Angels Landing Trail
Walter’s Wiggles and a chain-assisted sandstone ridge lead to a famous perch with severe exposure and no room for casual risk.
Artwork inspired by Jimmie Jones
The route shares the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout, climbing paved switchbacks and Walter’s Wiggles before the permitted chain section begins. The final ridge is narrow, crowded, and exposed to fatal falls; reaching Scout Lookout is already a substantial hike and a valid endpoint.
A permit is required for the chain section at all times. Check weather, carry water, keep both hands available, and turn around if ice, wind, crowds, vertigo, or fatigue erode your margin. Passing should be deliberate and cooperative.
- Distance
- 5.4 miles round trip
- Gain
- About 1,500 feet
- Permit
- Required past Scout Lookout
Quick guide
- Anchor
- Walter’s Wiggles
- Second focus
- Scout Lookout ↔ Chain-assisted ridge
Quick guide
- Confirm
- Carry the correct date-and-time permit.
- Assess
- Reconsider the chain section at Scout Lookout.
- Use hands
- Stow poles and phones where chains begin.
- Yield
- Communicate before passing on narrow rock.
Good to know
The permit controls access, not weather or ability. Shuttle queues and the approach climb consume time before the chain section. People uncomfortable with exposure should stop at Scout Lookout and continue a short distance on the West Rim Trail for excellent views without entering the permitted ridge.
Notice these
- Walter’s Wiggles
- Scout Lookout
- Chain-assisted ridge