Angels Landing Guided Hike in Zion

Angels Landing is rated strenuous and is not suitable for beginner hikers. The trail gains approximately 1,500 feet (457 m) of elevation over 2 miles and culminates in a narrow, exposed ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides. A high fitness level is required. That said, with an experienced guide by your side, the hike achievable for fit hikers who are comfortable with heights.

Yes — a permit is required to hike the chains section of Angels Landing past Scout Lookout. We hold commercial permits and include one for guests who book without their own. If you already have a permit through the public lottery on recreation.gov, let us know, and we can provide a permit discount.

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the most comfortable temperatures and stable trail conditions. Summer is possible but requires an early start to beat the heat and crowds.

Walter's Wiggles is a famous series of 21 steep, tight switchbacks carved into the rock face near the top of the trail approach, leading to Scout Lookout. They were hand-built in the 1920s by Walter Ruesch, the park's acting superintendent. While strenuous, they're one of the most remarkable feats of trail engineering in the national park system.

No — the final half-mile of Angels Landing is a narrow, exposed ridge with drop-offs of approximately 1,500 feet (457 m) on both sides. Chain handholds are bolted into the rock for safety. This portion of the hike is not recommended for anyone with a significant fear of heights. Note that you do not need a permit to hike to Scout Lookout, which is a rewarding viewpoint in itself without the exposed chains section.

Our guides are local experts with deep knowledge of the geology, history, wildlife, and ecology of southern Utah. Guides are trained in safety protocols and first aid, and are dedicated to providing both educational and entertaining experiences tailored to each group.

We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance, and several months ahead for large groups or peak season visits to ensure availability.

Our guides follow Leave No Trace principles on all tours. Guests are asked to pack out all waste, stay on designated paths, and respect all plants, wildlife, and rock formations. We operate in and around federally protected lands and take stewardship of those landscapes seriously.

The East Zion and southern Utah region is home to mule deer, coyotes, jackrabbits, lizards, hawks, eagles, ravens, and a variety of desert songbirds. Mountain lions are native to the area but extremely rarely encountered. Rattlesnakes are present in the region but generally avoid human contact — wearing closed-toe shoes and watching where you place your hands is good practice.

Most tours run rain or shine. However, if severe weather creates unsafe conditions, we will offer guests a different date or a full refund. For tours involving dirt road access (such as Candy Cliffs and White Pocket), road conditions after rain may require rescheduling.