Trip ideas while visiting Zion National Park in Utah
In 1916, when Methodist minister Frederick Vining Fisher visited Zion Canyon, he supposedly came up with the name for a famous rock formation. The story goes that he made a joke about how only an angel could land on the high perch of the rock. Today, this rock formation is known as Angels Landing and it has become a very popular hiking destination in Zion. People are drawn to its breathtaking views and the challenging journey it takes to reach the top. The hike covers a round-trip distance of 5.4 miles and involves climbing 1,488 feet. Along the way, hikers will encounter steep cliffs and sharp turns, and for the final stretch, there’s even a chain guide rope to help them reach the summit.
Starting in 2022, there are new rules for hiking to Angels Landing in the park. To go on this hike, you’ll need a special permit, and you can apply for it through Recreation.gov. The permit is obtained through a lottery system, and it costs $6 per person to submit an application. If you’re lucky enough to get a permit, it will cost $3 per person.
But don’t worry if you can’t get a permit or if you’re afraid of heights. You still have another option! You can hike to Scout Lookout, which is located at the base of Angels Landing. To reach Scout Lookout, you’ll need to take the challenging West Rim Trail, but the good news is that no permit is required for this trail.
The trail to Scout Lookout is a 3.6-mile round trip, and it’s considered difficult because it has a steep incline of over 1,000 feet and a series of switchbacks. However, once you reach Scout Lookout, you’ll find restrooms available. It’s a great place for groups to meet up, especially if some members of the group weren’t able to secure a permit.