Hiking Angels Landing at Zion National Park during COVID
Zion National Park stole our hearts and this is one of the reasons why. Hiking Angels Landing at Zion during COVID had some struggles but it was definitely worth it.
In addition to doing The Narrows hike, click here for more details, and the Pa’rus Trail click here for my review, we also decided to hike one of the most dangerous hikes in the U.S., Angels Landing.
So what should you expect? Keep reading for more details on the hike, how to get to Zion National Park, and what you need to bring on the hike.
To clarify, I will admit I was definitely scared as I had seen pictures and video of the sheer drop offs.
Disclaimer, there have been deaths on this hike, so please hike at your own risk and most importantly, be safe.
About Zion National Park
City: near Springdale, Utah
Location: Zion National Park
Parking: Zion has a parking lot or there is paid parking at Zion Canyon Village, which has an entrance to the park. Shuttle tickets are needed as Zion only allows shuttles inside the park.
Length of Angels Landing: 5.2 miles roundtrip but you can turn around at any point, especially the chains.
Time to hike Angels Landing: 3-6 hours.
Best Time to hike Angels Landing: Spring and Fall. I don’t recommend Summer as it will be too hot as the trail isn’t shaded and winter can be dangerous.
What to bring: Most importantly, bring hiking shoes or shoes with a good grip. Keep reading for more details on what to bring.
Fee: Entrance to Zion National Park is $35 or use your America the Beautiful Pass National Park Pass click here to purchase.
How to get there
Due to COVID, shuttle tickets are currently hard to book or get booked up fast. If you didn’t book ahead of time no worries, as private shuttles are allowed and can be booked last minute. Both of these shuttles were booked a day or two prior to arrival and we had no issues.
We booked a private shuttle with St George here and used Zion Jeep Tours another day and parked at their pickup locations. From there, they drove us into the park and needed a park pass to enter.
What to bring
Most importantly bring hiking shoes, or if you don’t have any I recommend trail running shoes. I have worn mine on several hikes and they have great grip, click here.
Other items needed:
- sunscreen
- hat
- Sunglasses my favorite are my Maui Jim sunglasses
- hydration back pack
- DJI Smartphone stabilizer
- America the beautiful National Park pass
About Angels Landing
The complete hike is a total of 5.2 miles long and can take anywhere from 3-6 hours to complete.
Firstly, note that most of the trail is exposed to the sun. As we hiked earlier in the day the weather was great, we wore sunscreens sunglasses and a hat. But on our way down the sun in the afternoon was very strong that I started feeling worn out, so keep that in mind.
Secondly, the beginning of the hike is all uphill and contains switchbacks which include a spike in elevation. I will admit this was the hardest part for me as I am not used to the elevation so I just made sure to take several breaks and go at my own pace.
Thirdly, once you get to Scouts Lookout, this is the moment where you will decide if you will continue up the chains or turn back around for the last half mile. Don’t be ashamed to say this is not for me, as there are 1000 foot drop offs on both ends, no guardrails, and narrow walkways. To me, this wasn’t an issue as I am not afraid of heights and honestly have done scarier things.
Lastly, I will definitely say it was worth it. The views are amazing and the experience is so unique! But don’t think you have to do the chains to get a great view, Scouts lookout is pretty impressive as well.
For video footage of the hike click here.
Overall
Above all, due to the elevation make sure to check the weather. Also note, this hike is not for those with fear of heights, vertigo, or people who have trouble with their balance.
There is no need for prior hiking experience, but if you are out of shape and lose your balance easily I do not recommend this hike.
Most importantly, start the hike early. As the trail is narrow, there were several times on our way back where we were standing in place waiting for people to come up and giving them space.
Beware of the crowds as this is one of the most popular hikes at Zion. In addition, please make sure to wear your mask and social distance while hiking.
Overall, hiking Angels Landing at Zion during COVID is not for everyone. Remember that the chain section of this hike is always optional. You can go as far as you want and stop at Scouts Lookout before the chains. Up to September of 2020 the chains were actually closed for renovations, we hiked about two weeks after they opened up. Lucky us right?
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