Photos of Angels Landing Chains Section

Just a few weeks ago, my friend Jill & I hiked the famous Angels Landing trail at Zion National Park.  Now, I did very little research prior to this hike: I just knew that thousands of people hiked it every year, so it seemed pretty do-able.  I didn’t realize until days before that there’s a pretty gnarly “chains” section at the hike’s end ~ meaning, you need to hold on to said chain in order not to fall off a rather alarming cliff’s edge!  It’s not quite that dramatic in real life, but nonetheless, I think visitors ought to check out “Photos of Angels Landing Chains Section” before hiking it, so you can determine if this is something you really want to do. 

Or not.

This is the beginning of the “Chains” section: & the ridge in the distance is what we need to climb…

GWTW Tip: I really want to state up front ~ this hike is NOT for everyone. Particularly the “chains” section. If you have a fear of heights, I would absolutely not do it. Further, one member of our group had a cyst burst (on her hand) the day prior to Angels Landing; she could not close her hand or make a fist. Thus, she opted NOT to hike, as she wouldn’t be able to grip the chain, & I think this was 100% the right decision. 

Photos of Angels Landing Chains Section: Up

Before hiking, I didn’t think I’d take any pictures on the “Chains” stretch of Angels Landing: I thought it would be too dangerous.  And I didn’t want to risk inadvertently dropping my phone (or me!) off a cliff.  But in reality, this section was a little less scary & a little wider than I anticipated.  It also goes on for awhile ~ it took us about 40 minutes to ascend, & 30 minutes to get down.

This is the VERY start of the “Chains” section, as seen from Scout Lookout. The majority of people stop here….

This section of photos shows what it looks like on your way UP the “Chains” section ~ which is really less like hiking, & more like gentle rock climbing & scrambling….with massive drops to your left & right (though most of the time, you’ve got a fairly wide berth on either side).

Near the start: I honestly thought photos were better here than at the very top.

If you scroll into this photo, you can see all the people on this part of the hike ~definitely LESS than the main section.

This part of the hike is quite narrow…

The trees on Angels Landing’s reach make for beautiful photo frames.

If you’re hiking at or near sunset, I recommend staying at the only hotel inside the park: Zion National Park Lodge; it’s just one shuttle stop over from Angels Landing ~ meaning you can get back to your hotel quickly, & even walk there if need be.  I also suggest bringing head lamps for hiking at sunrise or sunset.

Photos at Top of Angels Landing

I have to be honest: my photos from the very top of Angels Landing are my least favorite.  There were quite a few people up there when we reached the top, including a group of young Instagram-happy girls who commandeered the entire final landing area, for a longgg time.  Though pretty, most of these photos are a bit overexposed ~ & you’re so high above the valley, I feel they lack the detail & rich color of other shots.

Biggest Takeaway: You 100% DO NOT need to hike to the very top of Angels Landing in order to get the best photos!!!  My photos from Scout’s Lookout & the main ascent of the hike are just as good, if not better than my photos at the top.

Getting closer….

Photo from the top, looking down the valley.

Can you see the little chipmunk in this photo??!

Most photos from Angels Landing look DOWN the valley, towards the Visitor’s Center. This is what it looks like when you turn around & look the OTHER direction…

Photos of Angels Landing Descent

These photos of the WAY DOWN are some of my favorites: this is where you get the best perspective of how scary this hike actually is.  If you’re contemplating doing this hike or not ~ study these photos to make sure this is something you feel comfortable doing.

This shot gives you quite a perspective of what you’re dealing with here: which is very steep cliffs to your right.

This part’s not too bad…”stairs” are carved into the rocks.

An even better view of how sheer the cliffs are..

You use your ARMS quite a bit during the “Chains” section: there are stretches where you need to either shimmy down, or do a backwards kind-of rappel motion.

You can see my friend using her triceps to “dip” down a skinny section of the hike.

My friend took this shot of me after descending the steepest part of the hike ~ which is all in the background.

If you have any recent injuries, didn’t bring shoes with good tread, lack upper body strength, or don’t feel you have good balance: I would NOT do this hike. That said, there was no part of this hike where I actually felt “in danger.” They’ve done a good job of making it accessible & safe for those who wish to hike it ~ & the fact that a permit is now required limits the number of people who can hike.

My very last shot from the “Chains” section; Scout’s Lookout is visible in the upper lefthand corner.

Photos of Angels Landing Chains Section

If you have any questions about this hike: please feel free to ask me in the comments below.  And if you’re heading on to Bryce Canyon after Zion, check out this overview of Bryce’s best hotels, or read about hiking the park’s popular Navajo Loop Trail.

xoxo Noelia

Read Next: Best Sunset Spots in Zion National Park

Pin It