Angels Landing
A 5.4-mile round trip climbing roughly 1,500 feet to one of the most exposed summit ridges in the National Park System. The final half-mile follows support chains along a narrow fin with sheer drops on both sides — spectacular, and not for anyone uneasy with heights.
By The US Hikers editorial team · Last verified July 5, 2026
- Distance
- 5.4 mi RT
- Elevation gain
- 1,488 ft
- Permit
- Required
- Best season
- Spring (Apr–May) and fall (Sep–Oct)
Permit note: A permit is required to hike beyond Scout Lookout to the summit, issued through a seasonal lottery on recreation.gov. There is no way to legally reach the chained section without one.
Trail overview
Angels Landing starts at The Grotto shuttle stop and climbs steadily via paved switchbacks, including the tight set known as Walter’s Wiggles, to Scout Lookout at about 2 miles. Scout Lookout is a reasonable turnaround point on its own and does not require a permit.
Beyond Scout Lookout, the route to the 5,790-foot summit follows anchored chains across a narrow sandstone fin. This final 0.5 mile is where the exposure is real: drops of 800–1,000 feet on either side. Take your time, wait for uphill/downhill traffic to clear at pinch points, and turn around if conditions feel unsafe.
Permits: how the lottery works
Since 2022 the summit section requires a permit obtained by lottery on recreation.gov. There is a seasonal lottery (apply months ahead) and a day-before lottery. A permit covers a small group and a specific date. Rangers check permits at Scout Lookout.
Always confirm current lottery dates and fees on the official Zion permit page before you plan — the system and price are set by the park, not by us.
Safety and timing
Start early. Zion’s canyon bakes in summer and the chains get crowded by mid-morning. Afternoon thunderstorms are common July–September and make the rock dangerous. Spring and fall are the safest, most comfortable windows.
Bring at least 2–3 liters of water per person, sun protection, and shoes with real grip. The park has recorded fatal falls here; this is a hike where honest self-assessment matters more than summit pride.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for Angels Landing?
Yes — to hike past Scout Lookout to the summit you need a permit from the recreation.gov lottery. You can hike to Scout Lookout without one.
How hard is Angels Landing?
Strenuous. It gains about 1,500 feet in 2.7 miles and finishes with a chained, highly exposed ridge. It is a bad choice for anyone with a serious fear of heights.
How long does Angels Landing take?
Most hikers take 3.5–5 hours round trip, including time waiting at the chains.
Make it a trip
Where to stay, what else to do and how to build an itinerary around Zion National Park.
Plan a Zion & Springdale trip on Roam StatesSources
Primary sources only for facts that change (fees, permits, closures): nps.gov, fs.usda.gov and official recreation.gov permit pages. We stamp every guide with a "last verified" date and re-check seasonal figures each year.