Zion National Park: Angels Landing

May 23 2021

The iconic Angels Landing. When I was planning my trip to Zion, this hike was at the top of my list. I also wanted to do the Narrows, but what I didn't realize is you need to get a permit for it, pr shuttle reservations to access the part of the park that Angels Landing is located in. Out of all of the national parks I've been to, the thought didn't even cross my mind that there would be part of the park you couldn't access.

Shuttle info: https://www.nps.gov/zion/learn/news/shuttle-service-operations-updates-for-zion-national-park.htm

*As of May 28, 2021 (literally 5 days after I went), the shuttle ticketing system is discontinued. All shuttle access will be from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center on a first-come, first-served basis* I'm not sure how well this will work out, but good luck to anyone else who wants to visit some of the most beautiful spots in the park.

This is a great video of the hike (not mine because I was too focused, aka slightly scared, on the trail): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy6K0KoMrco

Permits: The Narrows: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/narrowspermits.htm

These are available only 2 weeks in advance. I would also personally be super careful about the Cyanobacteria in the water. They say you're fine if you don't get it in your nose, eyes, or mouth, but I wouldn't feel comfortable hiking it without waders (as goofy as that looks). I'm extra careful about what kind of beauty products (lotion, skincare, etc) I use because it gets into your bloodstream, so why wouldn't the water you're wading in for hours? *stepping off my soapbox now*

Camping info: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/campgrounds-in-zion.htm

Flash Flood Info: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/07/01/zion-national-park-flood-photos-mudslides-flash-flooding/7823682002/

Thankfully, if you are going and don't realize until it's too late (like me) that you don't have a shuttle pass - there is an alternative. The park released passes at 3pm, on a first come, first serve basis, near the visitor's center. I got in line at 1:30pm and made friends with other hikers in the same boat as me. I met a group of guys who were from Kansas City (which is where I grew up!) and was super thankful I had them when we started the hike, for moral support.

I normally do a lot of research before hikes, but for some reason, I didn't with this one. It may be better that I didn't. I'm not a fan of heights (you will never catch me rock climbing - I know, I know, you're strapped in, but still...no thanks) and I did not realize how exposed this was. Even though I live in Colorado, and we have a ton of 14ers here, you will not catch me doing anything crazy like climb Capitol Peak. That video freaks me out just watching it haha. That's a hard pass for me.

*photo credit (above): https://www.earthtrekkers.com/hiking-angels-landing-zion-survival-guide/

I rode the shuttle up with the guys and started up the trail. The first part is a decent little incline, but the trail is very well maintained, and easy to follow. There are (what feels like) a million switchbacks up the mountain. When you're getting closer to the top you'll find yourself in Refrigerator Canyon, which was gorgeous. This is also one of the only areas that has shade.

Photo credit (Walter's Wiggles - above photo only): https://www.earthtrekkers.com/hiking-angels-landing-zion-survival-guide/

Once we reached the top, where you could actually see Angel's Landing, I was a little freaked out. You realize how exposed it is, on each side, and how high the drop off it. You follow the trail down and then it steeply climbs up. I normally climb with trekking poles, but put those in my backpack to be hands free. You will definitely want to hold on to the chains along the trail.

There are a few "landings" that are a little wider up the steeper section of the trail. It continued to get steeper and steeper and a couple of the guys in the group didn't finish because they were so freaked out. I was definitely freaked out, it was totally out of my comfort zone, but I was so close to finishing that I pushed through. I didn't drive all that way to not finish the last 20 mins of the trail.

Photo credit (above photo only): https://www.earthtrekkers.com/hiking-angels-landing-zion-survival-guide/

The views from the top were incredible. It was crazy how high you are - you could see down into the valleys and see the large shuttle buses alllllll the way on the ground (1500 feet below). But, please please please, be careful when you're at the top. I saw some very unsafe things people were doing. I literally had to walk away when a 20 something year old girl laid down on her stomach and had her chest/head/arms hanging off the literal edge. Don't be that person. I don't care what kind of photo you want for the 'gram, it's not worth losing your life (which some people have). I would not recommend taking children on this hike.

I've heard that most people are told to get there crazy early in the morning and it's been super crowded. It was definitely crowded, and there were times where you had to get in line and let the descending hikers pass because it was so narrow, but it wasn't quite as bad as I was expecting.

Parking: I drove and found a parking spot at the Visitor's Center, when I arrived mid morning (I drove straight from Bryce Canyon) and I stayed there until I got back from the hike. We started hiking around 3:30pm, stopped at the top, and made it back down to the visitor's center around 7:30pm. I didn't have plans on where I was going to camp (also have to make reservations months in advance) but thankfully the guys I met let me car camp in their spot with them. That's one of my favorite things about hiking - everyone is normally so nice! I've met some really incredible people on trails and have become actual friends with a few of them.

*That being said - use your best judgement and be careful - there are also crazies out there (which I'm prepared for). You would have a very very bad day if you messed with me.