Angels Landing is one of the most famous hikes in Zion National Park, Utah, and for good reason. The trail combines a steep climb through Zion Canyon with a narrow, exposed ridge where hikers use fixed chains to reach one of the park’s most spectacular viewpoints.
But Angels Landing is not an ordinary scenic hike. The final section is narrow, exposed, and physically and mentally demanding. Since 2022, hikers who want to go beyond Scout Lookout to Angels Landing must have a permit.
If you’re planning to hike Angels Landing in 2026, this guide covers everything you need to know—from the permit lottery and shuttle to the chain section, difficulty, hiking time, safety, best time to visit, and what to do if you don’t get a permit.
Angels Landing Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Zion National Park, Utah |
| Trailhead | The Grotto, Shuttle Stop #6 |
| Distance | 5.4 miles round trip |
| Elevation gain | 1,488 feet |
| Typical hiking time | About 4 hours |
| Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Trail type | Out and back |
| Permit | Required for Angels Landing |
| Permit cost | $6 application fee + $3 per person if awarded |
| Chain section | Final 0.5 mile |
| Dogs | Not allowed on the trail |
| Best seasons | Spring and fall are generally comfortable |
| Open | Year-round, subject to conditions and closures |
The National Park Service lists the complete hike at 5.4 miles round trip with 1,488 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers take approximately four hours, although slower hikers may need longer.
Do You Need a Permit for Angels Landing?
Yes. A permit is required to hike from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing.
This is one of the most important things to know before visiting Zion.
The permit requirement applies every day and at all times of day. Rangers may check your permit at the Grotto, Scout Lookout, or elsewhere along the trail.
However, there’s an important distinction:
You do not need an Angels Landing permit to hike from The Grotto to Scout Lookout.
So if you don’t win a permit, you can still hike the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout and enjoy the canyon views. The final half-mile chain section is where the Angels Landing permit becomes necessary.
How Does the Angels Landing Permit Lottery Work?
The National Park Service currently uses two ways to obtain an Angels Landing permit:
- Seasonal Lottery
- Day-Before Lottery
Both are handled through Recreation.gov.
Seasonal Lottery
The seasonal lottery lets you apply ahead of your trip.
For 2026, Zion National Park announced these seasonal lottery windows:
| Hiking dates | Lottery opens | Lottery closes | Results |
| March 1–May 31 | February 13 | February 25 | February 26 |
| June 1–August 31 | April 1 | April 20 | April 25 |
| September 1–November 30 | July 1 | July 20 | July 25 |
| December 1–February 28, 2027 | October 1 | October 20 | October 25 |
These dates are specific to the 2026 permit program and can change in future years, so always check the latest NPS information before planning a future trip.
Day-Before Lottery
Didn’t get a seasonal permit? You still have another option.
You can apply for the day-before lottery.
Applications open at:
12:01 a.m. Mountain Time the day before your hike
and close at:
3:00 p.m. Mountain Time the day before your hike.
Results are issued at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time.
For example, if you want to hike on Friday, you apply on Thursday between 12:01 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mountain Time.
This is especially useful for travelers whose Zion itinerary is flexible.
How Much Does the Angels Landing Permit Cost?
For the current program:
- $6 application fee
- $3 per person if you receive a permit
The National Park Service states that the $6 application fee covers the lottery application, while the additional $3-per-person fee applies when a permit is issued.
How Long Is the Angels Landing Hike?
The full Angels Landing hike is approximately 5.4 miles round trip.
The trail gains approximately 1,488 feet of elevation.
Most hikers take about four hours, although your actual time depends on fitness, crowds, weather, rest breaks, and how long you spend at the viewpoint.
The hike begins at The Grotto and first follows the West Rim Trail toward Scout Lookout.
From Scout Lookout, the final approximately 0.5 mile is the famous Angels Landing section with chains and significant exposure.
How Hard Is Angels Landing?
Angels Landing is a strenuous hike.
The difficulty isn’t just about the elevation gain.
The first portion is a steep uphill hike, but the final section adds a completely different challenge: narrow rock, exposed drop-offs, chains, and two-way hiker traffic.
The National Park Service describes parts of the trail as less than three feet wide, with long drop-offs and chains used as handrails.
You should be comfortable with:
- Steep uphill hiking
- Uneven rock
- Heights
- Exposed terrain
- Using fixed chains
- Waiting for other hikers in narrow sections
- Maintaining balance while climbing
You don’t need technical rock-climbing equipment, but you do need good judgment and confidence on exposed terrain.
What Is the Angels Landing Chain Section Like?
The chains are what make Angels Landing famous.
The chain section begins at Scout Lookout and continues for roughly half a mile.
Instead of a normal wide hiking trail, you’ll be moving along exposed sandstone with steep drop-offs. Chains installed into the rock provide handholds in several sections.
Traffic moves in both directions, so hikers sometimes have to pause and carefully pass one another.
This is also the section where your comfort level matters most.
If you reach Scout Lookout and decide the exposure isn’t for you, turning around is completely reasonable.
There is no shame in making Scout Lookout your final destination.
Is Angels Landing Dangerous?
Angels Landing should be taken seriously.
The National Park Service specifically warns that the trail contains narrow sections, steep drop-offs and chains, and that safety is the hiker’s responsibility.
The biggest risks include:
- Falling from exposed sections
- Losing balance
- Wet or icy rock
- Strong winds
- Thunderstorms
- Heat exhaustion
- Dehydration
- Crowded chain sections
- Rushing because of a permit start time
Don’t hike the chain section if conditions make the rock slippery or visibility poor.
Check the weather and current trail conditions before starting.
Angels Landing vs. Scout Lookout
One of the most useful things to understand is that Scout Lookout is not the same as Angels Landing.
The hike from The Grotto to Scout Lookout is already strenuous, but you don’t need an Angels Landing permit for it.
From Scout Lookout, you can:
Option 1: Continue to Angels Landing if you have a valid permit.
Option 2: Stop at Scout Lookout and enjoy the views without doing the exposed chain section.
The National Park Service estimates the Grotto-to-Scout Lookout section at approximately 2.25 miles one way and about 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
For many visitors, Scout Lookout is an excellent backup plan if they don’t receive an Angels Landing permit.
Where Does the Angels Landing Hike Start?
The standard route begins at:
The Grotto — Zion Canyon Shuttle Stop #6
When the Zion Canyon shuttle is operating, most hikers use Stop #6 to access the trailhead.
From The Grotto, cross the road and bridge and follow the West Rim Trail toward Scout Lookout.
The Grotto has:
- Restrooms
- Drinking-water bottle filling
- Shuttle access
- Picnic facilities
- Trail access
It’s a good place to use the restroom and fill your water bottles before beginning the climb.
How to Get to Angels Landing Trailhead
During shuttle season, you generally cannot simply drive your private vehicle up Zion Canyon to the trailhead.
Instead:
- Enter Zion National Park.
- Park at the Visitor Center or appropriate parking area.
- Take the Zion Canyon shuttle.
- Get off at Stop #6 — The Grotto.
- Cross the road and bridge.
- Follow the West Rim Trail toward Scout Lookout.
- Continue to Angels Landing only if you have a permit.
For 2026, Zion Canyon shuttle service resumed March 7. The exact shuttle schedule changes throughout the year, so check the NPS schedule for your travel dates.
What Time Should You Hike Angels Landing?
There’s no single perfect time for everyone.
An early start can be attractive because temperatures are generally more manageable and you have more daylight available for completing the hike.
However, the best time should also depend on your permit time, weather, shuttle schedule and hiking ability.
Morning
Morning hikes can be a good choice during warmer months because you avoid some of the afternoon heat.
Midday
Midday can be significantly hotter during summer, particularly on exposed sections.
If you’re hiking in summer, pay close attention to heat and hydration.
Afternoon and Evening
Late-day light can make Zion’s cliffs look spectacular, but you should be careful about finishing after dark.
NPS recommends carrying a flashlight or headlamp because an unexpected delay can extend your hike.
Also remember that Zion becomes very dark after sunset, so don’t assume you’ll have good visibility once daylight disappears.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Hike Angels Landing?
Spring
Spring can offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, but weather can change quickly.
Rain and storms can make exposed terrain more challenging.
Summer
Summer is one of the busiest times in Zion and can also be extremely hot.
Start early, carry enough water and check the weather before beginning.
Fall
Fall is one of the most appealing seasons for many hikers because temperatures become more comfortable and the canyon scenery can be beautiful.
Winter
Winter brings shorter days and the possibility of snow and ice.
The trail can remain accessible, but conditions can change quickly. Snow or ice can make the exposed chain section substantially more difficult.
For most visitors, spring and fall offer a good balance of temperatures and hiking conditions, but current weather and trail conditions matter more than the calendar alone.
What Should You Bring for Angels Landing?
Don’t underestimate the hike.
At minimum, consider bringing:
- Plenty of drinking water
- Food or snacks
- Comfortable hiking shoes with good traction
- Layers appropriate for the weather
- Sun protection
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- A small backpack
- Phone or camera
- Park map or downloaded map
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Your Angels Landing permit
NPS specifically recommends carrying plenty of water, food, layers and a flashlight or headlamp, and checking the forecast before hiking.
There is drinking water at The Grotto, but don’t expect regular drinking-water stations farther along the trail. Fill your bottles before you leave the trailhead.
Can Kids Hike Angels Landing?
This requires careful judgment.
There isn’t a simple “yes” or “no” answer based only on age. The chain section is exposed and physically demanding, and every hiker needs to be capable of handling the terrain safely.
A much easier option for families is to hike to Scout Lookout instead.
Scout Lookout provides impressive Zion Canyon views without requiring hikers to continue onto the exposed Angels Landing chain section.
Parents should consider a child’s hiking experience, confidence around heights, ability to follow safety instructions and comfort with exposed terrain before deciding.
Are Dogs Allowed on Angels Landing?
No. Dogs are not allowed on the Angels Landing trail.
If you’re visiting Zion with a dog, you’ll need to plan around the park’s pet restrictions rather than bringing your dog on the hike.
The National Park Service lists Angels Landing as a no-pets activity.
What If You Don’t Get an Angels Landing Permit?
Don’t cancel your Zion trip.
You still have plenty of options.
The most obvious alternative is Scout Lookout.
You can hike the West Rim Trail from The Grotto to Scout Lookout without an Angels Landing permit.
You can also explore other Zion Canyon trails, depending on current conditions and your itinerary.
In fact, if you’re traveling with people who don’t want to tackle the chains, Scout Lookout can be a useful meeting point while one permitted hiker continues to Angels Landing.
Angels Landing Safety Tips
The most important rule is simple:
Don’t let the summit become more important than your safety.
Keep these tips in mind:
1. Check the weather
Thunderstorms, rain, ice and strong winds can make exposed terrain more dangerous.
2. Don’t rush the chains
There is no prize for completing the chain section quickly.
Move deliberately and allow other hikers to pass when appropriate.
3. Keep both hands available
When using the chains, avoid unnecessary distractions such as taking photos while moving.
Stop in a safe location before taking pictures.
4. Wear shoes with good traction
Smooth casual shoes are a poor choice for steep, uneven sandstone.
5. Hydrate before and during the hike
Zion’s heat can be intense, especially during summer.
NPS recommends drinking plenty of water and specifically warns visitors to watch for heat stress.
6. Don’t ignore your fear
If you’re uncomfortable with heights or exposed terrain, you don’t have to continue.
Scout Lookout is a legitimate turnaround point.
7. Carry your permit
Download or print your permit confirmation before arriving at the trailhead. Rangers may check it.
8. Leave enough time for the return
The summit isn’t the end of the hike.
You still need to descend the chain section and return to The Grotto, then catch the shuttle if one is operating.
Is Angels Landing Worth It?
For hikers who are physically prepared and comfortable with exposed terrain, Angels Landing can be one of the most memorable hikes in Zion National Park.
The final ridge offers extraordinary views of Zion Canyon, and the experience is unlike most conventional hiking trails.
But it’s not worth forcing yourself onto the chains if you aren’t comfortable with them.
One of the best things about Zion is that the park offers spectacular alternatives.
You don’t have to stand on the summit of Angels Landing to have an incredible Zion experience.
Angels Landing Hiking Route: What to Expect
The hike can be thought of in several sections:
The Grotto to West Rim Trail
The hike begins near the Grotto and immediately starts gaining elevation.
West Rim Trail
You’ll climb through Zion’s dramatic sandstone landscape toward Scout Lookout.
Walter’s Wiggles
The famous series of tight switchbacks helps hikers gain elevation before reaching Scout Lookout.
Scout Lookout
This is the key decision point.
If you don’t have a permit, this is where you stop.
If you have a permit and feel comfortable continuing, the Angels Landing chain section begins here.
The Chains
This is the exposed section that Angels Landing is famous for.
Use the chains carefully, watch your footing and be patient around other hikers.
Angels Landing Summit
At the top, you’ll have dramatic views down Zion Canyon and across the surrounding cliffs.
Take your time, enjoy the scenery and begin your descent before you’re rushed by darkness or the shuttle schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About Angels Landing
Is Angels Landing free?
The hike itself does not require a separate entrance-free hike fee, but you need an Angels Landing permit to continue beyond Scout Lookout. The current permit process includes a $6 application fee and $3 per person if you receive a permit.
How many miles is Angels Landing?
The full round-trip hike is approximately 5.4 miles.
How much elevation gain is Angels Landing?
The hike gains approximately 1,488 feet.
How long does Angels Landing take?
Most hikers take approximately 4 hours, although your time may vary depending on fitness, crowds and conditions.
Is Angels Landing hard?
Yes. It is classified as a strenuous hike, with significant elevation gain and an exposed chain section.
Do you need a permit for Scout Lookout?
No. You can hike to Scout Lookout without an Angels Landing permit.
Do you need a permit for Angels Landing?
Yes. Anyone hiking to Angels Landing beyond Scout Lookout needs a permit.
Can you get an Angels Landing permit the day before?
Yes. Zion offers a day-before lottery through Recreation.gov. Applications are accepted from 12:01 a.m. until 3 p.m. Mountain Time the day before the hike.
Can you hike Angels Landing without a permit?
You can hike to Scout Lookout without a permit, but you cannot legally continue to Angels Landing without one.
Is Angels Landing open year-round?
The hike is listed as a year-round activity, but temporary closures and hazardous conditions can occur. Always check current Zion National Park conditions before hiking.
Are dogs allowed on Angels Landing?
No. Pets are not allowed on the Angels Landing trail.
Can you turn around at Scout Lookout?
Absolutely. Scout Lookout is a natural turnaround point, especially for hikers without permits or anyone uncomfortable with the chain section.
What shuttle stop is Angels Landing?
The trailhead is accessed from The Grotto, Shuttle Stop #6.
Final Thoughts
Angels Landing is famous because it combines almost everything people look for in an iconic national park hike: dramatic scenery, a serious physical challenge and a genuinely memorable final climb.
But the most important part of planning this hike isn’t simply figuring out how to reach the summit.
It’s understanding the permit system, checking conditions, starting with enough time, carrying adequate water and honestly assessing whether the exposed chain section is right for you.
If you get a permit and conditions are good, Angels Landing can be an unforgettable part of a Zion National Park trip.
And if you don’t get a permit—or decide the chains aren’t for you—Scout Lookout is still a worthwhile destination with impressive views of Zion Canyon.