Hike to Angels' Landing

Anyone with experience on this hike? I'll be going to Zion 2nd week of may and was wondering what the best time of day to start this hike and still get back down before dark. Do they close the trailhead after a certain hour?

If you want to be up there for Sunset I'd start the hike around 5:00 PM, that should get you out there by 7:30 for a Sunset. The trail doesn't close but I'd want to be back to Scouts Lookout before it's too dark to see where the chains are. Take headlamps for the hike down. The shuttle should run late enough to get the last one out, I think it's about 10 PM.


Win

Thanks for the info Win! I guess I'll shoot for 3:00 p.m. then. Not worried about getting there for sunset. Just want to get decent light and want to be able to take my time. I'm a 60 yr old flatlander from central Florida and I haven't hiked in the mountains for near 30 years. I think I will get one of those headlamps though (good idea) just in case I change my mind or run late for some reason.

ETS wrote in post #12322691
Thanks for the info Win! I guess I'll shoot for 3:00 p.m. then. Not worried about getting there for sunset. Just want to get decent light and want to be able to take my time. I'm a 60 yr old flatlander from central Florida and I haven't hiked in the mountains for near 30 years. I think I will get one of those headlamps though (good idea) just in case I change my mind or run late for some reason.

You might want to rethink this one, its a very strenuous hike.

irishman wrote in post #12330592
You might want to rethink this one, its a very strenuous hike.

You beat me to it...

Very strenuous if you're not used to that sort of thing. Steep with a lot of switchbacks (and that's the easy part). Going up isn't so bad...coming down will put a lot of stress on your knees and shins. I'd also bring a pair of grippy gloves for the chains and also for the slickrock.

It does sound like an impending disaster, doesn't it? Sorry, I wasn't thinking when I posted that. I have given it a lot of thought and have been training very hard for the past 3 months for this. I do appreciate your concern though.

I'm not a fool either and am fully prepared to turn back if the going gets too tough.

How does a flatlander train for the mountains? Cycling! I highly recommend it for any photogs who want to get in shape for that. The most used muscles in cycling are the same ones used for walking or running up hill. It has to be properly done though. Cruising through the neighborhood at 5 mph on a beach cruiser doesn't cut it. I train the same way I dd for bike racing when I was younger.

Anyway, I'll be wearing a backpack and carrying my 5D2 with 17-40L attached. Also, my mini carbon fiber tripod plus food and water. Purchased a headlamp yesterday. Do they sell grippy gloves inside the park?

Welcome any and all further suggestions to help me get there and back safely.

Thanks, ETS

You should be fine, I'm 67 years old and have done it within the last year. I would consider leaving your pack at Scout's Lookout and going light out to AL, that's what I do. Just close it up so the Chipmunks don't eat all your goodies. Your camera should be fine around your neck/shoulder, tripod I'm not sure of.
You'll need to pass people on the chains and the bulk of pack makes it harder.

Angel's Landing is a great hike and is edgy but hundreds do it every week. Just bring a pair of your cycling gloves, I doubt you'll need them.

Slow but steady will get you to the top! Going down is tough on the legs but Advil is your friend!!

Win

Thanks Win. About how far is it from Scout's Lookout up to the summit? And is that chains the whole way?

I think it's 1/2 mile and takes about 45 minutes. There are flat spots and some shade in spots, most of it is pretty easy. Here's a link to my friends Tanya and Bo's website, probably the best for this area.

http://www.zionnationa​l-park.com/zion-angels-landing-trail.htm

For me, this hike is best done early in the AM. I started at around 7 AM the last time and there were few people on the trail. Coming back down was a little crowded. In May it will probably be crowded even early but it will be cooler!!

Win

Great! Thank you so much Win.

ETS