Permit guide, trail details, and local tips for Zion's most famous hike
Angels Landing is one of the most iconic hikes in the national park system — a steep, chain-assisted scramble along a razor-thin ridge with 1,000-foot drops on both sides and a view from the top that makes the whole thing worth it. It is not for everyone, but if you are up for it and prepared, it is the kind of experience you will talk about for years.
The trail starts at the Grotto (shuttle stop #6) and follows the West Rim Trail up a series of steep switchbacks called Walter's Wiggles — 21 tight turns carved into the rock that gain elevation fast. After about 2 miles and 1,000 feet of climbing, you reach Scout Lookout, a flat area with views of Zion Canyon. This is where the permit-required section begins.
From Scout Lookout, the final half-mile follows a narrow sandstone spine. Chains are bolted into the rock to help you navigate the exposed sections, but the trail is only a few feet wide in places, with sheer drops on both sides. You need to be comfortable with heights, sure-footed on rock, and willing to wait for other hikers in the narrow sections — the trail is one-person-wide in many spots.
The summit is surprisingly spacious. There is room to sit, eat, and soak in 360-degree views of Zion Canyon, the Virgin River far below, and the surrounding sandstone formations. Most hikers spend 20–40 minutes at the top before heading back down.
Since April 2022, everyone hiking past Scout Lookout to Angels Landing needs a permit. You apply through recreation.gov, and there are two ways to get one:
The application fee is $6 per group, plus $3 per person if you win the lottery. Your permit includes a specific start time window at the Grotto trailhead. Rangers can and do check permits on the trail at any time.
Do not write off the hike entirely. The trail to Scout Lookout is open to anyone and is rewarding on its own — you still get the switchbacks, the views, and a genuine sense of what makes this part of Zion special. Many experienced hikers consider Scout Lookout a worthy destination even without the final scramble. From there, you can also continue on the West Rim Trail if you want more distance without the chain section.
Spring and fall are the best seasons — temperatures on the exposed ridge are manageable, the rock is dry, and crowds are lighter than peak summer. Summer is very hot on the unshaded sections; start as early as the shuttle allows. Winter can bring ice on the chains and the rock, which makes the final section significantly more dangerous; check conditions carefully and consider microspikes.
Angels Landing works as a full-morning anchor for a Zion day trip from Duck Creek. Finish the hike by early afternoon, grab lunch in Springdale or pack it, and drive back to the inn through the east entrance. You will be on the porch watching the sunset while everyone in Springdale is still sitting in exit traffic. Pair it with a slower day at Cedar Breaks or Navajo Lake for a balanced multi-day trip. Compare our rooms and cabins to match the stay to the adventure.
We write this guide from the perspective of guests making a day trip from Duck Creek Village Inn. Permit rules and trail conditions change — always verify with the official NPS resources before your hike.
Common questions from trip planners.
Yes. Since April 2022, everyone hiking past Scout Lookout to the Angels Landing summit needs a permit from recreation.gov. There is a seasonal lottery (apply months in advance) and a day-before lottery (apply by 3 PM MT the day before). The application fee is $6, plus $3 per person if selected.
You can still hike the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout without a permit. It is a strenuous 4.5-mile round trip with 1,000 feet of elevation gain and excellent views of Zion Canyon. Many hikers find Scout Lookout rewarding on its own.
The full hike is strenuous: 5.4 miles round trip with 1,488 feet of elevation gain. The final half-mile is a chain-assisted scramble along a narrow ridge with drop-offs of up to 1,000 feet. It requires sure footing, comfort with exposure, and a head for heights.
Yes. Leave Duck Creek by 6:30–7 AM to catch an early shuttle. The hike takes most people 3–5 hours. You will be back at the inn by late afternoon with time to spare. Enter through the east entrance to avoid Springdale traffic on the way in.
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer the best conditions — comfortable temperatures, manageable crowds, and good trail conditions. Summer is very hot on the exposed sections. Winter can bring ice on the chains, which makes the hike significantly more dangerous.
Book your room or cabin at Duck Creek Village Inn — about an hour from Zion's east entrance with cool mountain mornings before the canyon heats up.
