zions county

Guacamole Trail

Location: ZION NATIONAL PARK

Difficulty Level: Hard

Distance:: 4.9/miles roundtrip

trail overview

Overview

Angels Landing is Zion National Park’s most iconic hike — a thrilling 5.4-mile round-trip trail that climbs over 1,400 feet to a narrow spine of sandstone nearly 1,500 feet above the canyon floor. The reward is a 360° panoramic view of Zion Canyon that’s unlike any other in the park.

This hike is famous for its last half-mile, where the trail narrows to just a few feet wide in places, with sheer drop-offs on both sides. Chains are bolted into the rock to help hikers traverse the ridge.

Because of the exposure and popularity, this hike now requires a permit through the Angels Landing Lottery.

Angels Landing

TRAIL DETAILS

DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD

Trail Description

The Grotto Trailhead
- The hike begins at The Grotto shuttle stop in Zion Canyon.
- Cross the bridge over the Virgin River and start up a paved trail.
Refrigerator Canyon
- A relatively shady section that provides a break from the sun.
- The trail is paved and moderate here.
Walter’s Wiggles
- A series of 21 steep switchbacks that climb rapidly to Scout Lookout.
- Named after Walter Ruesch, the park’s first superintendent.
Scout Lookout (2.1 miles in)
- A wide, flat area with restrooms.
- Many visitors stop here for the view if they don’t plan to attempt the chained section.
- From here, the Angels Landing permit-only section begins.
The Chain Section
- About 0.5 miles of exposed ridge walking with chains for assistance.
- Narrow trail, sheer cliffs, and steep scrambles.
- This is the most challenging — and thrilling — part of the hike.
The Summit (Angels Landing)
- Elevation: 5,790 feet.
- A breathtaking perch above Zion Canyon with expansive views north and south.