Angles Landing:  My son did this hike without me.  It is one of the must-do hikes in Zion NP.  This is not recommended for anyone who fears heights or who has less that good balance. 

Starting at the Grotto, the trail is the same West Rim Trail that we came down on 6/15/10 for the first two miles leading to Scout’s Lookout (see separate trip report for 6/14-15/2010).  This part of the trail is steep and exposed to full sun.  But, it is actually either paved with cement or cut smooth into the canyon walls.  About halfway (1 mile) you enter shade courtesy of RefrigeratorCanyon.  Just before reaching Scout’s Lookout at the base of the Angel’s Landing Trail, you ascend 21 switchbacks cut right into the canyon wall in the 1930’s by the CCC. 

Once at Scout’s Lookout you are about 1000 ft above the canyon floor and it’s only 0.5 miles and 500 ft more of vertical up the Angel’s Landing Trail to the some of the best views of the canyon.  But what a hike it is.  The trail is on a narrow spine of sandstone.  Some places are only a few feet wide with a drop of 1200 ft on one side and 800 ft on the other side.  Much of the precarious trail has chains anchored to the walls for hand holds.  Still, there have been many people who have plunged to their death.