A few weeks back when I drew my spotlight date for the hop, I decided to save this to share today. Because Angles Landing happens to be one of my most favorite hikes. I can easily say I've done it at least 20 times in my life and I started hiking this with my dad around the age of 10. It's been a favorite since then, even if the hike itself has changed a bit from how it used to be, which I will explain later.
It's quite the hike too, not one for those afraid of heights. In some ways you could also call it quite the climb, so let's begin and I'll take you on a few photo stops along the way of the adventure.
Today, I'll be taking you along the way to the top of the peak in the middle which is called Angels Landing. We'll be climbing about 1,488 feet. The hike itself is about 5 miles round trip. So yes, it's a hike to get your workout on too!
We start out on nicely groomed trails, near the river, before we begin the switchbacks that will make you sweat bullets and will make even those in great shape huff and puff a bit as they feel the burn.
To think when I was a kid I used to be able to run up them, LOL Clearly I am not as in great of shape as then, I stopped a few times to catch my breath LOL
From here we'll begin taking a set of long switchbacks as we climb up to that notch you see in the middle of the above picture. If you look close you can see others on the trail on their way up or down.
I didn't take a lot of pictures of the climb, but as you can see I'm a decent way up from the canyon floor I started at by this point in the hike, you can also get an idea of how steep these switchbacks are by the step, like I said it's a climb and we haven't even gotten to the real climbing yet and it's been full on sun the whole way.
About a mile in now. I've made it up to the notch and now I am heading back into the canyon to take me to the next climb. I've always loved this section because no matter what time of day you hike you'll always get cooler temps and some shade. In fact, I believe it's called Refrigerator Canyon. Which is great to enjoy because it's nearly the last time we'll see shade for a while.
Heading up more switchbacks to get to get higher up and out of Refrigerator Canyon
The famous Walters Wiggles, obviously my photo doesn't do it justice. But here you get 21 steep yet like all the previous trail well-maintained switchbacks.
It's also the fun part for many hikers because at the top is when the awesome part of this hike begins.
At the top of the Wiggles you'll come out to what they call Scout Overlook. It's here you can decide if you have an adventurous side to finish the hike. Or you can split off and head up the West Canyon. Or turn around or watch others make their way up to the top.
I'm going to try and keep the sights you see in order, but before you wonder what is wrong with the coloring. Some I took on the way up, and the majority I took on the way down.
(Coming down was late afternoon.)
Why? That day it was crowded and it would have been rude of me to stop to take a picture while others were waiting behind me to move on.
From the minute you start up the next sections, you have 1000 foot drop-offs on both sides of you, and at times you have not more than a foot or so to walk on with the drop-offs on both sides.
After you make it up the first section, you have a little room to take a break, catch your breath before making it up the steepest and most technical portion of the last fin.
Next, we get to climb down just a little before making our way up the next fin that you can see pictured above.
I gotta tell you what's changed in the years.
Years back when I used to do this hike in my youth with my dad or even when I was in college (the first time).
The only chains were at the beginning other than a few here or there. There were never chains in this sections as you see above this is all new to me.
I remember because you used to have to be really careful coming down if you jumped not to fall over the edge here. I may or may not of had a few close calls in my youth, LOL
Same with above, there never used to be chains here either. I was talking to my sisters and we guessed they added more because so many people have died on this hike and it's just getting too popular.
If I'm going to be honest, I liked it slightly more before they added all these extra chains, it had more adventure risk to it, now it's lost a little of the risk charm. LOL
Now you just get a steep climb on the way up, and literally unless you're being an idiot or hurrying too fast you can't really fall, because there are chains to grab if you loose your footing or get tired.
It's also made it easier to go up. Before you literally climbed with no assistance.
Now, you can pull yourself up by the chains if your legs aren't strong enough to get you to the top. Or many may even notice you don't need them most of the time but they are there just in case.
So in some ways for those who are okay with heights but aren't good climbers, they've now made this hike more accessible for many different types of hikers.
Not sure when they added all the extra chains, if you've done it and know let me know. Otherwise, I'll have to ask a ranger next time I'm there and find out to satisfy my curiosity.
Yes, they've even added chains to this last big steep climb before the top. You probably won't need them, but I saw a few using them to pull themselves up.
But there are what I'd like to call nature's steps so while it's a climb, it's not that bad if your legs are in good shape. Except I could clearly tell at this point that I am not as young and in shape as I once was. I used to go up this so fast, and I was stopping to let people come down as I took a break to let them pass me many times, and what they didn't know was, I was enjoying that break, my legs were burning, LOL
One of my good friends is coming to town next spring to hike this with me, guarantee I will be sure I am in great shape so she doesn't see me huffing and puffing worse than her, LOL Hey, can't help the little competitor in us all, right!
I didn't mention before, but this is in most sections only room for 1 person. So when you get spots like this you can move over to the side and let those coming down have the right away.
Most hikers are very courteous, and most going up like I was, don't mind a minute break to let someone come down.
On my way up, right here, it was perfect timing to let someone coming down pass by and allow me time to turn around quick and grab a quick shot.
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Even though this is a favorite hike, I haven't hiked it for many years until a few weeks ago and it's still every bit as worth it as it was the first time!
This is one of the first views you can get from the top as you make your way across the fin to the highest point and best viewing area.
If your interested and follow me on INSTAGRAM you can flip back a few photos and see a quick panoramic video of the views from the top.
Here (Above Picture) is where I like to plant my butt for a few minutes and enjoy the view, grab a snack and drink before the climb back down!
Isn't it stunning? Seriously there are no boring views from start to finish on this hike, it's all breathtakingly beautiful!
My Instagram feed is about 95% all travel, hiking and outdoors pictures. So if you love beautiful pictures from all over then FOLLOW ME HERE I try to only put up some of my better ones! I also follow back if your account isn't private and blocked!
Have you hiked Angels Landing before?
Is it on your bucket list?
Or are heights and drop offs not your thing?
Breathtakingly beautiful! And a little scary, yikes...! Looks like a fantastic adventure.
ReplyDeletewow, I would love to visit there! I haven't been to terrain like that.
ReplyDeleteWow, your photos are always gorgeous! This looks like an amazing hike!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteRefrigerator Canyon - that's such an apt and funny name for it. Loved trekking through your trail story. I was huffing and puffing just reading through it. Haha. Definitely looks a bit arduous. But, I bet the views were worth all that cardio.
ReplyDeleteI so love your hike posts. I enjoy a little hiking myself so this one makes me want to just put on some boots and head out. The chains are probably necessary but it does kinda spoil the landscape, doesn't it? So I'm not sure how I feel about that. I guess safety first.
ReplyDeleteI hope you win your "totally non-competitive" hike with your friend. wink wink.
http://runwright.net
I love hiking! Though I don't get to it that often. This summer we went to Iceland and got a lot of hikes in then. I totally agree it's a great workout. They also had chains and stuff up on the real touristy hikes there, and it reminded me of the US...it's like what you said - it takes away from the adventure charm. Have you seen Everest the movie? It's a good drama (based on a true story) about people hiking to the top...and dying.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! This looks like a great hike. That's pretty cool you've been doing it since you were 10 and can see the differences. I guess everything changes.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a stunning hike! I have already begun to really look forward to all of your beautiful photographs and experiences. Thank you for sharing them with us!
ReplyDeleteGlad they have a chain there to hold on to! I'd definitely like to try something like this one day.
ReplyDeleteWow, that looks like such a cool hike! I would love to do that someday! I have never been to Zion National Park, but went to Yosemite and Sequoia this Summer!
ReplyDeleteI love hikes...but since I hike with two little ones, I definitely can't handle the big drop offs and narrow ledges like that - what beautiful views, though! Thanks for sharing :).
ReplyDeleteThat is seriously beautiful! I have never been to Zion but it is on my "list." Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat is a stunning hike. The peaks are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI'm fine with heights and like hiking up mountain paths but I'm not so happy with narrow paths that you have to scramble up. It's just a matter of practice and gaining confidence but as I don't live near enough to mountains to get the practice in the gaining confidence part is tricky!
Wow, those photos are breathtaking. I'm afraid of heights, in some ways, and looking at some of those pictures gives me anxiety. But it's so pretty that I think I'd want to try it! I suppose I could go up as far as my nerves will allow, and come back down if I need to. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Its a great adventure hike for sure!
ReplyDeleteIf you ever get a chance to come to Utah, you'll definitely want to check out Zion NP it's stunning!
ReplyDeleteThank you! This really is a beautiful hike, the pictures don't really do it justice!
ReplyDeleteLOL, oh yes the views are well worth the fun workout! I love this hike, and since it was a hot day (90's) I was enjoying Refrigerator Canyon too, I may or may not have slowed down a bit through there to enjoy it more, LOL
ReplyDeleteThank you, that is kind of you to say!
ReplyDeleteOh you'd love this hike, its Faboulous with a capitol "F", LOL
You can't really see the chains unless your right next to them, so on the plus side it actually doesn't spoil it at all. Believe it or not this hike is considered a National Treasure, so it is very protected. (I probably should have added that tid bit to the post, LOL oh well.) If you're ever in Southern Utah near Zion NP you definitely should check it out!
This looks like such a gorgeous hike! It must be great to go back and reflect on your memories going as a kid. I love hiking but don't do it nearly as often as I like!
ReplyDeleteYou really have some gorgeous places to hang out! I like hiking but really don't do it often at all.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful hike! I've never been to Zion but I want to because of all the beautiful pictures I've seen! I'm such a chicken and not very coordinated when it comes to activities like hiking so I'm glad they put the chains up there for people like me :D
ReplyDeleteOh I bet Iceland was a whole different kind of gorgeous! I would love to visit there!
ReplyDeleteI have seen the Everest movie it was pretty good!
Seriously, if I could get someone to sponsor me I'd totally train to do Everest, I think it would be incredible!!!
Thank you! I was raised by parents who loved to hike, (thankfully) and took us kids each time so they could go, and eventually we all grew to love hiking too! I feel blessed!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes, if you love travel adventures definitely stop by on Tuesdays!!!
ReplyDeleteI did see a lot of people who were less sure of themselves holding onto it, and that is what it is there for!
ReplyDeleteIf you get out to Zion NP someday, you'll have to try it!
Thanks! I've always wanted to go to Yosemite and Sequoia, they are definitely on my lists for sure, they are so beautiful too I hear!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Definitely not one for young kids, although I did see many dads helping their littles do this, and one dad had his baby in the pack on his back. But I'd say age 6 at least on something like this, with mom or dad nearby for sure!
ReplyDeleteHope you can make it there someday for sure!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! How beautiful, I am in awe. I wish I could go hiking or something and see such amazing beauties. I have actually put it as a goal to go hiking in the Poconos it won't look like this but maybe it will ignite a new passion. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful place!
ReplyDeleteWow, this looks narrow too in some places. I can definitely see why you wouldn't want to be in a hurry. And why would you, i'd just want to savor the beauty.
ReplyDeleteOh My GOSH...this looks exciting (and a tad bit scary)! What a beautiful place ;-) have more people done these climbs since there are more guard chains? Or has that decreased the "adrenaline" factor?
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! How beautiful! I have Zion National Park really high on my must visit list. And after reading your post and seeing your pictures I am dying to go! I will be working to make that happen in 2017.
ReplyDeleteThis is just breathtaking! I have only driven through Utah and I am hoping I get to hike/run through some of these beautiful places at some point!! Thank you for sharing these amazing views!
ReplyDeleteLately, I can't help but drool over all of your adventures. This climb is on my bucket list. I'm secretly hoping the Army sends us a bit further West so that I can make a few trips to explore all the fabulous National Parks out your way.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, what an amazing place the great outdoors are! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI bet this was a tough climb. It's amazing how much of a challenge hiking and climbing can be if you aren't used to it. :)
I recall climbing Chimney Rock a couple of years ago in NC, and that was rough! Ha ha!
Hooray for Travel Tuesday! We should start a linkup someday to send everyone into wanderlust, hahaha. <3 I'm so happy for this post because it's most definitely on my bucket list and I have it on my Google doc that I'm using to plan that trip!! It looks awesome!! :D!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, the beauty of the area made the pictures better quality for sure! That's true, I could tell the individuals on the trail who hadn't been on the terrain before, but where this hike is concerned that's what the chains are for, I guess that is good so many can enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteMy mom and sister are scared of heights too. We got them up to the scout overlook. My sister tried to attempt the last part, I think she was 13 at the time, she got maybe 15 feet up and grabbed ahold the mountain for dear life, it took my dad forever to peel her from the rocks and get her down even that short ways, we give her good laughs about it still to this day:) But yes, there is definitely a spot for those to get up to who are afraid of heights and it's still a beautiful lookout!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is fun to reflect back on the past. Thanks, yes it's a beautiful part of the country for sure!
ReplyDeleteThank you, yes I am lucky living in Utah we pretty much have an endless supply of hiking places!
ReplyDeleteHope you can make it to Zion NP one day, it is a beautiful place and there are many different hikes there that are for all abilities and they are all gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteOh I the Poconos will be gorgeous too! I haven't been to them exactly, I've been to ranges both north and south of them, but I've heard they are forests and hidden huge waterfalls. I bet you'll love it!
ReplyDeleteyes, it gets very narrow in many spots. You can be on 1-2 feet of rock at times with 1,000 foot drop offs on both sides, it's adventurous and stunning, but definitely not for those with fears of heights. Each time I climb it I do exactly just what you say and savor the beauty, I see no reason to rush it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, yes its a way beautiful place. This is the 2nd most popular hike in the park, its way too crowded at times now for my liking. I don't know if the added chains made it more popular, most probably don't realize they are there until they start up it. But the park gets a lot of visitors and anyone with a sense of adventure puts this one on the top of their list now I believe. It didn't used to be this way, but it is now.
ReplyDeleteI've got Chimney Rock on my list when I hit up that state, it's one still on my list.
ReplyDeleteIt is a tough one, but a lot of fun. It's actually worse coming down than up in a lot of ways, LOL
Hope you do get to visit, it's a beautiful place I guarantee you won't be bored!
ReplyDeleteHope you can come visit again and see this or some of our national parks, they are gorgeous and definitely worth visiting!
ReplyDeleteYou are sweet, but thank you!
ReplyDeleteHope you can make it to Zion one day, you'll love the hike! There are so many national parks out west, totally different than other parts of the country, I could literally never get bored visiting any of them,and there are still a few in surrounding states I haven't been to (yet)
We should consider doing that one day, I'd be game!
ReplyDeleteOh ya, you come out this way you cannot miss this hike, it's more than worth it. You'll love it!
Wow! This is a bit steep! I love the views though, and I'd probably also appreciate it more without the chains. Although I'm sure they put them up after certain bad situations... :(
ReplyDeleteThis is one I would love to do whenever we had back to Zion! So great that they have added the chains to make it safer and easier for more to do! Great pics! I love seeing where you have been on your IG feed!
ReplyDelete