If you don’t mind heights, you’ll love Angel’s Landing.  Zion National Park is one of America’s finest and this hike will make you understand why.

All too often, American National Parks feel a bit too sterilized.  They sometimes lack the sense danger and excitement you find elsewhere in the world.  Boardwalks and fences keep us safe but they also cause us to loose a little of what makes a place so special.  It’s the harshness and unforgivingness of nature that helps it make a lasting impact on us.  Its scale can leave us feeling small and insignificant which, ultimately, forces us to respect it.  While Angel’s Landing perfectly displays nature’s beauty, it also demands our respect.

The hike starts at the Grotto stop along the Zion Canyon Shuttle route.  Cross the street and follow the footbridge over the Virgin River to the trailhead.  The trail begins with a moderately easy acsent but this doesn’t last long.  Quickly the hike gains elevation until you reach the first of several steep switchbacks.  This is where things start to get fun.  Within minutes you’ll find yourself midway up the side of the rock face as the trail seems to cling to its side.  From here, the views of the valley floor open up and offer a glimpse of what is to come.

“It’s the harshness and unforgivingness of nature that helps it make a lasting impact on us.”

If you haven’t stopped yet, now is a good time to take in the view, as soon you’ll pass into a narrow valley between two peaks.  While the distance traveled so far may be short, the elevation gains happen quickly.  The cement path is wide and well constructed but there is no doubt this trail isn’t for the leisurely or easily intimidated tourist.  At the back of the valley, another set of switchbacks appear.  This set is nicknamed “Walter’s Wiggles” with each section noteably short and steep.  Upon reaching the top, you’ll now be able to see the last of the hike ahead.  Here, things get really interesting.

We arrived at the top of Angel’s Landing just before sunset.  The landing extended out into the canyon.  From there, we could appreciate the beauty on each side.  We sat quietly and watched the day come to an end.  The landing was much larger than the trail before.  On every side was a cliff falling all the way to the valley floor below.  Reluctantly, we knew we must begin the much quicker hike back down.  The sunlight was quickly fading and this is certainly one trail you do not want to be hiking in the dark.