Zion National Park, UT – Towering cliffs, breathtaking views, and death-defying heights: Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park isn’t just one of the most scenic hikes in the U.S.—it’s also one of the most dangerous, earning it a top spot on national lists of hazardous tourist attractions in 2025.
What makes this trail so infamous isn’t just its stunning location, but the razor-thin margin between thrill and tragedy that awaits anyone daring enough to attempt it.
Why Angel’s Landing Is Considered So Dangerous
Though it begins with a moderately challenging 2.5-mile ascent along the West Rim Trail, Angel’s Landing takes a dramatic and treacherous turn in its final half-mile. This stretch transforms into a knife-edge ridge, just 2–3 feet wide in some places, with sheer 1,000-foot drop-offs on either side.
The only assistance? A set of metal chains bolted into the sandstone to help hikers maintain balance as they inch toward the summit.
“It’s not a trail for the faint of heart. One wrong step could be fatal,” warn Zion National Park rangers, citing at least 17 confirmed deaths on the trail as of 2024.
Additional Risks:
- Overcrowding: The popularity of Angel’s Landing ironically makes it more dangerous. Narrow passages often lead to bottlenecks, and impatient hikers sometimes attempt to overtake others—raising the risk of slips and falls.
- Fatigue & Panic: Dehydration, vertigo, and anxiety can overwhelm even experienced hikers, particularly during the hot summer months or under high-altitude stress.
- Weather Hazards: Icy or wet conditions can turn the already slippery rock into a deathtrap, and sudden storms can reduce visibility and increase the chance of injury.
The Route: Scenic… and Scary
- Start at The Grotto shuttle stop and ascend the paved path through switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles.
- Scout Lookout marks a turning point: hikers not comfortable with heights, lacking a permit, or uncertain of their fitness should stop here.
- From Scout Lookout, the final ascent to Angel’s Landing begins—where a single misstep could mean a deadly fall.
“It’s beautiful, but it’s brutal,” says one past hiker. “You’re gripping chains, sweating, and knowing that a few inches to the left or right is a straight drop into the canyon.”
Safety First: What Every Hiker Must Know
Because of the growing number of incidents and overwhelming crowds, Zion National Park now requires permits to hike Angel’s Landing. These are available via seasonal and daily lotteries.
Other critical safety guidelines include:
- Wear proper footwear with good traction
- Avoid hiking in icy or wet conditions
- Start early to beat crowds and heat
- Don’t hike alone and avoid bringing small children
- Turn back at Scout Lookout if you’re unsure about the final climb
Read Also: This Oregon Site Ranked Among Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions in U.S.
A Sobering Track Record
While not the deadliest trail in America, Angel’s Landing’s high fatality-per-mile ratio makes it one of the most dangerous. Dozens of rescues are performed annually, and many incidents involve otherwise healthy, experienced hikers who misjudged the trail’s intensity.
The final message from park rangers: Know your limits. Admire the beauty, but respect the power of nature.
Other Dangerous Destinations in Utah
Angel’s Landing isn’t Utah’s only high-risk hike. The Maze in Canyonlands National Park is another spot known for getting visitors lost, sometimes for days, and requiring frequent search and rescue missions. Its remote location and maze-like geology make it nearly impassable without GPS and expert navigation.
Angel’s Landing is undeniably one of the most breathtaking destinations in the United States—but also one of the most treacherous. In 2025, it remains a bucket-list adventure that demands not only courage, but caution and respect.
Have you hiked Angel’s Landing? Share your experience—or your safety tips—in the comments of newyorkdailygazette.com.
