Angel’s Landing and Walters Wiggles – Guide

Zion National Park is one of my favorite places in the world. There are so many incredible hikes there, but one of the things they are most famous for- Hiking Angel’s Landing. I had been on several hikes in Zion National Park but, I had not been around people who could muster the courage to go hiking Angel’s Landing (okay, I might have also not been able to muster the courage). I had a love/hate relationship with the hike I had never done… more like a fear/excitement relationship with it.

I desperately wanted to do the hike because I had seen so many incredible pictures online, but seeing the pictures wasn’t enough, I wanted to see the view with my own eyes! I mean c’mon you get to hike up something called Walters wiggles! Who wouldn’t want to do that? There was part of me that was absolutely terrified. I have this inexplicable fear of cliffs. It is kind of hard to explain, because I am often seen hanging off the side of cliffs… but just something about having a cliff on either side of you and only a foot to stand in between these cliffs, is terrifying. Just thinking about it now gives me chills!

Well one day, my friends and I were sitting around trying to decide on our next adventure, when one of my friends said, “Let’s do Angel’s Landing tomorrow!” Everyone agreed, including me, with this big cheesy COMPLETELY FAKE smile on. Emotions were flooding through me uncontrollably, “Yay,” I thought… with nervous laughter to myself. The other part of me was trying to fabricate the most realistic sickness I could have for tomorrow so I didn’t have to go. I went to bed that night feeling more nervous than ever. When the morning came, I decided to push my fears aside and that I would finally be hiking Angel’s Landing!

So here’s my list of things you should know before hiking Angel’s Landing and Walters Wiggles!

Getting a Permit

As of April 1, 2022, hiking Angels landing will now require a permit!

This is a very popular hike and we did it before the permit requirements. There are times you are waiting in a line in some sketchy areas. Hopefully the reduction of people helps with this, but it is still worth the experience either way!

Click here for more info about obtaining your permit.

Be Mindful of Weather

This might seem like a given, but it is important to check the weather for the full day, not just how it is when you are headed there. There can be flash floods in Zion National Park and hiking Angel’s Landing is very dangerous if there is any lightning. Angel’s Landing is best to hike from March- October, but in the summer months, it can be extremely hot (I think this is a serious understatement).

Bring a lot of water because you could become easily dehydrated. Also, some people do this hike in the winter, but it can be very dangerous and iced over. It is not recommended to do this hike in the winter unless you have the proper traction cleats for your shoes and are going with a knowledgeable guide.

Beat the Crowds

Unfortunately, Angel’s Landing is not a secret and it can be very crowded! I accidentally made the mistake of going over Spring break and there were people everywhere! There were many points we were just standing there waiting in a line of people because there are many areas of the hike that are so narrow, there’s only enough room for people to hike up or down- so you have to take turns. So while a hoard of people would be coming down, a large line would be forming of people just standing around, waiting to go up. Also, to beat the weather and the crowds, try to go earlier in the morning!

If you are too tired or afraid to hike to the very top, you still get amazing views just about a mile into the hike!

Hiking Walters Wiggles and Angel’s Landing is No Joke

This hike may only be 5 miles, but it is still very strenuous. It is very steep with about a 1500 foot elevation change. There are areas of the trail- closer to the end, where you have to hold onto chains for safety. The chains also help you climb upwards because there are certain areas you are definitely climbing, not hiking!

This hike is also not meant for the faint of heart. There is an area you have to climb where there is a cliff on either side of you. To be honest, the hike ended up not being as scary as I personally thought it would be, but it is still a bit scary in parts! I was surprised to find I was more tired, than afraid! I thought I was in shape because I go on hikes all of the time and am always on the go, but with the steep incline, I was definitely feeling the burn. There is also an area with the funny name of Walter’s Wiggles. It is a set of 12 switchbacks going up the trail and this area was definitely very tiring!