Hiking Angels Landing at Zion National Park

After seeing Dead & Company show at the Sphere in June 2024, we headed out to Zion National Park — it’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Vegas. We had permits lined up in advance to hike Angels Landing, one of the park’s most popular trails. It was June, temps were in the 90s, and the trail definitely delivered. The final stretch with the chains was no joke — narrow ridges, big drop-offs — but the views were worth it.

What to Know Before You Hike

This isn’t your casual stroll through the park. Angels Landing requires a permit to access the final chain section — yes, the narrow ridgeline with sheer drop-offs on both sides. You can hike up to Scout Lookout without a permit, but if you want to tackle the chains, you’ll need to secure a permit in advance through the National Park Service website lottery system.

I came prepared: multiple bottles of water, good hiking shoes, and — pro tip — gloves for the chains. That metal? Wicked hot in the summer sun. The early switchbacks (known as Walter’s Wiggles) and be tough with the heat and limited shade. Pacing yourself is key.

👉 See boots, gloves and hydration gear

Chains, Cliffs, and Views for Days

Once you reach the chains, things get real. The adrenaline kicks in as you climb the narrow ridge, gripping the metal chain to keep steady. The exposure is wild — 1,500-foot cliffs on either side — but the views? Unreal. That final summit moment, standing above the canyon with and red rock as far as you can see, is something I’ll never forget.

The descent is also pretty intense. You’re re-tracing your steps along the same narrow path, and it takes just as much focus going down as it does climbing up. You’re looking down the whole time, so keep that in mind if you are afraid of heights. That said, we saw all kinds of people out there — teens, older hikers, and everyone in between — but you definitely need a good head for heights and decent fitness to make it past the chains.

Getting Around Zion

You can’t drive in Zion, so most take the shuttle buses throughout the park. To avoid the packed shuttle buses, we rented electric bikes just outside the park in Springdale, Utah where we stayed. It was a great decision. We had the freedom to explore at our own pace, stop when we wanted, and enjoy the scenery without the crowds. We rode right to the trailhead, parked them there, and after the hike, having that electric assist on the ride back was clutch — didn’t take much effort at all.

Zion is the kind of place that humbles you. The contrast of quiet canyons and bold cliffs makes you feel both tiny and alive at the same time. After Vegas, this was the perfect reset.

👉 Read about the concert I saw at the Sphere before heading to Zion

Written by Tyler, founder of Globetroves™
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Posted June 2025