When you think about hiking Angels Landing in Zion National Park, what comes to mind? For me, it’s beautiful views and possible danger. If you have kids, that’s something you’re trying to stay away from. You want your kids safe like any parent. If you’re headed to Zion for a family trip and you’re trying to decide what trails to go on, don’t cross Angels Landing off your list just yet. Let me tell you why from the beginning of the trail to the end.
Beginning
First, you’ve got to get to the trailhead, right? There’s only one way to do that and it’s on the shuttle. The national park runs a shuttle bus system through the park mainly because there just isn’t any parking in the canyon. Head to the Visitor Center and then onto the shuttle bus stop. During COVID-19, Zion started requiring timed tickets for every passenger on the bus. This helped with social distancing and minimum wait time. Make sure you check the ZION WEBSITE for the most up to date information on how to ride the shuttle. Once on the shuttle, get off at STOP #6 The Grotto. The trailhead for Angels Landing is just across the bridge on the opposite side of the road.
At the trailhead, you’re met with a sign warning of the dangers of hiking Angels Landing. As you read, you notice that the trail is 1.1 miles round-trip. What the sign doesn’t tell you is that you’re actually taking the West Rim Trail to Angels Landing Trail. This route is 5.4 miles roundtrip. The first 2.2 miles are paved surface and the last .25 miles (give or take) go along a steep, ridge that leads to the summit. You may have heard this be referred to as the “chains section.”
On the Trail
You’ve made it past the sign! Now, you’re walking next to the river along a trail that seems like any other trail in a national park. It’s well maintained and the views are spectacular. Most of the trail is wide enough that at least two people could hike next to each other, making it great for you to hike with your kids. It’s not long before it’s time to start heading up. Elevation change can be brutal and this hike has over 1000ft of it. Make sure you bring plenty of water, snacks, and take breaks. There were plenty of spots to step just off the trail, safely, and rest a moment. Make you’re way up the switchbacks (zig-zag back and forth up the trail). You may have heard about the switchbacks of Angels Landing. These ARE NOT them. Sorry! The section known as Walter’s Wiggles comes a little later. After you finish with the first section of switchbacks, you’ll notice the trail isn’t as wide as it used to be. There’s still plenty of room to hike, but it is more narrow. We asked our daughter to hike as close to the inside of the trail as she could (without getting in other hikers way). At this point, the trail levels off into a flat section which was such a relief for us. We were so tired after those first switchbacks!
You’ve made it to Walter’s Wiggles. Trust me, you’ll know when you’re there as these switchbacks seem slightly daunting when you first walk up to them. At least, it did for me. To get up this section with our daughter, we all made a guess as to how many switchbacks there were. This was great motivation for her. She really wanted to make it to the top to see who was the closest. She also counted around every corner all the way up. It almost took her mind off of how strenuous it was. This was by far the hardest section of the trail.
End
After Walter’s Wiggles, the trail levels off again to a very large, almost table top like section. There is a bathroom and plenty of places to eat lunch or have a snack. The views from this area are absolutely spectacular so make sure you take some time to enjoy them. You may think this is the end of the trail, but it’s not. If you choose, there is still the .25 mile “chain” section to the summit. We asked our daughter what she wanted to do and she opted to NOT go on the chain section. Your kids may decide otherwise. And you’re their parents! You know your kids better than anyone else. You know what’s best, and you should make the decision together as a family. Our family enjoyed the trail even though we didn’t hike the very last section. We may have missed out on a great view, but honestly, every part of the trail was a great view!
If you need more information about the chain section of the trail, I encourage you to talk with a Park Ranger at Zion National Park.
Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Zion National Park or the National Park Service. We are not hiking or travel experts and are not making recommendations. These are our opinions and you should do your own research and make your own decisions.
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