Angel’s Landing

 

Angel’s Landing is one of the highlight hikes in the park and a must do. The Angel’s Landing trail is accessed from the West Rim trail. To access the West Rim trail, take the park shuttle to the “Grotto” stop (number 6). The hike up the West Rim trail is long, steep and exposed to the sun at the beginning. However, the trail is paved all the way up to the Angel’s Landing area. The actual hike is well maintained but has very exposed ledges and narrow paths with 1400 foots drops on either side. There is a chain rail that runs the entire way up to the top along any exposed edge. The views are amazing.

Some issues to watch out for is the number of people going up and coming down at the same time. Many times you have to find a good spot to stand and let people pass going down as you ascend or vice versa. This is a must do and shouldn’t be missed.

Equipment: Water, water and more water. Also, wear good hiking shoes for the hike up. On this most recent trip, I saw many people hiking this in street type shoes, sandals, flip-flops and even counted three people going up/coming down with bare feet! Pretty stupid to hike in any desert environment with bare feet never mind steep ledges with a 1400 foot drop.