temple of Aeolus.
So it’s Walter that you have to thank for thinking it was a good idea for you to come up here – you and all your new best friends as you catch your breath up these 21 switchbacks.
Scout’s Lookout
At the top of Walter’s Wiggles you’ll come to Scout’s Lookout.
This is the place to stop if you don’t like heights. It’s okay, a lot of others will be hanging out here to keep you company. Think of it like a big, pretty, outdoor waiting room. This is where you’ll find the EMERGENCY ONLY toilets.
I’ll let you in on a little secret. Rather than following all those boneheads up the chains, it’s from here that you can continue up the West Rim Trail to your heart’s content. Leave the crowds behind and actually have an enjoyable time up here.
The Chains
The heart of hiking Angels Landing, of course, is beyond Scout’s Lookout. You’ll be able to see the rest of the intimidating route from here easily enough.
If you’re in good shape, sure-footed, and don’t have a problem with heights, the only thing intimidating about the last section will be the line of ants strung up and down the route (Line of people, actually… not ants).
Cross the narrow saddle and head on up. Have fun!
The Summit
The summit isn’t especially spacious, and you may find it difficult to truly enjoy the scene from here in so much company.
Enjoy the exhilaration that comes with reaching the top.
Remember that you’ll have to retrace your steps and do it all over again on the way back down.
Watch out for the aggressive chipmunks and squirrels. Their only purpose in life is to relieve you of your food. Do not underestimate their speed and cunning.
My Trip Notes and Photos
I first hiked Angels Landing on the evening of August 25, 2008. It was my first trip to Zion. Since I didn’t know if I’d ever come back again, I wanted to experience the “must-do” hikes. With limited time on a group trip from the South Rim, I made the most of it by hiking Angels Landing and The Narrows.
It’s certainly possible to experience Angels Landing and The Narrows to Wall Street in one day, but it made more sense for me to split it up.
Our group didn’t arrive in Zion until the afternoon, and I set out immediately to go do this hike. In doing so, I inadvertently accomplished my #2 recommended method of beating the crowds – start late.
more photos from August 2008:
November Photos (Fall Color)
Later in 2008 my brother Steve came to visit, and I talked him into doing Angels landing with me on November 7th.
Have you hiked Angels Landing? What did you think? Leave a comment and let me know.
Went on a solo trip to Arches, Bryce Canyon, and Zion this past October 2020. I have a good fear of heights which i thought i could conquer at Angel’s Landing. I made it up to Scout’s Lookout, already had chicken legs, from there I saw the crowd (at 8am) forming at the chains and decided not to go. Heights are one thing but having to watch out for other people made me nervous.
I hiked to summit in April 2019 in motorcycle boots. Did not bring quite enough water but my friend left earlier and gave me his extra on his way down. I have been up the cable to Half Dome, Yosemite , twice and though it is further, it has Nothing Like The Strong Chance of Dying that A. Landing offers. The A L. hike itself seemed easy enough to do. I did it in 2007 in Chacos and got a couple blisters. Kind of a bucket list accomplishment that I am thrilled to have done. Arnie
I’ve been to Zion twice and have no intention of hiking Angel’s Landing. In January of 2021, I hiked to Observation Point from a back road outside of the park. The view was AMAZING! I was looking down at Angel’s Landing. If anyone asks me if I’ve hiked AL, I always tell them the view from Observation Point is so much better!
I think the park should start issuing permits for the chain section and limit the crowds there.
My family and I just returned from a vacation to Zion and Bryce. While on a Bryce hike, I overheard a mom trying to console her child saying, “mommy and daddy would never take you somewhere that we thought was dangerous.” The crying child responded “what about Angel’s Landing? That was dangerous”. I am so appalled with parents who take their children on risky hikes. I enjoyed your article, Jamie, and I wish I could do what you do, but I know my limits and will not attempt AL. I hope this comment is read by parents considering hiking this with kids and in the end, reconsider.
Thank you for the comment Denise 🙂
Thanks Jamie, this is an excellent article and really making me re-think going on this hike.
Do you think a via ferrata harness kit would be useful on the chain section? And I don’t mean some makeshift paracord/cheap carabiners you tie to your waist, but a real via ferrata and sit/climbing harness set. Using high-quality energy-absorbing via ferrata with two lanyards & carabiners so that you can always have at least one clip on the chains when you move past each post. I would only use a kit made by the top climbing manufacturers like Petzl, Black Diamond, etc.
From videos I’ve seen, the chains appear to have many breaks in between where there are no chains and areas where you would not be attached to anything until you get to the next set of chains. Of course, the kit would be of no use in those spots, but on some of those scary looking chain sections, I would love some back up other than my hands to keep from falling.
Would love your thoughts on this. Thanks again.
Hi Pat, despite the obvious benefit in the case of a mishap, overall I wouldn’t recommend a harness kit. The main problem I foresee is that the chain handrail is fastened via a series of posts drilled into the ground – the posts occur frequently, so you’d repeatedly have to disconnect and reconnect yourself at each post. This of course would slow your progress and inspire others to make hazardous moves to get around you. When I hiked it in my 20s I was guilty of letting go of the chains to get around some folks.
If you’re fairly sure-footed and okay with heights I’d wager that you’ll be fine. There’s rarely any witnesses, but it seems that most accidents occur a short distance away the designated trail, or even at the summit itself (where there is no protection). When you consider the hundreds and thousands of people that go up there every year, the overall statistics are more favorable than plenty of other activities.
I appreciate your thoughts on this – I am definitely not a ‘thrill-seeker’ and this is not something that I “must do”, but accomplishing significant hikes, being part of nature and seeing these beautiful views is thrilling in itself. Despite closed trails, it sounds like there are so many other ways to enjoy Zion. Again, thank you Jamie.
In that case I’d suggest the West Rim Trail, or Observation Point via East Mesa (dirt road approach). Climbing to an elevation where you can physically look down on Angels Landing is rewarding and provides a shift in perspective.
We just today buried my daughter’s 42 year old husband ! He fell 1200 feet while hiking in Zion National Park. He fell February 19, 2021! Today March 6 we read that a 43 year old fell to his death in Zion National Park!!! If you value your life, please stay off of those trails! I think they should be closed to the public! My daughter is now a widow!!!
I’m so sorry Elizabeth
I’m so very sorry Elizabeth. Will be praying for you and your family. I did this hike to the top 6 years ago tomorrow, but wouldn’t attempt it again.
Very sad situation for your family, sorry for your loss.
Unfortunately many things in life are not 100% safe. We cannot simply close everything.
I hiked it 2 years ago, one of the most memorable hikes ever.
We saw many people out there that shouldn’t have been. Women and kids crying and clutching into the rails.
Sorry about your son in law. May peace replace grief in your family.
I hiked Angel’s Landing back in May of 2018. As I was headed down from the summit, my left foot lost traction (as I was moving a bit too quickly downwards) and I lost my balance. By some miracle, as my left foot was sliding down a rock slanted outwards towards a cliff, I grabbed the chain and pulled myself back onto my feet.
I was younger at the time, 16 years old.
My father had stayed behind at Scout’s. I was going up angels with two of my uncles. One of them laughed and remarked, “Wow, I’m glad I don’t have to explain that to your father!”.
I was definitely a lot more careful on the rest of the way down. Didn’t realize how close I was to falling off until we got back to the bus.
Hey Carter, thanks for the comment. That’s a scary story!
Thanks for your coverage of this topic. Zion is one of my favorite places to hike, run and enjoy the beautiful environment. I’ve visited at least once a year every year since 2013 and I love this hike…all the way up until the actual Angels Landing section with the chains. Which I started to do in 2014 and then changed my mind. I just wasn’t comfortable with the risk/reward ratio. I chickened out and have decided to remain a chicken regarding this section of the hike, but kudos to everyone who has successfully navigated it!
There’s no dishonor in declining, only peace of mind.
Great article! Hiked it a decade ago or so, and these pictures really brought it back. I was attempting to “conquer” my fear of heights. Completed the hike, but had shattering nightmares for a few weeks after and my fear of heights is definitely worse now. Spectacular, beautiful hike but can’t exactly say I’m glad I did it.
Hey there! Your website is probably my favorite outdoors info, reviews, and photography source there is.
I was just reading your post about the Stampede trail and magic bus where you mentioned getting a short-term job in Denali national park. I was wondering what that entailed and what the prerequisites are for such a job? I hope this question isn’t bothersome.
Hi Ashlyn thanks for the kind words. I worked for Princess Cruises at Denali. Most of these jobs in the National Parks are in the hospitality industry, so there’s little barrier to entry. Check out the listings on http://www.coolworks.com to get started.
Just found your blog! Thank you gor sharing all this info!
Great article Jamie!
We did the Angels Landing hike on November 30th, 2021.
It was a Monday and the first day that the shuttles had stopped running.
We got to the Grotto stop at 8:30am and it had just filled up. We drove a half mile back and parked on a pullout just before the lodge. While a few people that parked with us walked up the road we took the trail that follows the river, which was a nice little hike.
We came across a few people heading down the trail but most of the people were heading up at that time.
We were a little worried that the trail would be too challenging for us.
I thought that the trail might be a tough hike because I had not done any exercise for almost a month– which I blame on Covid and cold weather but it might have been because I was just feeling lazy 🙂
I live in the mountains so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that I found the hike relatively easy for someone over 50 years old. My friend who lives at sea level found it easy as well but she works out a lot.
It wasn’t that crowded and we never had to pass anyone while using the chains.
Everybody was polite and let anybody going up pass first.
We saw the sign that said 12? people had died on the trail since 1998–we were surprised it was that few once we reached the top. There are some sketchy parts on that trail. I used any chains that were there!
We also had gloves because it was cold in the morning and we didnt want to get anyone’s Covid germs on our hands. We noticed a lot of people didn’t have gloves, which I would recommend.
It was a great hike and took us about 3 1/2 hours with a long rest at the top.
Listen to Jamie and decide if this hike is for you.
Cheers!
Thanks for the update and for sharing your experience Mitchell 🙂
I have to say Angel’s Landing was plain fun to me to hike. The bottom section was more difficult in my opinion than the chains section. I found myself thinking, “I can’t believe I get to do this” while going up the chains. We went in October when it wasn’t as crowded and the weather was perfect. The West Rim was fun and had beautiful views too, but Angel’s Landing was exhilarating! I’m not afraid of heights, but I took full advantage of the chains, as there’s no reason to be careless and they are there for good reason. I have to say though that I was appalled at the adults that seemed to be making their children do this hike against their wishes. I’m sure the kids were glad they did it once they were back down, but why would you risk your young child’s life so that you could brag that they did this hike?
yep it’s fun and relatively safe for most folks, just too crowded in recent years and too much of a disneyland vibe