Angles Landing (also known as Temple of Aeolus) is a 1,488-foot tall rock formation in Zion National Park. In 1922 a trail was cut into solid rock, so that visitors could reach the top of the formation and enjoy panoramic views of Zion Canyon. Visitors are now only allowed to hike to the top of the switchbacks (Scout Lookout) without a permit. Permits are required go from Scout Lookout all of the way out to Angles landing.
Several years ago we decided to make the climb, so we rented a cabin in the park that was near the trailhead. This allowed us to leave when we wanted to without waiting on a shuttle. We elected to leave at sunrise.
The trail is rated as a Class 3 difficulty, based on the Yosemite Decimal System. From the trailhead, there is a bridge that crosses the Virgin River and then the trail follows the west side of the river to the rock formation. There are various flowers that grow along the river's edge.
After leaving the river, the trail starts out with a fairly gradual incline; but quickly becomes steeper. Then, there are "Walter's Wiggles," a series of steep switchbacks that turnback many hikers. Scouts Lookout is at the top of the switchbacks and is the stopping point with out a permit.
The last half-mile from Scouts Lookout to Angles Landing (5,790 feet elevation) has steep drops on both sides of the trail. The Park Service has installed chins for hikers to hang onto, but even with the chains, about 20 people have fallen off of trail and lost their lives.
We made it without falling and the views from Angles Landing were spectacular!
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