A Hike Above The Rest

Reviewed By: Patrick on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 @ 09:44:47 PM

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I first made the angels landing hike a few years ago, at age 18, with my dad. I now have a great desire to go back with friends and experience it again because it was absolutely stunning. My experience was to start quite early in the morning, about an hour before sunrise, and find yourself at the top shortly after sunrise with beautiful views of the canyon. I wouldn't call myself an avid hiker, but I'm pretty practical, and this is what I recommend:

1. Hike with people of the same skill level; 2. Bring lots of water; 3. Make it a morning hike; 4. Don't bring kids; 5. Camera!

Best hike I've ever done (granted I'm only 22), and absolutely recommend it if you can handle vertical and heights. Enjoy!

Great but with crowds

Reviewed By: Neil on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 @ 05:04:13 PM

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Wonderful hike, but crowded... enjoyed it off season and it was still consistent passing back and forth. At the summit the usual tourists are there feeding the very agressive animals, but if you go beyond the true summit there is a nice secluded ledge to sit on where no one bothered us. Just scare away the chipmunks and enjoy the beautiful valley in front of you!

Truly awsome

Reviewed By: Justin Benson on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 @ 06:32:54 AM

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This hike is truly awsome just like the title says I hiked this in early october and can't wait to go again I have no fear of hieghts but some in my group did I was the only one to make it all the way and man was it worth it. Took the first bus out from the lodge and was at the top in a couple of hours views a breath taking. take plenty of water and pace yourself this is definitly one to see all the way to the finish

WARNING to PARENTS - AL is NO place for CHILDREN

Reviewed By: GeorgiaDawg on Sunday, November 29, 2009 @ 09:38:53 PM

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Review: I just climbed AL last Tuesday – horrible news that another woman died up there on Friday - prayers to her family. I really hope that they keep the trail open for adults. Adults are capable of knowing the risk (there are a number of warning signs on the trail) and their limitations. I must admit that I was dumbfounded by the number of families with children that were attempting the hike. This trail is NO place for children. There are a number of areas that have over 1,000 foot drops on either side – and, there are areas where no chain is available. One slip, and you are dead. Anyone considering a “family hike” to Angels Landing, PLEASE do not take children on this hike. There are many trails in Zion that are stunning that do not put your children at risk. In my mind, only an irresponsible parent (and/or mental midget) would let a child go on this hike. A number of parents believe this is a “confidence builder” for the kids. Sorry, anyone with this belief is absolutely nuts – there are many ways for a child to build self-esteem without putting their lives at risk.

It doesn't get much better

Reviewed By: Anna on Sunday, September 27, 2009 @ 08:07:15 PM

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For me it was a bucket list hike.  I've been to Zion 4 times in the past 2 years and have not had any luck finding a hiking companion to go along until just last week.  My 3 best friends gave me this opportunity on my 50th birthday. 2 of these 3 peeps of mine are very fearful of heights and were absolutly gratful they had completed this hike.  We left on the first shuttle in on a Saturday morning of September 19th.  The wiggles burned my thighs and view at the top left me just speechless. I was moved beyond belief and to my friends I will forever be gratful that they were with me every step of the way. It was such a spiritual experience for me. 

My kids love this hike

Reviewed By: Yelena on Thursday, May 28, 2009 @ 09:59:17 PM

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We have taken our kids on this hike in November 2007 when they were 7 and 9 years old. They loved it so much, we had to go again last year and without a doubt will be there this year as well. We thought that the assend to the Landing itself from Scout Lookout looks more much scarier than it really is, several people turned back at this point . Don't!!! THe best part is all up ahead, the view is incredible! The first time we even saw a California Condor posing for pictures on a dead tree, that was quite a treat! Apparently some of the released condors fly through Zion on their way to Grand Canyon nesting grounds. This hike is great any time of the year, however, I don't recommend doing this hike in the middle of the day in July - too hot. If you do though, bring ton of water.

Will do it again

Reviewed By: Mike on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 @ 05:48:06 PM

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My grandson and stepdaughter, both 11, and I hiked Angel's Landing on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008. It was an amazing experience I can only compare to hiking to the top of Long's Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park when I was much younger. I'm 61.

I consider Zion National Park more beautiful than the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and any other national park I've visited. This hike made me realize why I have that impression: Zion is amazing upclose, touching the rocks and examining the flora, and in panorama, from the canyon floor or from the top of trails like Angel's landing. On some of the hikes (Emerald Pools), hikers can imagine standing in the canyons of Manhattan's skyscrapers....only these canyons are nature's amazing handiwork.

As for Angel's Landing, it is the ultimate hike in Zion. I only regret I didn't start earlier in the day to watch the changing light and shadows on the canyon. Hikers at the top can see nearly to both ends of the Zion canyon.

The hike is strenuous but not dangerous for those who are careful. I noted that even taking away the chains would not make the climb impossible. The chains simply cut the climbing time.

My only criticism is that a group of college-age students was at the top, talking and bantering as kids do. It detracted from the awesome spectacle and serene views. It would have been nice to savor the climb and the view in relative quiet.

I didn't once fear that the two 11-year-olds were in danger. The hike starts out easy and grows steeper, and both had a  healthy fear of heights by the end....without the paralyzing fear I might have felt at their age.

I carried a small pack with water bottles that we left at Scouts Lookout, a half-mile from the top. I'm glad I did, since it made maneuvering and balancing easier on the steeper part of the trail. The pack was still there when we returned. Hikers by nature seem to be courteous and honest and generous (one shared energy bars with my comrades, thinking we had come unprepared).

I can't wait to go again, even though the walk down is harder on my knees than the hike and climb up.

Amazing Views

Reviewed By: Lindsey on Saturday, July 19, 2008 @ 02:10:02 PM

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My husband and I love this hike!! It is a tough one and really pushes you, but the end result is worth every bit of struggle. You can see most of the valley from up there and there are some really cute & friendly chipmunks.

Angels Landing

Reviewed By: Rodney on Saturday, May 24, 2008 @ 09:59:59 PM

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Great hike, not for kids.  I thought it was easy. Had missed my climbing partners, so I was trying to catch them, took less than a hour from bottom to top, but I was cruzing.  A slug should be able to make it in under 2 hours.  When I got to the top, there were young kids jumping around.  This is not childs play.  One slip and there is no tomorrow.  The views are world class.

#1 hike in utah

Reviewed By: darron on Friday, April 25, 2008 @ 09:01:29 PM

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do not miss this.  you will be a better person for going on this hike 

Awesome does not do justice!!

Reviewed By: ddogg7864 on Thursday, April 24, 2008 @ 12:24:31 PM

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What a great hike! I just can't say that enough. My wife and I did this as the last day of a nine day trip to Vegas/Red Rocks and Zion. It was my third trip to Zion but first on this trail and I have to say it is one of the best hikes I have ever been on. Don't miss it if you have the chance.

Angels Landing

Reviewed By: Debbie on Monday, April 16, 2007 @ 06:51:48 PM

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Review: I was unable to complete the hike in July 06.  I got to the 3.5 ft section where the drop off is 1200 ft on either side (no chains) and my mind played tricks on me.  I was determined to make it on my second trip (April 07) and to my surprise the 3.5 ft wide section was extremely easy for me.  I met another hiker that had the same experience.  I have never hiked this type of trail before.  I am middle-aged, in fair to poor physical shape, but I made it.  I stopped to eat lunch a sandwhich and enjoyed the view for at least 20 minutes at the top and the entire hike took 6 hours.  Take it slow, stop along the way and ENJOY the view.  It was one of the most rewarding hikes I have ever taken.  I recommend taking 2 liters of water per person (I noticed lots of hikers using the camelbacks in 06 - good suggestion).  Unfortunately, the bathrooms at scouts lookout are now closed indefinitely.  Another great idea is to take gloves as the chains are often rubbing on the rocks and in the summer months get quite warm.

Angels Landing

Reviewed By: Cathy on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 @ 10:54:38 PM

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Review: Hiked this trail May of 2005.   Lots of switchbacks, pretty steep.  Great climb along the spine of the mountain at the very top.  There are chains to hold onto as you climb.  Tough but well worth it.   The trail was marked strenuous and for a novice like myself it certainly was.  I overestimated my abiliy and underestimated my need for water.  Not good!   Don't make the same mistake!  Would I climb it again?  Without a doubt!  Peace, Love and Happiness!