Laninga's Travel Blog

Angels Landing is one of the classic hikes in Zion and one of the most stunning viewpoints you will ever experience, but it’s not recommended for anybody with a fear of heights. Starting at the Grotto Trailhead, the hike to Angels Landing follows the longer West Rim Trail backpacking route up and out of the west side of the main canyon. Angels Landing is unique fin-like mountain formation that juts out to the center of the main canyon.

After a rather steep and winding climb from the Virgin River, you get a nice respite in Refrigerator Canyon, where it always is cooler than the rest of hike. Then, you reach Walter’s Wiggles, a steep climb with 21 switch backs. A bit of an exertion here! Then you reach Scout’s Landing, an open space with magnificent views.

Those who are braver than us finish the last 1/2 mile along a steep path with dropoffs of 1,500 feet. A final crossing of a spine with 1,500 dropoffs on both sides brings you to Angel’s Landing itself. Like many others, we passed on this last part, which is rated as one of the three most dangerous hikes in the USA.

After a the hike we managed a quick stop at the Three Patriarchs, a magnificent set of mountain peaks next to the Virgin river.

A river’s side view of Angels Landing

Entrance to “Refrigerator Canyon”

Looking up to Walter’s Wiggles

And looking down Walters Wiggles

A view back from Scout’s Landing

Looking down deom Scout’s Landing into the valley

Showing how tenuous the last 1/2 mile gets

A line of hikers starting the last 1/2 mile

A cactus flower, blooming alongside the trail

A vie of the Patriarchs

Another view of the Patriarchs