Angles' Landing(in the photo above) is a rock formation that is at summit elevation in Zion National Park. The trail to Angles' Landing is a strenuous 2.5-mile trail with an elevation change of over 1,480 feet. The first 1.9 miles of the hike take you over the spectacular west rim of Zion passing Refrigerator Canyon and zigzagging with Walter's Wriggles. But Angles' Landing fame comes from the last half a mile of the trail; the narrow, steep drop-off part of the trail that has chains added to help you pull yourself up the rocks and navigate the sheer cliffs. It is not for the faint of heart!
To get to the trail head, we disembarked at the Grotto shuttle stop. From there, we crossed the bridge and started the ascent up the west rim trail. The trail becomes steep very quickly, and there isn't much shade, so an early start is recommended. The views of the river and canyon below is breathtaking, and the colors of the canyon walls are amazingly comforting, and very inviting.
About mid trail we got to Refrigerator Canyon, the only shaded part of the trail with golden canyon walls. It was a good place to stop and catch our breath. From the canyon the trail becomes vertical, with 21 switchbacks carved into the rocks and called Walter's Wiggles.
Once we were done with Walter's Wiggles, the trail opened up a little to a view called Scout Lookout. That is the point were most people stop, take in the view and turn around down the wiggles.
We thought we would go on for a little further, and this is what was waiting for us:
The trail was extremely narrow! And sheer drops stared at you on both sides. At that point I was questioning my sanity and our decision to go on. I was so relieved to see a landing,which initially I thought was the Angles' Landing, and had a quick change of perspective"oh this is not so bad". Ha, little did I know!
I don't know if that landing has a name, but Bill called it Chicken's Landing.Once we got there, we sat under the tree, decided not to go on with the hike,ate our breakfast while watching other people(the brave ones) going up the vertical, narrow trail that is lined with chains.After food, photos and sharing stories with a couple from Belgium, we packed our stuff and headed back. After we took that chained trail back to Scouts Lookout, Bill turned around and gave me the look. I knew he wanted to finish the hike all the way to the landing, and I kind of wanted to too, underneath the fear. So, I allowed my adventurous spirit to take over, and made room for my faith in my abilities and in destiny and we turned around;towards the chains, steep drop-offs, narrow, frightening trail.
We passed Chicken's Landing this time, and without chickening out a bit, we pressed on. The trail is even narrower than it looked it would be, but it was not as scary as I imagined it to be. Even though we took our time, we were at the top in less than half an hour. I think the fact that I was watching my steps carefully, avoiding looking down on either side and just focusing on using the chains, made it a pleasant experience for me.
The hike to the top is well worth the adventure. The views from where the angles land and birds soar were beyond spectacular, and the sense of achievement was great.
I was worried about the hike down, but it wasn't too bad. I did use everything God gave to feel safe and balanced(feet, hands, behind), and took my time, and even with that, we were at Scouts Lookout in about twenty minutes. From there, the hike down, and maybe every hike since then was a piece of cake.
Angles' Landing trail, although not for everyone, is an adventure that will stay with me for a long time, and I am thrilled that we did it.
Comments (7)
Hi Candi, what an amazing experience. Your photos are beautiful and the views on this hike are amazing.
You and your husband are so brave and very fit to hike such a difficult and challenging hike. Kudos to you and your husband. What a great memory to have for a life time.
Thanks so much for sharing your adventures and photos.
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | October 27, 2009 9:07 PM
Posted on October 27, 2009 21:07
Wow! What an accomplishment. And beautiful pictures. I've read about this trail and I know some of the 'challenges' but you pictures really show what it is like. Congratulations on making it to the top.
Posted by Marta | October 27, 2009 9:08 PM
Posted on October 27, 2009 21:08
You are my hero! Wow, Wow, Wow! I have done some crazy hikes over the years but nothing like that! Congratulations for going all the way! Great photos!!
Posted by girasoli | October 28, 2009 11:43 PM
Posted on October 28, 2009 23:43
Wow - I love this place!! Looks awesome, and so daunting - well done for hiking to the top! I love that you were able to let your faith in yourself take over so you could enjoy the climb.
Posted by Anne | October 29, 2009 5:13 AM
Posted on October 29, 2009 05:13
Oh my gosh, seeing that trail made my stomach churn! I'm impressed that you guys did this hike.
Posted by Annie | October 29, 2009 7:37 AM
Posted on October 29, 2009 07:37
Stunning photos, Candi! What a trail -- I'm so impressed that you hiked and lived to tell the exciting tale. It must have been a spectacular day.
Posted by sandrac | October 29, 2009 7:22 PM
Posted on October 29, 2009 19:22
I am stopping in after seeing one of your comments on Postcards From The Trail. The hike looks amazing, and is on my lists of must do (one when we make it back to the States). The landscape is so similar to what we see here in Australia--so beautiful.
Posted by maya | November 1, 2009 9:22 PM
Posted on November 1, 2009 21:22