Angels Landing is known to hiking connoisseurs the world over, but many local hikers haven't yet taken this top-notch jaunt. They should.
The trail offers one of the most spectacular views in the region and just enough actual danger to make it a genuine adventure. It's doable either as a one-day trip from Las Vegas, or the cherry atop a long weekend in and around Zion National Park.
The hike is 5-mile round trip with an elevation gain of about 1,500 feet, but the last half mile makes it legendary. There, hikers cling to heavy chains bolted into the rock as they walk a narrow ridge between dizzying drop-offs as deep as 1,200 feet. The hike is no place for children or those scared of heights, but for the seasoned and surefooted, it's more thrilling than a good roller coaster.
The paved trail starts in a riparian woodland of Fremont cottonwoods and velvet ash, then enters a rocky landscape of pinyon pine and juniper. If you head out at dawn, you might see the ring-tailed cat, skunks or even a gray fox in search of a meal. Birds to look for include the spotted towhee, pinyon jay, canyon wren, raven and peregrine falcon.
The trail heads north, gaining elevation steadily and then west to the steep canyon wall. Here in the mid-1920s a series of steep switchbacks were cut into the rock wall to provide access to the hanging canyon above. This passageway, called Refrigerator Canyon, is home to big tooth maple and white fir, rare at this elevation of about 5,000 feet. On the right, the sandstone walls have naturally eroded into fascinating shapes, overhangs and cave-like formations.
About a half-mile along, the trail takes a major right hand turn, bringing you to the base of Walters Wiggles. This engineering feat is a series of 21 short switchbacks that climb over 300 feet.
The Wiggles lead you up to a large saddle called Scout Lookout, where the paved trail ends and there is a large sandy and flat area to rest. From here, those continuing on the West Rim trail head northwest for 12 more miles to Lava Point, located in the Kolob Terrace area.
But if you're heading for Angels Landing, you only have another half-mile to go. However, it is a half-mile you'll never forget.
At some places the ridge is so narrow only one person can pass at a time, and in one section the drop-offs on each side are 1,200 feet. Once on top, it is fairly flat and there is plenty of room to move around, but there are no guardrails or any other safety measures.
The panoramic views this time of year offer a ribbon of golden fall foliage that runs down the canyon as far as you can see. If you have fair warning of thunderstorms, ice or mere rain, leave this hike for another day.
Deborah Wall is the author of "Great Hikes, A Cerca Country Guide," published by Stephens Press. She can be reached at Deborah@hikingthewest.com.
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