Angels Landing

Angels Landing needs no introduction if you've spent any time researching hikes in Zion National Park — the trail climbs out from The Grotto along the Virgin River before switchbacking up through Refrigerator Canyon and the famous 21 turns of Walter's Wiggles, gaining most of its 1,488 feet in a short, relentless stretch on the way to Scout Lookout.

Our permit had us starting the chains after 12:00 PM, and it ended up being perfect — the morning rain cleared out, leaving cooler temps and fresh air for the ascent. From Scout Lookout, the trail narrows onto a bare sandstone fin with chains bolted into the rock for the final half mile, thousand-foot drops on either side the whole way up. Solid traction made all the difference on the sandstone — this is a hike where you really want to trust your footing.

The summit delivers exactly what the hype promises: a 360-degree view straight down Zion Canyon in both directions, the Virgin River tracing a green ribbon far below, and sandstone walls rising in every direction under a big, cloud-streaked sky. Plenty of time got spent up there taking it all in before starting back down the same exposed chains.

An unforgettable experience and one we'd do again in a heartbeat — stay aware, take your time, and respect the trail, and Angels Landing delivers one of the best payoffs of any hike in the national park system.