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The notorious Angels Touchdown hike in Utah is an epic and scary path that pulls many hundreds of hikers yearly to the Zion Nationwide Park.

This can be a onerous hike that takes you up the aspect of a steep sandstone mountain, with chains to seize onto for security, and wonderful views of Zion surrounding you on all sides.

The chain part of Angels Touchdown is famous for being particularly hair-raising and unsafe, and there have been various falling deaths on this hike over time, though it’s lots protected in case you’re cautious.

Permits are required since 2022, and you’ll apply for them by way of a lottery system carried out by the Nationwide Park Service, or else you possibly can guide a guided hike that features permits.

I wouldn’t say this path is for everybody, however in case you take pleasure in journey, images, and an excellent adrenaline rush, then undoubtedly add it to your bucket checklist!

This journey information for Angels Touchdown will clarify easy methods to get permits, the place to search out the trailhead, easy methods to do the hike safely, and every little thing else it’s good to know earlier than you go!

 

Fast Stats

• Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km) spherical journey
• Elevation Acquire: 1,500 toes (460 m)
• Prime Elevation: 5,790 toes (1,765 m)
• Period: 3 – 6 hours
• Issue: Arduous

 

 

Angels Touchdown Hike: What To Anticipate

Angels Touchdown is a scenic path that takes you out of a canyon and up a steep mountain ridge, the place you need to maintain onto steel chains for security.

That is a particularly standard path, and Zion Nationwide Park is a really busy place typically, however the crowds are much more manageable now that allows are required to do the hike.

It’s a protected sufficient hike in case you’re cautious, however I wouldn’t advocate it for younger youngsters, unfit older people, or anybody who shouldn’t be surefooted and cozy with heights. Individuals have died on the chain part of Angels Touchdown.

The small print beneath will clarify every a part of the path and what to anticipate. This complete hike is so value it!

 

• First Switchbacks

The Angels Touchdown hike begins out on a flat, paved path on the trailhead, however shortly begins to achieve elevation proper after you cross the bridge over the Virgin River.

You’ll spend the following mile on these switchbacks. There’s no shade in any respect to guard you from the solar, however the path is large and the canyon views are already wonderful.

At this level, you possibly can already see the large peak of Angels Touchdown towering in entrance of you. Yikes! As you retain climbing these switchbacks, your views of the Zion canyon solely get higher by the minute.

 

• Fridge Canyon

After trudging up a mile of very exhausting switchbacks, you’ll arrive at Fridge Canyon, which will get its title from the great, cool temperatures within the shade.

The trail flattens out a bit, and it’s an important likelihood to catch your breath after the preliminary switchbacks. We even discovered a neat little cave with simply sufficient room for an individual.

Fridge Canyon is likely one of the solely locations in your complete hike the place you get any shade, so take pleasure in it whereas it lasts.

 

• Walter’s Wiggles

Subsequent up: it’s time for extra switchbacks!

This part known as Walter’s Wiggles, and it has some very relentless switchbacks that may tax your legs huge time.

There are 21 switchbacks in whole, and also you achieve about 250 toes of elevation on this brief part alone.

 

• Scout Lookout

Close to the two mile mark, after finishing Walter’s Wiggles, you’ll arrive at Scout Lookout.

It’s a spacious viewpoint the place you possibly can look out over Angels Touchdown and the canyon beneath, with out really navigating any steep cliffs or holding onto chains (but).

I wouldn’t advocate going previous this level with younger youngsters, unfit older people, or anybody who’s not surefooted and cozy with heights. Since 2022, permits at the moment are required to go previous Scout Lookout. That is the farthest you possibly can go with out a allow.

Scout Lookout has loads of room for hikers to take a seat and loosen up, and even a couple of restrooms on the hillside, though they’re unmaintained and completely nasty.

That is the final non-exposed a part of the hike, and also you’ll begin to see warning indicators telling you so. Catch your breath right here, as a result of issues are about to get dicey!

 

• Angels Touchdown Chain Part

Now begins the actual enjoyable: the chain part of Angels Touchdown!

That is essentially the most thrilling and harmful a part of the hike, and it’s what brings many individuals to Angels Touchdown within the first place.

At instances, the path will solely be a couple of toes large, and also you’ll should hug the aspect of the mountain. Not all of this part has chains, however essentially the most sketchy components do in your security.

The chains are steel and durable, so you possibly can depend on them. They have been first added to this path many years in the past when Zion Nationwide Park was nonetheless younger, however they’ve been maintained and improved many instances over time, so every little thing is in fine condition.

Despite the fact that the chain part is just about 1/2 mile lengthy (or much less), it feels fairly a bit longer as a result of you need to take your time and transfer slowly.

For security sake, all the time be sure to have no less than one hand on the chain. That is particularly essential if you’re passing different hikers going the wrong way, since you’ll be tempted to let go of the chain to get round them.

You don’t need a passing hiker to journey you, bump you, or fall into you if you’re not holding the chain. That might be deadly. It doesn’t matter what occurs, all the time put security first.

       

       

 

• Summit Of Angels Touchdown

In the end, you’ll attain the top of the chain part and the highest of Angels Touchdown. Congratulations!

Despite the fact that you’re previous the chain part and there’s extra room to maneuver round, you continue to want to look at your step and never get overconfident.

Individuals have fallen from the highest of Angels Touchdown after they tried to sneak out to the sting for footage, not realizing how slippery the sandstone might be. In truth, in response to the Nationwide Park Service, most falling deaths on this hike have really been from the highest, not the chain part.

The true summit (and finest views) are on the finish of the mountain, so maintain strolling a bit additional alongside the highest till it useless ends. On the finish of the summit, some courageous little chipmunks will maintain you firm and attempt to steal your snacks.

The ultimate view at Angels Touchdown provides you a 360 diploma panorama of Zion canyon, together with the tiny roads and shuttle buses beneath, and you’ll even look down on the gigantic peak you simply climbed.

It’s simply the most effective views in Zion Nationwide Park, nevertheless it’s additionally one among my favourite views on any hike we’ve ever achieved.

As all the time, please bear in mind to maintain the path clear, be thoughtful of different hikers, and go away no hint. Thanks!
 

 

How Lengthy Is The Hike?

The Angels Touchdown hike can take anyplace from 3 to six hours roundtrip, relying in your tempo and health stage. I might say 4 hours is a standard time.

Dangerous crowds can sluggish you down extra, particularly on the chain part, though that’s a lot much less of a difficulty now that allows are required (extra on that later).
 

How Secure Is It?

Angels Touchdown is lots protected in case you take it severely. Greater than 300,000 folks efficiently accomplished the hike in 2019. I’ve achieved it twice myself, and I’d fortunately do it once more.

With that stated, I wouldn’t advocate it for younger youngsters, unfit older people, or anybody who’s not surefooted and cozy with heights. Individuals have fallen and died right here.

I additionally wouldn’t try Angels Touchdown when it’s very windy, wet, snowy, or icy. You need first rate climate for this one so the rocks aren’t slippery.

For those who’re nonetheless feeling uncertain about this hike, you possibly can do Commentary Level as an alternative. It’s one other hike in Zion with stellar views of the entire park, and it doesn’t have any of the security dangers or allow hassles of this hike.

Alternatively, you possibly can guide a guided hike of Angels Touchdown with a tour firm, and so they’ll enable you to navigate the entire path safely. They even provide you with micro spikes if you need them for higher traction, though most individuals will most likely be high-quality with out them.

 

Deaths On The Angels Touchdown Hike

A minimum of 17 confirmed deaths have occurred on the Angels Touchdown hike so far, and a few sources put that determine nearer to twenty deaths. Most of those have been falls from steep cliffs.

I undoubtedly wouldn’t discourage you from doing this hike in case you’re ready. I’m solely sharing this data to encourage you to be as protected as potential, and in addition so you may make an knowledgeable choice about whether or not it’s the proper hike for you.

Don’t get me improper, Angel’s Touchdown is a really scenic and wonderful hike, and it’s one among my all time favorites. It’s not as dangerous as some folks make it out to be, and reaching the highest is a enjoyable achievement, however don’t neglect to place security first.

Since permits are required for the Angel’s Touchdown path since 2022, that has diminished the crowds fairly a bit and the general security of this hike is best than ever.

Extra data: Deaths On Angels Touchdown

 

What To Carry For The Hike

• Sneakers. This path shouldn’t be sandal pleasant in any respect. You need mountain climbing sneakers with good grip.
• Water. Attempt to pack no less than 3 liters per particular person. In Utah, it is best to all the time carry extra water than you suppose you want.
• Snacks. We introduced some granola bars and different snacks, and shared them on the prime of the mountain.
• Sunscreen. Many of the hike has no shade in any respect to guard you from the solar, which additionally occurs to be very sturdy right here in southern Utah. You’ll undoubtedly need sunscreen and a hat.
• Gloves. This one is non-compulsory. Some folks say gloves are useful for the chain part, however I’m undecided it actually makes a lot distinction. We didn’t discover the chains to be abrasive or slippery in our palms in any respect, even with out gloves.
• Telephone. On a lot of the path you received’t get any mobile phone reception or texts, however on the prime summit we did. This might be helpful when you’ve got any essential messages to ship or obtain. And naturally, footage on the hike are a should.

       
 
 

When To Hike Angel’s Touchdown

The very best time of yr to hike Angels Touchdown is within the spring, summer time, or fall. Even winter might be good so long as there isn’t snow or ice making the path hazardous.

Summer time is the most popular and in addition the busiest time to hike Angels Touchdown, nevertheless it’s not too dangerous in case you go early within the morning. In any other case, the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) are actually ultimate as a result of they’ve the perfect climate and so they’re not fairly as busy.

Both manner, the perfect time of day to do that hike may be very early within the morning, to beat the warmth and crowds. Attempt to get the very first shuttle of the day, if potential.

This implies waking up very, very early, nevertheless it’s one of the simplest ways to go if you wish to keep away from lengthy strains for the shuttle, visitors jams on the chain part, and probably brutal temperatures.

 
 

The place Is Angels Touchdown?

Angel’s Touchdown is a part of the Zion Nationwide Park, in southwest Utah.

Zion is positioned within the far nook of Utah state, so it’s additionally inside straightforward driving distance of Web page, Arizona or Las Vegas, Nevada.

The park is about 2.5 hours of driving from Las Vegas, or 4.5 hours from Salt Lake Metropolis.

       
 
 

Map Of The Path

Right here’s a map from AllTrails that exhibits the mountain climbing route and elevation profile.

For those who join AllTrails Plus, you possibly can obtain the map and use it offline whereas mountain climbing. It’s very helpful!

 

Trailhead For Angels Touchdown: How To Get There

The path head for Angels Touchdown is restricted to shuttle entry just for a lot of the yr, and so they solely open it to vehicles throughout some winter months.

The Zion shuttle is free and simple to make use of. Simply park your automobile on the Zion Nationwide Park Customer Middle (map and GPS location right here) after which take the shuttle to cease 6, also called The Grotto.

The shuttles begin early within the morning and go each 5-10 minutes. You may learn extra concerning the Zion shuttle schedule on the official web site right here.

When you arrive on the shuttle cease 6, simply stroll throughout the street and also you’ll discover a signal marking the Angels Touchdown path head (GPS right here). Cross the bridge and the hike begins.

 

Is Angels Touchdown Open / Closed?

The Angel’s Touchdown hike is open all yr lengthy, apart from path upkeep or the occasional storm.

You may test about any present path closures on the Zion Nationwide Park web site.
 

Entrance Price

You’ll want a park go to enter Zion Nationwide Park, nevertheless it’s fairly straightforward to get and you should purchase it on-line or in particular person.

We usually get the annual go and go to a number of U.S. parks in a yr, however additionally they have each day passes. Extra data and present charges might be discovered on the Zion Nationwide Park web site.

 
 

Angels Touchdown Lottery Allow System

Since 2022, the Nationwide Park Service now requires day use permits (by way of lottery) for the Angels Touchdown chain part. This can be a new pilot allow system.

The explanation for this variation was as a result of the path was turning into very crowded, and oftentimes you’d be passing different hikers going the wrong way, which was annoying and made it much less protected for everybody.

Earlier than the change, Angels Touchdown was averaging greater than 1,200 hikers per day in the course of the busy season, and in the course of the Covid years these numbers surged even increased. Now that allows are required, the path has lower than half as many hikers as earlier than.

I’ve blended emotions concerning the change. Whereas it’s true Angels Touchdown was a crowded hike and a few modifications have been wanted, I don’t know if a lottery is one of the simplest ways to do it.

This is likely one of the principal bucket checklist hikes that brings folks to Zion, and for many individuals it’s not handy to plan their schedule round a lottery.

In any case, it’s nonetheless an incredible hike, and I’ll clarify easy methods to get permits within the following part.

 

How To Get Permits

There are presently two principal methods to get permits for the Angels Touchdown hike: there’s a seasonal lottery you possibly can enter nicely earlier than your journey, and there are additionally some permits handed out on a day-before lottery for individuals who weren’t in a position to get a allow forward of time.

Based on the Nationwide Park Service web site, permits are solely wanted for the Angels Touchdown chain part. In different phrases, you possibly can hike all the way in which as much as Scout Lookout with out getting a allow, which is helpful if not everybody in your group is ready to get a allow.

In the mean time, it prices $6 USD to use for permits (which lets you enter as much as 6 folks at a time), after which in case you efficiently obtain a allow you’ll should pay one other $3 per particular person. The charges are non-refundable.

Logically, you may have the perfect likelihood of getting permits in case you apply for a much less busy day, month, and/or time slot, when there aren’t as many individuals mountain climbing in Zion. For instance, in case you apply to hike at midday on a weekday in March or October (that’s simply an instance).

The system appears a bit overcomplicated proper now because it’s nonetheless model new, however hopefully they’ll iron out a number of the kinks over time. You’ll find extra data and apply for permits on the official Nationwide Park Service web page!

Apply Now: Angels Touchdown Permits

 

Can You Hike It With out A Allow?

All of this begs the inevitable query: are you able to hike Angels Touchdown with out a allow? What do you do in case you aren’t in a position to win a allow within the lottery?

Clearly I wouldn’t advocate making an attempt to hike Angels Touchdown with out a allow. Based on the Nationwide Park Service, rangers could ask to see permits at any level alongside the path at any time of day or evening.

You may hike all the way in which as much as Scout Lookout with out a allow, however in case you get caught mountain climbing the chain part with out a allow, the punishment might be a high-quality of as much as $5,000 USD and/or six months in jail. It’s not definitely worth the danger.

Nonetheless, you continue to have some choices in case you aren’t in a position to win the lottery. You may hike as much as Scout Lookout after which flip again, or you are able to do the Commentary Level hike, which has a number of the finest views in Zion Nationwide Park.

It’s additionally potential to guide a guided hike of Angels Touchdown with a tour firm. Costs are steep, however a information and allow is included so that you aren’t on the mercy of the lottery system.

E-book Now: Angels Touchdown Guided Hike (Permits Included)

 

The place To Keep At Zion

 

Greatest Utah Excursions

 

Extra Utah Journey Guides

Thanks for trying! I hope you loved this clarification of easy methods to do the Angels Touchdown path in Zion Nationwide Park, Utah.

Don’t neglect to take a look at my different Utah mountain climbing guides earlier than you go!
 

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