angel’s landing
Distance
Elevation
Permit
Angel's Landing was named in 1916 by Frederick Fisher when he exclaimed: "Only an angel could land on it!" The trail was constructed in 1926 as part of the original park development plans. The trail builders incorporated an ingenious system of 21 compact switchbacks known as "Walter's Wiggles," named after Walter Ruesch, Zion's first superintendent who helped engineer this section. In 2022, the National Park Service implemented a permit system to manage crowding and improve visitor safety on the final chain section. Prior to this change, the trail occasionally saw over 1,200 hikers per day.
Zion's most renowned trail climbs 1,488 feet to a towering sandstone throne offering commanding 360-degree views of the main canyon.
trail photos
"Only an angel could land on it!"
Angel's Landing was named in 1916 by Frederick Fisher when he exclaimed: "Only an angel could land on it!" The trail was constructed in 1926 as part of the original park development plans. The trail builders incorporated an ingenious system of 21 compact switchbacks known as "Walter's Wiggles," named after Walter Ruesch, Zion's first superintendent who helped engineer this section. In 2022, the National Park Service implemented a permit system to manage crowding and improve visitor safety on the final chain section. Prior to this change, the trail occasionally saw over 1,200 hikers per day.