CarolM

This will be my 3rd trip to Zion. Last time I ended up doing some rappelling with Zion Adventure Co. and didn't have time to attempt Angel's Landing. However, I was unsure about what kind of shape I should be in to climb this trail! I'm a 45 yr. old female... unfortunately, I don't regularly exercise so I'm out of shape... plus I'm coming from sea level. I'd like to go to Zion in early October perhaps, and really wanted to attempt this climb. So I guess I have a couple of months to get on a stairmaster!

I'm adventurous and I don't have an issue with heights so the "scariness factor" doesn't worry me... it's more the steepness of the climb that makes me wonder whether I should try it. Any thoughts?

jill_h

Carol - sorry I don't have an answer for you, but I would also like to know about how long the hike should take to get to Scout's Lookout(?) on the Angel's Landing Trail. I don't think I have the nerves to make it to the top

starrs

I don't know but I was curious so I looked and found this -
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outp...ing-death.html

and a discussion about what to do about Angel's Landing -
http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com...angels-landing

Zion lists it as strenuos -
http://www.zionnational-park.com/zion-hiking.htm

starrs

Carol, I've read more of the comments on the discussion (second link above -

That would be a great resource for you to read in consideration of the climb.

We often pick up hikers (and families) that have taken on a "strenuous" hike near us. The trail crosses a road and it is not uncommon for folks to realize they have taken on too much. I've come to trust labels assigned by the state and national parks.

Anyway, here's one of the comments from the link -

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on May 26, 2009 - 5:08pm.
I just completed this hike two days ago. It was strenuous and I am in good shape. One must use common sense in taking a hike like this.

To put this hike in perspective and provide a sense of the hight involved here, ...the elevation from the base of Virgin River to the top of AL is equal to the height of what once was our Twin Towers. This is a fact. Invision hiking 2.5 miles laterally then compund that with an elevation rise equal to that of the World Trade Center. Get the picture now, LOL. This is not Disney folks.

CarolM

Hmm...

CarolM

Yes, I get it. When I think about heights, it's definitely not that that gives me pause -- in fact, I love heights. What I am thinking about now is if I'm underprepared physically (leg muscle-wise, and cardio-vascular wise), once I get to the top exposed area, that's where I may pose a danger to myself... if my legs are wobbly from the climb, or just exhausted and therefore not as coordinated as I'd need to be, in order to be completely safe. Darn!!! It makes sense. I'm not overweight, and know I could get more fit cardio-vascular wise in a few months, but perhaps I should make a safer choice as my goal. I'd like to push myself, but stay within the limits of safety.

I should say that I'm not "spooked" by having read about the fatalities... since I know the logic of the climb being safer statistically than getting on the freeway (I live in a very urban area where people drive like nuts, so I'm aware of this). But when you DO have control over making a smart choice, why not make one...?

Can anyone recommend other hikes I should consider?

starrs

Carol, I found it interesting that some folks chose to turn around because so many unprepared hikers were on the trail. They were worried about their safety being comprimised by the actions of others.

Good luck choosing the best trail. The Zion link lists all of the strenuous hikes, but if you click at the top it will take you to the list of moderate hikes.

Have fun planning!

maitaitom

Angel's Landing is a great hike, including Wally's Wiggles portion. My father-in-law was 60 when I went with him and he was not in the best shape. This was my first hike after getting on my drug that has alleviated my pain from rheumatoid arthritis back in '98. I'll always have a soft spot for Angel's Landing. I did not go out on the chain portion, however, but the views are still spectacular.

spirobulldog

If you want to hike Angels Landing, go for it. We did the entire thing about a year ago in 4 1/2 or 5 hours. This was with my daughter who is a great athlete, but has severe scolicis(had surgery last month). So, I think about anyone can do it. This isn't like the Grand Canyon in the fact that the hard part is going up, so you have the easy part on the return. This way if you start really getting that tired, you can always turn around. I think it took us about 3 hours to go up and only about 1.5 hours back down. Take your time there is a lot to see on the way up. We even stopped and watched a California Condor for a few minutes. He was in a tree not far from the trail. If you are in good enough shape to canyoneer, then you will most likely be fine on AL. IT IS FANTASTIC!

Frankly, I didn't think the hike was that scary nor that hard. I assume that you have hiked The Narrows. The Narrows and Angels Landing are two of the very best hikes I have ever done.

CarolM

Hey spiro, we've written before (on a few different threads.. Utah and Alaska)! Thanks for your input. However, I beg to differ in that the canyoneering I did was basically sitting on my behind and letting gravity take over! There was some climbing involved, but mainly it was coming down on ropes! I have not hiked the Narrows, and I'm not sure I'm interested. Not into water stuff... the canyoneering I did was dry slot canyons.

Well, we'll see! You're not a middle-aged woman (although I hate to admit I am!) Men just have more leg muscle to rely on... just sayin'! You were, however, the one who got me to do the dog sledding in Alaska (amazing!) I still haven't made it to Moab for the desert highlights tour -- mainly it's because Moab is a pain in the you-know-what to get to from here. (Have to switch planes to fly to SLC, then 4 hour drive, etc.) I have limited time to get away, so Zion's a lot easier -- hop on a direct flight to Vegas, drive a few hours, and I'm in the park in the afternoon.

spirobulldog

My wife is 40 and she did both. She is generally scared of everything. I would rate us both as in decent, but not great shape. She did stop at Scouts Lookout, because she didn't want to tackle the chains section. The only part I didn't like, was letting go of the chains when you need to pass someone. You both kindof just stand there trying to decide who is going to let go so you can pass. I don't think my daughter ever let go to allow someone to pass, she would wait them out, so they would let go and then she could pass, lol. The canyoneering we did, was fairly strenuous in Moab and then super strenuous in Oregon. I hope to do one sometime in Zion. The Narrows are spectacular, don't miss them. Rent your shoes at Zion Adventure Co

BTW, Great Lakes Aviation flys into Moab from Denver, if you can catch a direct flight to Denver, then connect. My daughter and I went a few years ago to Moab. My wife is coming with us next year and we are meeting my parents there. The airport has like 2 flights per day.

christy1

While the end certainly can be iffy with the chains and the height, etc, I don't think the rest of it is difficult at all. 2.5 miles each way and 1488' gain is not a hard hike. You should be able to do most of it, and it's certainly worth doing even if you don't go all the way to the very end...just turn around if you don't feel strong enough to deal with the chains. Especially if you have a couple months to get in better shape! Absolutely you can do this. Have fun!

I also think Spirobulldog makes a great point that it's not like the Grand Canyon--if you turn around it's all downhill. You aren't going to be trapped or stuck or otherwise in danger.

portiaperu

We did Angel's Landing as a morning hike with children ages 12, 10, and 6. As a family we are active, parents work out 3 x a week and children are active in sports. We found the hike on the easy side. I imagine someone who is in moderate physical shape, not necessarily exercising on a regular basis, mighr require more time to complete the hike and find it to be moderately taxing.

Go for it!

elnap29

I don't think you'll have any problem going as far as Scout's Lookout. The trail is sort of steep in places, but it's sort of paved and fairly wide. It's not a race; you can just move along one step at a time. If it's hot, you'll want to go fairly early or rest in the shade every once in awhile. After Scout's Lookout, you're on your own. It's mind over matter. I was surprised I couldn't do the last part and had to scoot back down and wait for my husband while he went out to the final point. It's worth it to go at least to Scout's Lookout.

jkr

We voted the narrows as one of the best hikes we've done and have hiked alot. Old tennis shoes and a walking stick highly suggested...and go EARLY before the crowds...like 7:30/8am

indy_dad

Sorry, I'm a few days late on this one.

My wife and I (40's) and kids (8 & 11) did Scouts Lookout in just over an hour. I continued on (solo) to AL in about 45 minutes more. I was very glad I did. It was difficult enough that I felt like I accomplished something. I'm in reasonable shape (daily walks) and had been at altitude for a week. I think my wife would have struggled.

A few points to consider:

1) You'll use your arms. I could tell that I used my arms/chest the next day.

2) Check for rubber legs at Scout's Lookout. You will have climbed quite a bit so catch your breath there if needed.

3) My heartrate was defintely up at the beginning of the AL portion due to the danger factor.

4) There are places to stop and catch your breath along the way. People are very accommodating. You can always turn around as someone else mentioned.

The entire family liked Hidden Canyon for a bit of the adventure feel (chains) while not having it be quite as strenuous.

If you aren't concerned about the heights, I start the treadmill and go for it.