People Can't Get Enough Of This Utah Hike Despite A Deadly Reputation
By Hillary Louise Johnson
VACATIONS
Angels Landing in Southern Utah's Zion National Park is a strenuous hike that rises 1,500 feet in under 3 miles and, in the last half-mile, has 1,000-foot drop-offs on either side.
This section of the trail is single-file, so you have to let go of the chain to pass people going the opposite direction. This means someone falling could take you with them.
As such, 14 people have perished by falling from Angels Landing, so hiking this trail means risking death. Those who hike it must obtain a permit through one of two lotteries.
When visiting, try to catch the earliest shuttle bus, which leaves at 6 a.m. If you spend the night at the rustic Zion Lodge, you can walk to the trailhead at 4 a.m.
Despite the danger, the trail receives many visitors thanks to its fun features, including a charming footbridge and a set of rock-lined switchbacks called Walter's Wiggles.
At Scout Lookout, you can get an eyeful of the incredible scenery, with the shimmering ribbon of the Virgin River winding through the red rock canyon below.