TL;DR
You know that hike everyone does in Zion? Its that one. Hike up 2,000ft over 2.5miles to the top of Angels Landing. The last half mile or so takes you along exposed catwalks with a chain for aid. This hike isn't for those who feel uncomfortable next to ledges. Once you're at the top, pat yourself on the back and do it all in reverse for a total of 5 miles. We did this hike before the permit system was implemented and had to wait in a very long line.
Thoughts
In the age of Instagram there are hikes that have become clichés. It makes me not want to do them but at the same time they became so popular because they do have something amazing about them so here we are. The initial switchbacks from the beginning of the Grotto trailhead will get your heart pumping but at least you're treated to a beautiful view of Zion canyon while you stop to catch your breathe. Once at the crest of the switchbacks we did something I never thought I'd say on a hiking blog, we got in line.
With the popularity of the Angels Landing hike and the dangers of overcrowding on such an exposed trail, they actually voted to implement a lottery system for permits. We got to experience first hand why they did that. From roughly where the switchbacks end to the first instance of touching a cable, it took us a little over an hour. An hour of waiting and slowly creeping slowly closer to beginning the cabled section. We found good company with the people around us. One woman in front of us was doing a road trip across the country and was heading to California after Zion so we had fun chatting about all the best California has to offer.
The number one debate we had going into this part of the hike was whether it was more like Half Dome (extreme exposure) or more like Clouds Rest (moderate exposure, as long as you stay in the middle there's very little risk). As we meandered up the chains, letting people pass, or people letting us pass, I had to say it might land roughly in the middle. I never felt like I was ever in danger or that one misstep would send me careening over the edge. It was more physically involved than just hiking though. There are parts where you need to pull yourself up over rocks or along a chain but the aids are all very helpfully placed.
Honestly, I thought the cabled section was pretty fun. Kind of like a baby via ferrata. It didn't really bother me that we had to stop and wait sometimes because the views were just amazing. Once we got to the top, we snapped a few photos, took in the view, had a snack, and then turned back around to make our way down. Was it like being in a Disney Land line? Yes. Do I think it was worth it? Yes.
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