Top Zion National Park hike: Angel's Landing

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Hiking at Angels Landing in Zion National Park
Hiking at Angels Landing in Zion National Park

Zion National Park in Utah is home to an adrenaline-fueled hike called Angel's Landing, which climbs to the top of a towering rocky outcrop. The climb is about 2.5 miles, and at the top you'll get an incredible view of the national park -- Zion's Observation Point is right behind the monolith.

At 1488 feet high, with sharp drop-offs along the sides, hiking Angel's Landing is not for the faint of heart. It's highly recommended that you get a guide to do this hike, as there have been a number of deaths on Angel's Landing and it's a fairly technical climb.

Epic photos from Angel's Landing hikers



Angel's Landing is one of the most popular hikes in Zion. Other top hikes in the national park include:

The Narrows: a (not surprisingly) narrow part of the canyon, this is said to be one of the best canyon hikes in the world. You'll hike in the Virgin River (yup, in the water) as it cuts through canyon walls that are so tall and close to one another that there isn't much direct sunlight. (Don't worry, this helps keep it cooler.) You can do it as a day hike -- most people do this by starting at the bottom and walking up -- or an overnight climb in and out.

The Subway: this is a challenging hike through a wormhole-like slot canyon that requires a backcountry permit. There are two ways to do it -- a 9-mile hike from the bottom up that involves scrambling over boulders and crossing the river, or a 9.5-mile hike that involves rappelling and swimming.

Emerald Pools: a great option for casual hikers, this is an easy trail to some stream-fed water holes. The lower trail is a good bet for kids, and still offers fabulous scenery and waterfalls.

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