About 6 hours
Zion Canyon Visitor Center, Shuttle Stop 130 min
Board the free Zion Canyon Shuttle for Stop 6, The Grotto.
The Grotto, Shuttle Stop 615 min
Use toilets, refill all water bottles, and confirm your permit and photo ID.
West Rim Trail and Refrigerator Canyon75 min
Climb steadily; there is no drinking water beyond The Grotto.
Walter’s Wiggles30 min
Take the steep switchbacks at a sustainable pace.
Scout Lookout15 min
Assess weather, fatigue, and comfort with exposure; this is a worthwhile turnaround.
Angels Landing chain section and summit45 min
Use the chains patiently, yield in narrow sections, and keep loose items secured.
Return descent to The Grotto105 min
Do not rush the descent; allow extra time for chain-section traffic.
The Grotto to Zion Canyon Visitor Center45 min
Ride the shuttle down-canyon; allow for waiting time.
Angels Landing Trailhard
5.4 mi · 1,488 ft gain
Round trip from The Grotto via the West Rim Trail, Refrigerator Canyon, Walter’s Wiggles, Scout Lookout, and the chained ridge. The final half-mile is narrow and highly exposed; an Angels Landing permit is required beyond Scout Lookout.
Scout Lookouthard
4 mi · 1,000 ft gain
Round-trip alternative from The Grotto that does not require an Angels Landing permit. It provides major canyon views without the final chained, exposed ridge.
Riverside Walkeasy
2.2 mi · 57 ft gain
Easy paved out-and-back at Zion Canyon Shuttle Stop 9; a good recovery walk after Angels Landing and the approach to the Narrows.
Lower Emerald Pool Traileasy
1.2 mi · 150 ft gain
Short round-trip walk from Zion Lodge, Shuttle Stop 5. Waterfalls may be slight during dry periods.
Canyon Overlook Trailmoderate
Best done separately or while approaching from the east side. The trail has uneven stone, steps, exposure, and very limited parking.
The Grotto / Zion Canyon Shuttle Stop 6
Angels Landing begins here. During most of the year, take the free Zion Canyon Shuttle from Stop 1 at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to Stop 6; private vehicles cannot use Zion Canyon Scenic Drive north of Canyon Junction during shuttle operations. Cross the road and bridge to join the West Rim Trail.
No separate Angels Landing parking is described. When the shuttle is operating, park at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center if space is available, or use paid Springdale parking and the free Springdale Line shuttle. When the park shuttle is not operating, drive to The Grotto and park only on pavement; if its lot is full, park farther away and walk.
Zion Canyon Visitor Center / South Entrance
Main access point for visitors coming from La Verkin, St. George, Las Vegas, or Springdale. Board the Zion Canyon Shuttle at Stop 1 for The Grotto.
The visitor-center lot has more than 350 spaces but fills early; in summer it is often full by 9:00 a.m. Use paid Springdale parking plus the town shuttle as the practical fallback.
Bring
Food & breaks
Skip it if
Skip the chained ridge if you fear heights, have poor balance or vertigo, have relevant heart/breathing issues, or conditions are wet, icy, stormy, or dark.