Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes

Angels Landing Hike in Zion National Park

Interview with Trent Wann About Angels Landing Hike in Zion

Trent Wann, CEO of Bucket (a Bucket List App), shared his experience of hiking Angels Landing in Zion National Park on Experiences You Should Have Podcast. Listen above (or wherever you listen to podcasts) or read on for a complete guide on this difficult hike.

Trent and his friends were in Zion National Park during the COVID-19 pandemic for a fun weekend getaway. Originally the plan was to hike the Narrows, but once they heard about the Angels Landing hike, their plan quickly changed, and they set out on one of the top dangerous hikes in the world.

One of the Most Dangerous Hikes in the World

The hike to Angels Landing is 2.5 miles with about 1,500 feet in elevation gain. This hike is rated as a class 3 difficulty (out of 5) based on the Yosemite Decimal System. (YDS). Don't let the 3 out of 5 rating fool you into thinking this is an intermediate hike; Angels Landing hike in Zion is considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the world. In the last 11 years (since 2000), 13 hikers have fallen to their death while on this hike. This is not a hike for the faint of heart. The trail has precipitous drop-offs on both sides of the trail. Your life will depend on holding onto a chain bolted onto the ground. This is not the time for selfies.

Hikers holding on to a chain on the Angels Landing Hike in Zion

Why Hike to Angels Landing?

For Trent, the biggest moment was getting to the top of Angels Landing. The view was absolutely insane and he was met with the realization that he did it. Hiking to Angels Landing unlocks a bit of confidence that you can carry onto your next goal, whether it be personal or professional. This is one of those moments that will get you out of your comfort zone and may unlock your potential into a new endeavor.

Best to Hike Angels Landing?

While the summer is the most popular time to hike Angels Landing, it would be preferable to hike it with fewer people on the trail like Spring or Fall. Winter may have unpredictable storms and is the worst time to plan to hike to Angels Landing in Zion. A good plan would be to start the hike in the morning and enjoy a picnic when you make it to the top of Angels Landing.

What to Bring or Wear on the Hike

* Plenty of water* Hat* Good hiking boots* Sunscreen* Snacks* Lunch to eat at Angels Landing, when you make it to the top

How Do you Get to the Trailhead for Angels Landing?

Zion National Park has a great shuttle system. This is stop number 6 on the shuttle. No permit is needed for this hike. There is also parking in the canyon if you're going for just the day, and you can grab the shuttle from the main parking lot. If flying in from out of town, look into flights into Vegas or SLC, then rent a car from there. Due to constant changes in travel advisories, check out Zion's Shuttle System Information Page when planning your trip.

How Long Does the Hike Take

Approximately 4 hours total to hike this 5-mile roundtrip trail. Also, give yourself time to enjoy lunch and take in th...