Best time of day for Angel's Landing hike in Zion's National Park

Hi Helen,

Zion (not Zions) will be very HOT at the end of July, probably over 100. Start very, very early - like 7am. You will be very glad!

The earlier you start, the better. As Dayle noted, heat will be a problem. In addition, while Angel's Landing Trail isn't exactly a major thoroughfare, there are enough hikers that it gets a little cozy (or should I say nerve wracking) trying to pass people going in the opposite direction along the narrowest sections of the trail.

I took the 6:30 am shuttle in mid-September, in order to get to the trailhead before sunrise. In July, an even earlier start is possible. One caveat: if you leave early enough so as to get to the trailhead before sunrise, you'll need to get to the shuttle in the dark - and there are precious few lights in the shuttle parking lot (at least that was the case in 2005). A small flashlight or head lamp will be helpful.

Another thing to keep in consideration is there is no water along the trail and at 6 pounds per gallon the weight you will be carrying will also slow you down.

Do the Narrows hike the afternoon of your arrival day if the conditinos are right. And do Angel's Landing early the next morning.

If you are staying at Zion Lodge you can start right from there rather than waiting for the shuttle to the trailhead. Cross the river to the Emerald Pools trail and turn right---there is a connector trail over to the Angel's Landing trail.

You can return by shuttle if you don't want to walk the extra distance back.

Just be sure to allow enough time to return to Zion Lodge by check-ouot time, or arrange for a late check-out.

We hiked Angels Landing in October and it was fairly hot even then. We started @ 8:00. At least as it starts warming up you will be on your decent. I would start as early as you possible can, even 5:30 or 6:00. It tooks us about 3 hours to get to the top and about half that time to come down. Do not miss "The Narrows". Both equally good hikes, but Narrows will be much nicer in the heat. I would rent the shoes for the narrows @ Zion Adventure Company. I would do Narrows first day, then angels landing the 2nd day. The last half mile of Angels Landing is the nervous part when you meet someone on the chains section.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions. It will make our visit to Zion National Park more enjoyable and memorable.

Just returned yesterday from a week in Zion and I will second what has already been suggested: start as early as possible. If you can get out of St. George really early - like dawn! - then you can get started hiking at a decent time on your first day. It will be worth it. The first shuttle leaves the visitor center at 5:45 AM, so they are set up for early starts.

You didn't mention the Narrows in your original post, but you shouldn't miss it if possible. If you are up there early then you'll avoid the crowds and you'll get the stunning bronze light on the canyon walls which is gone by mid morning.

Finally, end of July is peak thunderstorm season. These typically build up in the afternoon, yet another reason to get the early morning start. Being on either Angels Landing or up in the Narrows during a storm is not a good idea.

Have a great trip. Zion is a gem.

Nelson, we also just returned from a few days there, did you see what last Friday evening's thunderstorm did to the river?!? On Saturday morning it looked exactly like chocolate milk, still hadn't cleared up by Monday. We hiked it on Friday afternoon and were glad we did, the river was its usual glassy green.

Helen in Hawaii, we started up the Narrows about 1 p.m. and really enjoyed the afternoon heat because the water is pretty cold. If you are unlucky enough to have the river be muddy, the Narrows will be a problem because you cannot see the large rocks and the deep spots.

We are fine wearing running shoes (tied very tight and the laces knotted) and socks.

I also have a suggestion for your one night at the lodge. After dinner, about 7:30 or so, take the shuttle up to the Sinawava Temple or Big Bend (just a few minutes up from the Lodge), get off and walk the road back as far as you feel like it to the next shuttle stop going back to the lodge. The sun is not on the canyon floor but it lights up the tops of the cliffs, it is light enough to see until 9:00. You may have the road all to yourself, and will probably see deer down by the river, it is really lovely. Between Sinawava and Big Bend there is a little waterfall that has a viewing platform, just steps from the road. Look for it on the side opposite the river.

gigib, that storm on Friday was incredible. We were starting up the lower part of Angels Landing trail for a stroll. We had no intent of going to the top, I did that a couple days earlier, my wife didn't feel up to it then. This time I just wanted to be on the west side of the valley for photography so evening light would be shining on the rocks to the east.

When the storm broke we sat in a small alcove about 3/4 mile up the trail, directly across from the Great White Throne. We watched and listened as lightning flashed to the east and thunder rumbled down the valley. Then, in amazement, we saw a ribbon of water form on and beging dropping down the Great White Throne and in about 2 minutes a narrow waterfall was cascading 2000 feet down the face! The whole event was capped off with a partial rainbow.

Meanwhile the dappled light was like a Thomas Moran or Fredric Church painting. It was one of the most astounding sunsets we've ever seen. I think (hope) I got some great photos. Should have them posted in a week or two if you are interested.

By the time we returned to the bridge over the river at about 9:30 PM we could see that the clear water had turned muddy.

Wow, that must have really been something to see! We were having dinner at the Zion Pizza place, got hailed on a bit, then just headed back to our balcony at the Driftwood Lodge in Springdale. Even from there we could see the incredible lighting on the cliff tops and the clouds. One of these days we want to be there when it's really pouring and see some falls!

Would love to see your photos!

gigib, If you are still checking this I've posted a few photos from the storm and my earlier hike up Angel's Landing here:
http://www.pbase.com/mangoman/zion

I'll be adding some more shots over the next few weeks, but of course the photos don't do justice to being there.