Angel’s Landing vs The Narrows: Which Zion Hike Should You Do?
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If you’re visiting Zion, you likely have a tough decision to make: Angel’s Landing or The Narrows. Both hikes offer stunning views and plenty of excitement. But if you can only choose one, which hike is right for you?
Here are the pros and cons of each hike to help you decide how to spend your time in Zion National Park.
Should I Hike The Narrows or Angel’s Landing?
Angel’s Landing offers a stunning view of Zion Canyon from above, while The Narrows will give you stunning views from the bottom of the canyon looking up.
Deciding whether to hike Angel’s Landing or The Narrows is dependent on three factors: fitness, fear, and permits.
If you’re reasonably fit, Angel’s Landing is probably the more sought-after option. It’s a strenuous hike with some very steep sections, but the views from the top are absolutely incredible. It also requires some upper-body strength as you will need two hands to use chain handrails to get to the summit.
On the other hand, if you’re not confident in your fitness level, The Narrows is a better choice. It’s an out-and-back trail so you can choose the distance. While the footing is less stable in The Narrows, the elevation gain is minimal.
Fear is also a factor to consider. Angel’s Landing can be very scary at times, with sheer drop-offs and narrow ledges with only a chain to hold onto. If heights make you queasy, The Narrows is definitely the better option. Although it involves wading through cold water in places, it’s relatively safe and there’s never any exposure to heights. The biggest risk of hiking The Narrows is spraining an ankle on a slippery rock.
The final factor to consider is permits. If you want to hike Angel’s Landing, you’ll need to get a permit in advance. Permits are limited and distributed via lottery, so if you’re set on hiking Angel’s Landing you’ll need to plan ahead. If you don’t have a permit, then The Narrows is your only option as no permit is required for an out-and-back day hike.
Is Angel’s Landing or The Narrows More Difficult to Hike?
Angel’s Landing is a more difficult hike than The Narrows.
The Narrows is a mostly flat trail that follows the Virgin River through a canyon with walls that rise up thousands of feet. It is an out-and-back hike that starts from the shuttle stop at the Temple of Sinawava. After a mile walk on the paved trail, you get to the river. You wade upriver and decide and have over 10 miles of river to decide when you want to turn around.
Although the elevation gain is minimal, the trail is slippery and you are often knee-deep in water. The terrain is very uneven as rocks line the riverbed you are walking through.
Angel’s Landing, on the other hand, is a more challenging hike with an elevation change of over 1,600 feet. You start at The Grotto shuttle stop and hike 2.6 miles from the valley floor to the summit. The trail is well-marked, but there are some steep switchbacks before you even get to Scout’s Landing (the point where Angel’s Landing begins.)
From Scout’s Landing to Angel’s Landing, the sheer dropoffs begin. For almost a mile out and back, you will need to use chains to pull yourself up along the spine of the mountain. Keep in mind that traffic will be going both ways as hikers summit and return on the same trail.
Angel’s Landing is the hike for you if you are looking for a challenge. If you would prefer a less strenuous experience, then The Narrows is the better option.
Can you do Angel’s Landing and The Narrows in the Same Day?
Yes. Hiking Angel’s Landing and The Narrows within the same day is very doable, but it will require a high level of fitness.
To complete both hikes in one day, you’ll need to be in good physical condition and start early in the morning. But if you’re up for the challenge, it’s definitely doable!
I was originally planning on spreading out both hikes over two days. However, on my Utah Road Trip, after I completed Angel’s Landing in the morning, I realized there was plenty of time to fit in both hikes on the same day. I was glad I did them both on the same day as The Narrows was a nice cool-off in the afternoon after a sweaty morning climbing Angel’s Landing.
- 5:00 am Arrive at Zion Visitor’s Center shuttle stop
- 5:30 am Shuttle to The Grotto (Angel’s Landing trailhead)
- 6:00 am Hike Angel’s Landing
- 11:30 am Shuttle back to Zion Visitor’s Center
- 12:00 pm Rent a hiking stick and wet boots from Zion Outfitter (walking distance from the Visitor Center)
- 1:00 pm Shuttle to Temple of Sinawava (The Narrows trailhead)
- 1:30 pm Hike The Narrows
You will need the fitness to hike 6.5-10 miles in a day depending on how far you decide to follow The Narrows.
Angel’s Landing vs The Narrows FAQ
The best time to hike The Narrows is in the afternoon. By this time, the sun has warmed up the cold water of the river. Although there will be more of a crowd, after a morning of exploration, the cool water is a welcome relief from the sweat and heat.
The Narrows hike is considered to be moderately strenuous. There is no elevation gain but you will be wading through water over river rocks for much of the hike. In addition, you will need to use a hiking stick to help you navigate the slippery rocks.
The hike can be as long or as short as you want since you can turn around at any point. However, most people spend between 3-4 hours heading out and back.
Most people take 3-5 hours to complete the total hike to and from the shuttle station. The permitted part of the hike starting from Scout’s Landing takes 1-2 hours.
Angel’s Landing is not recommended for anyone who isn’t in good fitness, or who has a fear of heights. In addition, hikers need to be able to grip the chain handrails securely, so the trail is not recommended for anyone with weak hands or arms. If you’re unsure whether Angel’s Landing is right for you, it’s best to speak to a park ranger before starting out.
It is an absolutely breathtaking (and yes, scary) experience. While there are rails and chains to help you keep your footing, there are also plenty of places where you can easily lose your footing and fall. So yes, Angel’s Landing is definitely scary – but it’s also an incredible adventure.
Absolutely! The views from the top are simply stunning, and the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel after making it to the summit is unbeatable. Challenging enough to be interesting, but not so difficult that it’s not doable for most people. So yes, definitely hike Angel’s Landing if you get the chance! You won’t regret it.
I hope comparing Angel’s Landing vs The Narrows was helpful to you! If you enjoyed it, check out a video preview of both hikes on my Utah Instagram Highlights and give me a follow. If you ever have a question you can DM me or drop it in the comments below.
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