Angels Landing, Zion National Park, UT - Not-Quite-the-World-Traveler Review

Angels Landing, Zion National Park, UT - Not-Quite-the-World-Traveler Review
Do you fear heights? Or even more appropriately heights coupled with narrow widths? If so, THIS is not the trail for you!!!

But if you crave just a little heart-pounding (mostly from climbing "Walter's Wiggles" - a series of 21-switchbacks prior to reaching the sandstone spire) and a shot of adrenalin to go with your water and trail mix munchies, then THIS is the hike for you! The view of the Great White Throne, Zion Canyon and the Virgin river winding its way throughout is simply unparalleled, and I guarantee that your salted peanuts will never taste better than from atop this incredible spire!

Angels Landing trail - picture courtesy Wikipedia

According to the National Park Service, "The Angels Landing Trail-West Rim Trail was built in 1926 following the completion of the East Rim Trail. The Angels Landing trail climbs a narrow sandstone spine in a challenging trail carved from the rock, with chain handholds and stone footholds for a 300-foot climb in just .5 miles to end atop the 1,208 foot tall summit.

It joins the West Rim Trail, built in 1925-26 and extended in 1935. Both trails were planned by Thomas Chalmers Vint of the NPS Branch of Plans and Design and Walter Ruesch, the Zion Park building foreman. Reusch lent his name to "Walter's Wiggles", a series of 21 switchbacks leading to Scout Lookout, the last turn-around before heading out onto the rock fin of Angels Landing.The route to Angels Landing involves travel along a steep, narrow ridge with support chains anchored intermittently along the route. Footing can be slippery even when the rock is dry. Unevenly surfaced steps are cut into the rock with major cliff dropoffs adjacent. Keep off when it is wet, icy or thunderstorms are in the area. Plan to be off before dark."

Even while heeding these warnings, and watching your footing, taking pictures only when you've gotten through the tricky spots, the exhilarating hike is well worth it after seeing the glorious panorama of Zion National Park spread before you in its full glory.

The summit of Angels Landing

Zion Canyon and the Virgin River from atop Angels Landing