This article contains more details on how to hike Angel’s Landing trail during the winter season, late October – end of February.
When Methodist minister Frederick Fischer visited the Zion area in 1916, and saw this tall, unique, ledge of rock, he remarked that only an angel could land there.
About
For anyone who has hiked with crampons before, Angel’s Landing is very much within reach even in the winter! Follow a narrow path of rocky ledge to one of the most amazing views in Zion National Park. Safety chains are frequent along the length of the trail. Also, anyone with average fitness abilities will be able to hike this trail. Make sure to set out as early as 8 AM as the trail may become busy. Due to its narrowness, the trail may become congested at several points with people trying to scoot past each other. Be respectful of slower groups moving on the trail, as open areas which allow for passing can be tight and limited.
A permit is necessary to hike this trail. Expect a ranger to check your permit at Scout Lookout, where the Angel’s Landing trail officially begins.
No dogs allowed on the trail.
Parking to Hike Angel’s Landing Trail
There is no parking at trailhead. You may park at Zion Canyon Visitor Center, Zion Human History Museum, and near the Zion Nature Center according to Zion National Park’s official Traffic and Travel Tips (https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/traffic.htm). Alternatively, park in the town Springdale right outside the park, and walk to the park entrance shuttle stop. From whichever location you park at, take a shuttle to The Grotto (stop 6).
If you are staying multiple nights at the Zion Lodge, you can leave your vehicle in the lodge parking lot. From there, take a shuttle to wherever you need to go.
Stats:
- 5.4 miles In-and-out from The Grotto
- 1499 feet elevation gain
- Average hike time: 4 hours*
- Difficulty: Be careful, and do not make this hiking trip your last trip!**
*(will vary depending on how much foot traffic is present)
Permits to Hike Angel’s Landing Trail
Permits are required to hike Angel’s Landing trail, and are checked at Scout Lookout, where the Angel’s Landing trail officially begins. (Refer to trail map image above). There are 2 lotteries: seasonal, and day-before. If you’re reading this right now, chances are you have to enter the day-before lottery as the seasonal lottery for winter 2023 (December 1st, 2023 – February 29th, 2024) ended on October 20th, 2023.
Day-before lottery:
The day-before lottery for Angel’s Landing takes place the day before you want to hike. For example, if you want to hike on Dec 20th, then you should enter the lottery between 12:01 a.m. and 3 p.m. MT (Mountain Time) on Dec 19th. You must pay a non-refundable $6 fee to enter. Your entry covers up to 5 other people; 6 with yourself included.
You will be notified at 4 PM MST the same day you applied if you got the permit or not through an email. If you accept the permit, you will also have to pay $3 per person you registered for the permit. So if it’s just you and a partner, then the amount you will have to pay here is $3 x 2 people = $6. In total, that would be 6+6 = $12.
Where to apply:
Click the button ‘Get a permit to hike tomorrow’ through the link below, which links you to recreation.gov to register.
https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/angels-landing-hiking-permits.htm
More details on the permit lottery: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/angels-landing-hiking-permits.htm
What to Bring to Hike Angel’s Landing Trail
- Crampons: Necessary in the winter as ice and snow are frequent along the trail.
- Good hiking shoes: Also known as hiking boots; as long as it’s made for hiking. Generally, hiking shoes that you have broken into (worn and comfortable) and still have good grip (no major flat areas; should have many ridges)
- Your permit
- Backpack
- Camera
- Sunscreen: Even in the winter, the sun can still become intense during the daytime. Furthermore, any snow present will reflect extra UV rays upwards, so it is important to be applying sunscreen throughout your hike!
- Sunglasses: Snow can make a day seem extra bright, so wear sunglasses for a better viewing experience, and better eye protection.
- Water: Reminder to bring enough for a hike with the stats listed, and account for dry weather
- Lunch/snacks
- Gloves
- Jacket: Good option if you’re hiking later in the day, and tend to get cold coming down from hikes
Weather Forecasting
Always be prepared for unpredictable weather in canyons in general. While Angel’s Landing is on a ledge and far from the deep recesses of a canyon, it is exposed to lightning and may become slippery with lots of rain. While these situations may become less frequent in the winter, you may reduce your chances of encountering thunderstorms by starting out early. It is also good to check in with rangers to determine the park’s outlook on the day’s weather. Have back-up activities available or extra flexible days to move the hike to in case the weather conflicts with your initial schedule.
Of course, it is not recommended to hike Angel’s Landing trail when a snowstorm is imminent. Falling and accumulating snow can obscure the ground and create false ledges. Is it honestly worth it when the view isn’t going to be as great as it is on a sunny day?
If you want to learn the basics of doing weather forecasting yourself to help provide a better idea of what weather to expect in advance, then look forward to my basic weather forecasting guide for hiking which will be coming out soon!
**Final Notes
Even in the winter, the trail attracts many people, so make sure to set out early. Even though there are chains and wide spots to make your hiking experience safer, make sure to SECURE your precious phones, cameras, and children! According to The World Travel Guy (https://theworldtravelguy.com/angels-landing-deaths-list/) there have apparently been at least 17 confirmed deaths as of 2023. At least 5 confirmed deaths are since 2016 with people falling off the trail, including at the landing point. So, please be careful!
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