Tucked within the jaw-dropping canyons of Zion National Park, Angel’s Landing has become infamous as one of the most dangerous tourist attractions in the United States for 2025.
Revered for its staggering views and adrenaline-pumping hike, Angel’s Landing beckons outdoor enthusiasts from around the world—yet its risks and tragic history make it a spot for only the bravest (and best prepared) adventurers.
What Makes Angel’s Landing So Deadly?
The peril of Angel’s Landing is legendary. The trail itself may seem manageable at first—a 5.4-mile round trip with 1,488 feet of elevation gain—but its final half-mile transforms from a typical Utah hike to a heart-stopping, knife-edge ridge adventure.
Here, the pathway narrows to just a few feet in places, flanked by sheer cliffs that drop more than 1,000 feet on either side. There are no guardrails; the only support are heavy chains drilled into sandstone for hikers to grip as they make their way along the exposed summit ridge.
Congestion is a serious hazard, especially during peak seasons. Crowds can gridlock the narrow path, raising the risk of slips or falls—particularly when hikers attempt to overtake one another or lose their footing out of exhaustion or panic.
Angel’s Landing’s popularity, ironically, has made it even more dangerous: as of 2024, at least 17 hikers have lost their lives on this trail, many of them slipping during crowded conditions or underestimating the trail’s physical demands.
The Hike: Adrenaline, Scenery, and Sheer Exposure
Start: The trail begins at the Grotto shuttle stop, meandering up via the West Rim Trail before a relentless climb through tight switchbacks called Walter’s Wiggles.
Scout Lookout: This is the recommended turnaround point for those hesitant about heights or lacking permits.
The Final Ascent: For those who continue, the real challenge begins. Chains bolted to the smooth rock offer lifelines, but nerves (and grip) of steel are essential. Here, hikers “live on the edge”—sometimes literally—with only inches separating them from an open canyon plunge.
The reward, should you reach the summit, is an awe-inspiring panorama over Zion’s towering red rock walls and lush canyon floors.
Essential Safety Precautions
Permits Required: Due to its popularity and rising accident rates, a lottery-based permit system is now enforced. All hikers must have a permit, issued in advance or via daily lotteries.
Proper Gear: Footwear with excellent traction is critical; wet or icy conditions can turn the trail lethally slick.
Don’t Hike Alone: Solo hiking is strongly discouraged, and children should not attempt the final section.
Respect Your Limits: Turn around at Scout Lookout if you have any doubts.
Avoid Crowds: Early morning is safest to dodge both crowds and midday heat, which can cause fatigue and dehydration.
The Grim Statistics
Angel’s Landing does not top the list for overall fatalities in US National Parks, but its unique combination of stunning looks and real, immediate danger has earned it a spot among America’s most treacherous hikes. First responder logs show multiple rescues each month during peak season. A split-second misjudgment or brief lapse in caution can have fatal consequences.
Other Dangerous Utah Attractions
Though Angel’s Landing garners the most headlines, Utah is also home to The Maze in Canyonlands National Park—a bewildering and remote labyrinth known for disorienting even expert trekkers and requiring frequent rescue missions.
Angel’s Landing is a bucket-list adventure for thrill seekers but also a stark reminder of nature’s power and unpredictability. If you’re considering a trip, relish the challenge—but never underestimate the risks. In 2025, as in years past, this Utah icon remains both a marvel and a cautionary tale carved into the red cliffs of Zion.
Sources
[1] https://wildlandtrekking.com/blog/hiking-angels-landing/
[2] https://daytripnomad.com/most-dangerous-tourist-attractions/
[3] https://www.islands.com/1902449/popular-national-park-dangerous-tourist-attractions-zion/
[4] https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/most-dangerous-places
[5] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/these-are-americas-most-dangerous-tourist-attractions/photostory/103839704.cms
