How To Hike Angels Landing Without Shuttle?

Angels Landing is one of the world’s most popular walks and an adventure that should be on every traveller’s bucket list. This sector of the Colorado Plateau was a flat basin at sea level during the Triassic period, but its 270-million-year-old rock layers will transport you back in time.

With its steep switchbacks and sharp drop-offs, this heavenward trip can be mentally taxing for someone in an average physical condition. If you’re afraid of heights, don’t try this portion. There are chains welded into the cliff to give safe handholds. If they want to see anything worthwhile, they’ll have to make do with stopping at Scout Lookout and taking in the breathtaking views.

For those who want to visit Zion National Park and are concerned about long shuttle lineups, here are a few tips. There is nothing to be alarmed about. To see Angels Landing in Zion National Park without using the shuttle, there are numerous options! If you don’t want to rely on the national park shuttle bus for your Zion vacation, then check out this article.

1. Plan A Winter Visit

This isn’t particularly useful if you are scheduling a summer vacation, but if your plans are flexible, Zion is a fantastic national park to visit in winter. Private vehicles are permitted to drive through the park during the winter months. Late December to mid-March is typically the time when the shuttle does not operate, but this can vary year to year.

2. Discover The Park’s Eastern Stretch

The eastern half of the park can be explored by driving to the East entrance. The best view in the park may be seen at Observation Point, which can be reached through an easy trail. It’s a 6.4-mile round-trip hike that’s relatively flat. You’ll be rewarded with a 270-degree panorama of the canyon, with Angel’s Landing in the distance, when you reach Observation Point.

Echo Canyon, a stunning black and white striped slot canyon, may be accessed by hiking down the Lower East Rim Trail, but you’ll have to trek back up. Due to a rock avalanche blocking the trail from below, it is unlikely that you will see many other hikers.

3. Grab A Pedal Power ( Bike )

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is just 7.5 miles long, so if you have a respectable degree of fitness, renting a bike and pedalling through the canyon is a great way to see the park’s southern entrance and the Temple of Sinawava. It’s a lot more pleasant than taking the shuttle. It’s mostly level, with a few little hills, from the beginning to the end. As a result, the return trip is all downhill from here on out! Pa’Rus Trail to Canyon Junction, then turn onto Scenic Drive Road.

Electric bikes, which don’t involve any physical exertion, are the most prevalent source of injury on Zion if you aren’t already familiar with their operation. There are also regular bicycles available. There is a bike route on the Pa’Rus Trail if you prefer not to cycle the entire length of the canyon. This 1-2-hour ride along the Virgin River is a wonderfully pleasant experience.

Do You Need Permits For Angels Landing?

There will be an online registration starting on April 1st 2022 if you wish to undertake the renowned Angels Landing hike at Zion National Park.

In order to maintain access to Angels Landing, one of Zion National Park’s most famous attractions, visitors will need a permit, which will ease congestion on the path, as well as address safety concerns and allow tourists to plan ahead more easily. Permits for hiking will be required all year round, seven days a week.

Can You Get To Angels Landing Without A Shuttle?

Even if you don’t use the park shuttle, you may still get the most out of your time in Zion. To reach some of Zion’s most popular attractions (such as Angels Landing and The Narrows) without the shuttle service, you can bike along the Scenic Drive into Zion Canyon.

Not interested in cycling into Zion Canyon? Make use of a customized (Private) shuttle service. In addition, there are a few Zion hikes that don’t require the shuttle. If you’re looking for a calmer, more intimate Zion experience these routes are the best option. Take advantage of your time in Zion and skip those lengthy shuttle lines!

Can You Walk To The Angels Landing Trailhead?

Yes, it is possible to walk to the trailhead of the Angels Landing. The Grotto Trailhead, the 6th stop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle in Zion’s main canyon, is where the trek to Angels Landing begins. The West Rim Trail is nothing short of exciting, as it takes you up the mountain’s tight spine for about 500 additional feet of height gain.

There are a number of spots where you can see down into the canyon on both sides. There are a lot of chains, guardrails, and carved steps to assist calm your nerves. There are a number of places where you can stop and rest if you need to take a breather and let other people pass by. Inexperienced mountaineers may find this hike frightening. If you feel afraid of the first piece of chain, immediately come to a halt. Surely, it can’t get any better!

What To Bring On A Hike To Angels Landing?

The 1,488-foot-tall rock framework known as Angels Landing is one of the most iconic figures in the National Park Service’s network. As a result, you must be prepared and gather a few essentials:

1. An HD Camera

Angels Landing at Zion National Park has some of the most breathtaking views in the world. You’ll need a camera to capture a few pictures! Bring a camera or GoPro to capture the natural splendour of Angels Landing and Zion National Park.

2. A Pair Of Sunglasses

Avoid being blinded by the intense sunlight in Utah. Since there is no true shade for the final 0.5 miles of the hike to Angels Landing, a pair of sunglasses would be a lifesaver.

3. Trail Running Shoes/Hiking Shoes

Any walk, but especially one as difficult and perilous as Angels Landing, requires the proper footwear. If you plan on doing a lot of hiking, investing in a good pair of hiking boots is a wise decision. Even yet, it’s understood that if you’re not a regular hiker of technical trails, you don’t want to spend the money.

4. A Lightweight Jacket

Hiking in Zion, and particularly Angels Landing, can be unpredictable due to the rapid shifts in elevation that occur as you traverse the canyon. Being prepared for every eventuality is a good idea.

A light, water-resistant jacket is ideal for hiking in the spring, summer, or fall. It will keep you warm, dry, and won’t be too heavy for you to carry. When it’s cold outside, you’ll need a thicker coat.

5. Keep Snacks & Water on Hand

To avoid dehydration, always have water on hand. Also, don’t forget to bring some snacks with you to keep your energy levels up.

What To Wear Hiking Angels Landing?

Canyons and hiking trails thrive in Zion. There are a variety of wonderful hiking clothing and gear items to choose from, whether you’re taking on the iconic Narrows hike in a river canyon, scaling Angel’s Flight, or strolling through the Emerald Pools nature reserve. Some of them are:

1. Choose Quick Dry Clothing

Quick Dry Clothing such as board shorts and a water tee is perfect since it prevents you from being weighed down by wet clothing when hiking, which can be quite unpleasant!

2. Durable Water Shoes Are A Must

You’ll get blisters and your feet will get wrinkled if you wear normal shoes like tennis shoes or hiking boots. If you’re going to be wading in rocky water, you’ll want water shoes with toe protection.

3. Carry Trekking Poles With You

Trekking poles and a walking stick are helpful for maintaining equilibrium. With a load on, a loose or huge boulder might easily trip you up while you’re treading water. Stabilize yourself with the help of these items. Once again, if you don’t plan on using the water shoes and walking stick again, you can rent them from the Zion Visitor Center.

4. Make Sure You Have A Dry Bag

In the event that you fall into the water or need to float your pack, a dry bag would be a useful accessory. As a photographer, you’ll need a dry bag, but it’s also a good idea to keep some dry clothes on hand for when you get back from the trail. Rather than lugging along a bulky dry bag, opt for a smaller option that can be tucked inside your daypack. Extra clothes, a first aid kit, and a phone for pictures should all fit in a 10L bag.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts!

Hiking Angel’s Landing doesn’t really require shuttle service. Moreover, The Narrows through-hikes is best done during the hottest months of the year. At times, Zion National Park can be so hot that fleeing into the river’s deep and twisting valley is an excellent way to cool down.

A pair of sturdy shoes is a must for those planning to hike the Zion National Park’s less demanding paths. While heavy hiking boots are not ideal for trekking in Zion, they may certainly suffice if that is all you have.