Angels Landing Trail

LaVerkin · UT

When to go

BestGoodFairPoorClosedCrowds (quiet → packed)

Day: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Time: earliest available permit start-time window · early morning
Avoid: Avoid holiday weekends, summer afternoons, and any rain, thunderstorm, wet-rock, icy, or darkness-risk conditions.

About 6 hours

A good route

Start
Zion Canyon Visitor Center, Shuttle Stop 130 min
Board the free Zion Canyon Shuttle for Stop 6, The Grotto.
+30 min
The Grotto, Shuttle Stop 615 min
Use toilets, refill all water bottles, and confirm your permit and photo ID.
+45 min
West Rim Trail and Refrigerator Canyon75 min
Climb steadily; there is no drinking water beyond The Grotto.
+2 h
Walter’s Wiggles30 min
Take the steep switchbacks at a sustainable pace.
+2 h 30
Scout Lookout15 min
Assess weather, fatigue, and comfort with exposure; this is a worthwhile turnaround.
+2 h 45
Angels Landing chain section and summit45 min
Use the chains patiently, yield in narrow sections, and keep loose items secured.
+3 h 30
Return descent to The Grotto105 min
Do not rush the descent; allow extra time for chain-section traffic.
+5 h 15
The Grotto to Zion Canyon Visitor Center45 min
Ride the shuttle down-canyon; allow for waiting time.

Good to know

Bring

Offline-saved or printed permit
Government-issued photo ID
Four liters of water per person daily baseline
Trail shoes with strong traction
Sun protection and layers
Snacks or packed lunch
Headlamp
Basic first-aid and blister care
Gloves in winter'],

Food & breaks

Food is not sold at The Grotto.
Refill water at The Grotto before hiking.
Scout Lookout has toilets but no water.

Skip it if

Skip the chained ridge if you fear heights, have poor balance or vertigo, have relevant heart/breathing issues, or conditions are wet, icy, stormy, or dark.