Angel's Landing

Zion National Park, Utah

In 2014 Amy and I visited several parks in the Southwest United States.  On that trip we went to the beautiful Zion National Park.  During the visit we had set out to hike to the top of the famous Angel's Landing.  Upon getting there we found the fin, although anchored with chains to guide the hiker, to be too hazardous mainly due to the sheer number of over confident and scared hikers.  We decided to pass.  In 2015 we decided to come back but do it on our own terms.  We left very early and got to the fin right at sunrise.  We had also devised an anchoring system utilizing our alpine harnesses, a sling, and a large carabiner.  We made it to the summit well before anyone else and had the amazing place all to ourselves.  We met hikers on our way down, but with our anchoring system we felt secure.  Watch the video.

Angel's Landing Anchoring System

I’ve received several requests to explain the anchoring system we used on Angel’s Landing so decided to put up on the site.  Please feel free to email me with any questions. 

Warning:  Do not attempt this system without knowledge of how to properly put on and wear a climbing harness and how to tie a girth hitch utilizing a sling.  It does not provide protection all the way through Angel’s Landing since there are sections without the chain nor will the system protect against every possible fall.  It’s purpose is for peace of mind that you are connected to the rock and to protect yourself when there is significant human traffic on the route (which was our main concern).

Amy and I used a very simple anchoring system made up of a climbing harness, a sling, and an extra large carabiner.  (We used an Alpine Harness, but unless you have been trained on how to wear one, I recommend sticking with the general climbing harness).  Make sure you put the climbing harness on correctly.  Feed the sling through the leg loop cross piece and tie in piece (like you would if you were tying into a climbing rope).  DO NOT feed through a gear loop, haul loop, or the belay loop.  Girth hitch the sling by feeding the end of the sling through the loop at the other end of the sling and tighten.  The chains at Angel’s Landing are thick so make sure to use an extra large carabiner.  Clip the carabiner onto the chain and slide it as you walk up.  At each post, unclip move to the next post and clip in.   You are attached to the rock!  BTW – almost everyone we passed as we were headed down, wished they had this system as they were heading up.

I want to say this again, because it is worth stating one more time.  This is not a 100% bomb proof anchoring system.  A significant fall in certain sections could result in the system sliding down the chain with you until it hits a post.  The forces involved should keep you attached to the rock based upon how the chain is configured, but because the sling is not dynamic will result in your body absorbing all the forces of stopping the fall.  that said, this system is significantly safer than climbing without it and will give you a greater peace of mind.  It will help those who have always wanted to go up Angel's Landing gain the confidence to go for it!!