Angels Landing Survival Guide: Things To Know Before You Go

Angels Landing is the most popular hike in Zion National Park. This is a 5.4-mile round-trip hike with 1,500 feet of elevation gain, and requires a permit. The Angels Landing hike, along with The Narrows, draws thousands of visitors per year, most of them during the summer months.

Why is Angels Landing so popular? This is a hike where it is more about the journey than the destination. Yes, the view from the top of Angels Landing is spectacular, but it’s the final climb along the narrow ridge that draws so many people here. With chain-assisted rock scrambling sections, stunning views, and vertigo-inducing heights, this really is a thrilling hike.

Tim and I hiked Angels Landing on our first visit to Zion (we’ve since returned to the park several times, our most recent visit being May 2025). This hike still stands out as one of our favorites, and we have hiked trails all over the world.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the hike in photos, provide information on how to obtain a permit, and offer safety tips and essential items to bring along on the hike.

November 2025 Update: Permit dates confirmed and added links to our new guides on Zion.

Table of Contents

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  • Angels Landing Hiking Stats
  • How to Get a Permit for Angels Landing
  • How to Hike Angels Landing
    • Step-By-Step Trail Guide
    • Finishing the Hike
  • Should You Hike Angels Landing?
  • How to Have the Best Experience
    • Don’t Forget to Apply for a Permit
    • Our #2 Tip: Hike more of the West Rim Trail
  • What to Bring on the Hike
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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