Angels’ Landing, it is the most famous hike of the park along with The Narrows and rightly so, it is an adventure to be remembered, a thrilling hike in amazing scenery.
It is not a long hike, about 5.5 miles round trip, but it is strenuous, with quick elevation and little shade, so plan for it as the main activity of the day.
The trail starts at The Grotto shuttle stop and goes along the river for a short time, then starts zig-zagging higher and higher up to Refrigerator Canyon. This stretch through the canyon is a pleasant break for the legs as there’s little elevation gain and it is also the only shaded area of the hike. Then the climb begins again out of the canyon with a series of steep zig-zags called Walter’s Wiggles, and you can be sure they’ll wiggle every muscle in your body!
The amazing thing is most of the trail is paved all the way to Scout’s Lookout and it was made in the 1930s !
⍗ this is the first part of the trail leading up to Refrigerator Canyon
⍗ Refrigerator Canyon
⍗ Walters Wiggles
Once you made it to Scout’s Lookout it is a great spot for a snack and if unsure whether to go all the way to the top, this is the place to decide.
⍗ The view from Scout’s Lookout
A little further up begins the real fun, the chained area of the hike to Angeles’ Landing. The beginning is the most slippery, then it becomes scarier if you are afraid of heights, but if you are you really shouldn’t be doing this part of the hike. You’ll be climbing up on a narrow cliff with 1500ft drops on both sides. If you thought you were ok, but freak out once up there, turn back and just look straight ahead at your feet, do not look down the cliff on your sides! People have fallen to their death while attempting this hike.
On the other hand if you have no such concerns this is a most unique, exhilarating hike and when you finally reach the top your reward is awaiting with the spell-biding 360degree view. Enjoy it, you earned it!
Close your eyes, whisper a wish and the angels might just hear you :)
When I was there it started raining soon after I began the chained part of the hike. There were no heavy clouds and it felt like a light summer rain so I proceeded on. After a few minutes the sun was out again. On the way back down though the sky got covered with heavy gray clouds there was thunder, strong wind and it started pouring. Luckily I was already about half way down the trail and found a spot in the cliffs where I was covered. In such conditions I would not recommend hiking up, there is no-where to hide once you are on the last stretch to the top. It can be a major disappointment especially if your time in the park is limited but consider what you have to loose if you get caught in a lightning storm up on the exposed cliff! It is best to check at the Visitor Center that morning for potential storm forecast.
Also, wear the right shoes for Goodness sake! You might torture your feet all the way to Scout’s Lookout in sandals, but the last part of the hike definitely requires safer shoes. I’m writing this because I see people in flip-flops and sandals on trails much too often and all I can think of is that they are asking for an injury. If you can afford to go on a trip you must able to budget in a pair of appropriate shoes too, and no, they don’t have to be any fancy brand.
This hike is definitely not for children or for anyone afraid of heights. It is however so popular there were rumors in the park that a permit system is being considered for the high season, to keep it safe.
