Outbound Collective logo

Hike Angels Landing at Night

Springdale, Utah

4.9/5
based on 17 reviews

Details

Distance

4.41 miles

Elevation Gain

1512 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Derrick Lytle

Amazing night views of Zion National Park. See the park with no crowds. Five-mile roundtrip hike.

Angel's Landing is one of the most popular hikes in all of Zion National Park and for good reason. It offers great views of the main canyon and at 5 miles roundtrip it is the perfect length for a great day hike, or a great night hike. Hiking Angel's Landing during the day is breathtaking and even more so after the sun goes down.

To get to the Angel's Landing trailhead from the main entrance, follow the road until you get to the junction, turn in to the main canyon, and go until you reach the Grotto. Park in any of the lots in the area. From there, cross the river, turn right, and follow the paved path up the massive monolith. You'll be hiking up hill most of the way and will pass through Refrigerator Canyon and up Walter's Wiggles before reaching the saddle which is two miles in. Once at the saddle turn right and follow the signs another half mile to the landing.

During the day, almost year round, Angel's Landing is packed with hikers. At night though, the trail is basically empty even though it's in a central area of the park. Plan your night hike around the moon and weather. You'll want the trail to be dry and the moon to be full and bright so you can get the best views of the park. From the top you'll be able to look up and down both sides of the canyon and out over the lodge. The best part is that you'll likely see no one so enjoy the solitude.

During peak months only the park's shuttle's are allowed in the canyon unless you get a special permit or are staying at the lodge. On non peak months, when the park is a little more empty, you can drive up the canyon and park at the Grotto trailhead, which is where the Angel's Landing trail starts. Call ahead to check the shuttle schedule. Find a time when you can drive in the canyon and park at the Grotto.

Hiking at night is a little different than during the day. Things look different and there's a different feel to being out in nature when you should be sleeping. Although most of this trail is paved and smooth it can still be dangerous, especially the last half mile to the landing—it seems like every year there is a death on this hike and really it comes down to not being prepared. Bring a good headlamp with extra batteries, proper clothing, good shoes, and enough water. If you slip or take a wrong step because you can't see, there is a real chance you could die. Honestly, you should probably do this hike in the day time before heading up in the dark.

At the trailhead there will be plenty of parking. There's a bathroom that is open all night and also a few water spigots to fill bottles up before you start your hike.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Picnic Area
Scenic
Wildlife

Hike Angels Landing at Night Reviews

Love this hike but man I'd be nervous doing it at night haha. The trail gets so narrow near the top. I'll keep this in mind next time. Would be worth it just to enjoy it without the swarms of people during the day

Did this hike for the first time under a mostly full moon last week. So awesome. Nobody else was up there; we had a great view of Zion Canyon and some climbers doing a night ascent of Lunar Ecstasy across the way. If you're in decent shape the trail is nothing to worry about, although you definitely need to be careful near the top!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Angels Landing

Angels Landing, West Rim, Telephone Loop

Upper Emerald Pool

Lower Emerald Pool Trail

Aid Climbing Moonlight Buttress

Zion National Park Bus stop 8