Angels Landing + 1 Hidden Zion Hike

Angels Landing + 1 Hidden Zion Hike

Angels Landing is the most popular hike in Zion National Park. The adventurous ascent paired with panoramic views make this one of the most epic trails in the canyon. But gaining altitude doesn’t mean you’ll get solitude. Expect to see people even with the new permit system. Although the main section of the park is busy, there is a really good spot to escape the madness I’ve listed towards the bottom of this article.

Angels Landing | Trailhead

The first section of the Angels Landing hike begins at the Grotto Trailhead (click here for info). This part of the route is roughly a mile and a half of paved trail gradually climbing upwards toward a steeper section known as Walter’s Wiggles ~ A series of ascending man-made switchbacks carved into the canyon wall. At this point the path gains a couple hundred feet of elevation in a short distance.

No Chain No Gain

The ridge line traverse is where the paved path ends and the chains begin. Metal cables have been bolted into the rocky spine to safely guide hikers to the summit. The technicality of this portion is often exaggerated in most photos – Aside from minor scrambling, the trail can be walked with little or no assistance from the metal links.

My view is that the chains provide a perceived sense of security from the thousand foot cliffs on either side of the trail. But if heights aren’t your thing then a good place to stop would be right before this section at scout lookout.

The Top | Angels Landing

A panoramic scenes unfolds from the top of Angels Landing. The contrast of color and scale of the canyon is awe inspiring.

The permit system does create a larger barrier for hikers to experience this trail. But the incredibly unique view makes it 100% worth it.

1 Hidden Zion Hike | Coalpits Wash

The only thing this hidden Zion hike has in common with Angels Landing is that both trails are packed with unique desert scenery. Other than that common theme, Coalpits Wash is out of the main canyon, uncrowded, and doesn’t gain elevation very quickly. It’s about 7.5 miles out and back.

The trail begins just outside of Rockville and is perfect for those who prefer solitude. It’s one of my favorite routes in the park and would make for a fun backpacking trip as it has multiple backcountry campsites.

Zion National Park | Angels Landing

If you only have a day in the park and can snag a permit, Angels Landing is the adventure I would recommend.

Passing through without a permit? A couple of miles wandering around the easy access of coalpits wash is still absolutely worth it. Whatever your plans may entail, make sure they include the road to Zion.

James Kent

Rogue White & Blue owner

I’m not going to do the whole third person bio thing – As a patriotic outdoorsman, I love America and it’s wild places. I grew up in Oregon and moved to Utah in 2009 to get my bachelors degrees in Psychology. I’m an infantryman in the Army National Guard and like to backpack. When I’m not creating American made products for my small business you’ll find me weaving through a canyon or scrambling up a ridge line.

Thanks for reading!

James

Join us on our mission to bring patriotism to the outdoors. Check out our apparel that combines the founding fathers & mother nature by clicking here.

0