Spectacular, beautiful hike but cant exactly say Im glad I did it. That was dangerous. Theyre allowed pull TRIPLE trailers in Utah, and often do in the area around St. George. The final Angels Landing view is an epic 360 degree panorama of cliffs and canyons. I never thought Id be saying this but Amen to the permits to hike Angels Landing. Some of the most common injuries Angels Landing hikers suffer are blisters and ankle injuries; good footwear is the best way to prevent these problems. Before going I did a little research. So glad we did. There will often be a line that forms for the first bus. Their mother believed that he was an angel who could predict people's death. Needless to say the child did not survive the 100ft fall. How were you not impressed with the view? Unfortunately there isnt much of an off-season anymore. I dont like crowds. I say, do your research, know the risks, be prepared, bring gloves and go for it. Touching those hot rocks barehanded is not a pleasant experience. These are always the big questions in my mind when I hear of tragic accidents like this: How did they fall? 435-772-3256 Ive visited at least once a year every year since 2013 and I love this hikeall the way up until the actual Angels Landing section with the chains. Anytime I tackled the whole trail, I held on to the chains and watched my footing, went slow, trying not to look down. Even with the permits they are now issuing, there are still WAY too many people to navigate this trail safely. By some miracle, as my left foot was sliding down a rock slanted outwards towards a cliff, I grabbed the chain and pulled myself back onto my feet. I consider myself a bit of an adrenaline junkie, but I was certain we were going to witness their deaths. Great article Jamie! 4. 9:00 pm. I have to say though that I was appalled at the adults that seemed to be making their children do this hike against their wishes. Using high-quality energy-absorbing via ferrata with two lanyards & carabiners so that you can always have at least one clip on the chains when you move past each post. FULL EPISODE: Angels & Demons A report about mysterious deaths inside a traveling commune and a fascinating investigation that would span over 10 years. So its August and youve slept in too late. Please respect these critically endangered birds by keeping your distance. Hike Angels Landing at the pace you feel most comfortable with. Dave shared this with me in early 2019 (a year in which there were two more ensuing deaths), so we can logically increase the figure to at least 17, or even bring it to a statement of about 20 fatalities. he was also keeping count of the mysterious deaths, five so far. Are you in good shape? This page has all the information you need to apply for a permit and plan your hike. A must read for everybody who is thinking of this hike. I dont mind heights, but I have severely unstable ankles (45 talar tilt unstable!) If youre fairly sure-footed and okay with heights Id wager that youll be fine. mona, her boyfriend and her daughter lindsey had perished in the plane crash. The $6 application fee is not refundable. The news reports in this list confirm that there have been at least 16 falling deaths from Angels Landing as of 2023. I kid you not, there was a guy who passed me on the trail who had a baby in a backpack. Print or download your permit and carry a flashlight or headlamp with new batteries, some food and lots of water just in case you end up out later than you planned. Great article! That may not be the most politically correct way to say it, but Im sure the National Park Service has had similar thoughts, and thats probably why the trail has remained open and relatively unchanged all these years. No matter what happens, always put safety first. I could have easily fallen. I hiked Angels Landing back in May of 2018. I dont know where people have died on this trail in the past but I am ready to bet few have fallen in this chain-less section. There are some sketchy parts on that trail. , This means when you add the 5 recent deaths that have happened on the trail since 2016, you get a total of 17 confirmed deaths on the Angels Landing hike as of 2023. Even kids are often just fine and have fun with it. Leave a comment and let me know. surprised me at Angels landing hike. The crowds were much less. Im in shock that my niece and husband are planning on doing this hike with their 5 year old daughter Monday!! Example:If you have a permit to hike on a Friday, June 24, you can cancel it or reduce the number of people on ituntil 11:59 p.m. MT on the Wednesday, June 22. and you will covering most of the distance and elevation gain for the hike. If you reduce the number of people on your permit or cancel it, recreation.gov will refund the $3 per person fee for each person who is removed or canceled. In doing so, I inadvertently accomplished my #2 recommended method of beating the crowds start late. Cheers! We came across a few people heading down the trail but most of the people were heading up at that time. The views from places like Observation Point and farther up the West Rim Trail are much better. This site feeds you cookies and is peppered with affiliate links. This is one of the main bucket list hikes that brings people to Zion, and for many people its not convenient to plan their schedule around a lottery. I completed the hike last week on June 28, 2021 but I will never do it again! Gloves may be useful. Zion is in a desert environment. There have been at least 15 deaths there during the last century., Note that this figure above cites deaths, rather than falls.. This Angels Landing deaths list is the most complete list of its kind available on the internet at the time of writing (2023), although some details are still missing. lou castro at angels landing. The hike is strenuous, and your safety is your responsibility. Take your time and be patient with slower hikers. We cannot simply close everything. Dont go in March (Spring Break). Just completed angels landing for the first time on 1/16/23. My GF and I just did Angels Landing September 10. You get the idea. Its a fairly steep grade, even from the very beginning. Look into The Narrows, Observation Point, Emerald Pools, The West Rim Trail, Watchman, etc. You did not get a permit and can consider applying again the day before your hike or for a future Seasonal Lottery. Theres a restroom where you leave the bus at The Grotto. Protect the natural sounds of the canyon by talking softly and using headphones for music. I once went five days without seeing another person. I hope you were helped by this safety guide for the Angels Landing trail in Zion National Park, Utah. Most had never been to a national park. Jason Hartwell, of Draper, Utah, was found at the base of the Angels Landing summit Friday morning, the National Park Service said in a statement. I was 75 then and reasonably fit. Theyre wild animals that should not be fed by anyone! Looks like permits will begin in April 2022: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/angels-landing-hiking-permits.htm. Youll start ascending a wide, paved trail. Hundreds of thousands of people do this hike each year, and have a great experience. I want her to experience the beauty of our world, and today she did just thatwithout AL. From videos Ive seen, the chains appear to have many breaks in between where there are no chains and areas where you would not be attached to anything until you get to the next set of chains. ), and thoroughly enjoyed an even longer hike. [7], As of March 15, 2021, 13 people have died from falling while hiking the trail. As the trail gets steeper and leaves behind the river, it becomes paved. Since 2000, 13 people have died on the. [9], Beginning in 2022, hikers will be required to have a permit. You did not get a permit and can try againin a future lottery. Jamie Compos, excellent website indeed. The Angels Landing chains are metal and sturdy, so you can rely on them. We saw the sign that said 12? After a series of steep switchbacks, the trail goes through the area between Angels Landing and the Zion Canyon that is a gradual ascent. Today March 6 we read that a 43 year old fell to his death in Zion National Park!!! Starting in 2022, the National Park Service requires day use permits (via lottery) for the Angels Landing chain section. In hindsight I was dangerously descending full of adrenaline I guess. I cant tell anybody what to do but if you are an average joe and has plans to hike this hike especially if you are planning to take your young kids in this hike, for those people I will say PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS HIKE! Most people who hike Angels Landing are very understanding of others who choose to take a slow pace. >> reporter: they were sisters whose mom brought them here to li with others in this tight knit commune . My friend, who was behind him, was sitting on the rock with her hands over her eyes; she didnt want to watch him fall. The A L. hike itself seemed easy enough to do. Time your hike so youll reach the top 30 minutes prior to sunset. Indeed! This of course would slow your progress and inspire others to make hazardous moves to get around you. Did the Narrows all three times. Its another hike in Zion with stellar views of the whole park, and it doesnt have any of the safety risks or permit hassles of this hike. First summit I ever did back in 2007, and I would do it again tomorrow if I could! Since 2017, three people have tragically fallen to their deaths while hiking Angels Landing, most recently in April 2019. Sometimes the cliffs are on both sides of the trail. We had plenty of practice. You got a permit and have been charged $3 for each person you registered. This is a new pilot permitting system. Theres a series of chain link handrails drilled into the rock. Some 50+ years ago in my mid-20s I used to backpack a favorite Trail in the Gore Range in Colorado. I have to say it was the hardest climb I have ever done! The last half-mile of the route, called the chains section, is dramatic and narrow. Maybe if Im in shape and by myself Ill hit AL someday to challenge my fear, but I dont want to be worrying about other people if I decide to work through that process that would make it impossible. I made it up to Scouts Lookout, already had chicken legs, from there I saw the crowd (at 8am) forming at the chains and decided not to go. One of my favorite views at Angels Landing. You can trace the individual sources of these 14 deaths via the news articles linked in the list below. Listen to Jamie and decide if this hike is for you. The problem is the crowds! Dateline NBC NBC May 1, 2015 9:00pm-11:01pm EDT. With that said, I would not recommend this hike for young kids, unfit older folks, or anyone who is not surefooted and comfortable with heights. You got a permit and have been charged $3 per person you registered. The most accurate figure is that 14 people have died as a result of falls from Angels Landing. [8], In July 2018, the trail was closed following damage due to a severe storm and was re-opened in September 2018. From The Grotto Picnic Area youll cross the road, and cross the bridge over the Virgin River. This is especially important when youre passing other hikers going the opposite direction, because youll be tempted to let go of the chain to get around them. If you do not have cell and/or data service (most people cannot connect to a mobile network in Zion Canyon), find a park ranger or park volunteer on the trail or at a trailhead. And being forced to stop and take in the scenery. The thing is, people have established this as must-do hike. The summer is to hot and crowded. Bring broken-in boots with good ankle support and good traction. Rockfall hazards occur throughout the park and are especially high near any cliff face. I shall look for the book. Trail[edit] Before we get to the Angels Landing deaths list and my safety tips, I also wrote a complete guide for the Angels Landing hike and how to do it. It made it more difficult but I loved the camaraderie. Every case is different and unfortunate, but it does seem like at least some of these deaths were clearly avoidable. Squirrels, ravens, chipmunks, and other animals live along the trail; never feed them or allow them to get your food. We started the trail at 3pm and it was hot but there were no crowds. Several other tallies can be found around the web, unlikely to be up-to-date with the the latest falls, or clouding the number with other causes of death. Everybody was polite and let anybody going up pass first. As of 2023, at least 17 confirmed deaths have happened on the Angels Landing hike, and some sources put that figure closer to 20 deaths. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. People have died on Angels Landing. Try to hike before noon if possible. If anyone asks me if Ive hiked AL, I always tell them the view from Observation Point is so much better! Which I started to do in 2014 and then changed my mind. Their only purpose in life is to relieve you of your food. Thirteen hikers have fallen and died from Angels Landing, or the trail to it, since 2000, according to records compiled by FOX 13. Hikers beware! Learn why you need a permit and aboutZion's Visitor Use Research and Planning. Angels Landing Hike Deaths (Safety FAQs and Tips) Pehaps the most well-known hiking trail in Zion National Park, Angels Landing is an exciting day hiking opportunity for anyone on a trip to one of the United States' most popular national parks. The Angels Landing Cult Deaths and the Case Against Lou Castro (Part 2) Not Your Normal Murder True Crime Episode #45 // The Angels Landing Cult Deaths and the Case Against Lou Castro (Part 2) In 2003, a man known by many as Lou Castro would develop a commune he called Angels Landing. Parking is at Zions main entrance, though The Grotto parking lot is available in winter.DIRECTIONS: When shuttle buses are running, board at the visitor center and exit at the bus stop for The Grotto. If you need a larger version of this map, you can download it from the Angels Landing photo album. In winter, the metal chains are very cold. Effective now in 2022, the chains section of Angels Landing is accessible by permit only, and closed to all other hikers. How can I talk them into not doing this??? Along this 5.4 mile round-trip hike, you will gain 1,488 feet in elevation. Donot attempt to ascend if: The ground is wet or icy (the rock becomes very slick when wet; most accidents on the chains occur during wet conditions). Youll be fine. Our group didnt arrive in Zion until the afternoon, and I set out immediately to go do this hike. Timeline of 14 Falls Resulting in Death at Angels Landing This list below may be incomplete, but it's the most comprehensive take on the subject to be found on the internet. Kind of a bucket list accomplishment that I am thrilled to have done. If you do not have your permit with you, we may not allow you to take your hike. You can use a flush toilets at the Visitor Center before you get on the park shuttle or at the Grotto shuttle stop. I did it in 2007 in Chacos and got a couple blisters. ' Dateline ' explores those crimes that have taken the country by a storm. The number of deaths is minuscule considering the number of visitors. Pretty amazing and frightening that Just watching had me leaning into the safe side of the trail from my couch! Most of these were falls from steep cliffs. I first hiked Angels Landing on the evening of August 25, 2008. I knew about AL then but honestly, Im a bit afraid of heights and it is not worth it to me. Hikers may see a ranger on the trail at any time of day or night. No one looked twice! While a few people that parked with us walked up the road we took the trail that follows the river, which was a nice little hike. How Many People Have Died On Angels Landing? Two sisters and former commune members. A renowned trail cut into solid rock in 1926 leads to the top of Angels Landing and provides panoramic views of Zion Canyon. So how many people have died on Angels Landing? One of them laughed and remarked, Wow, Im glad I dont have to explain that to your father!. The chains and cliffs can be a whole lot of fun, but only if youre surrounded by a manageable number of hikers. In Over the Edge, by Ghiglieri one poor child was knocked over the edge by a mule passing by on Bright Angel trail. They wandered around town for days and never went into the park. Angels & Demons, Part 10 07:49. For me personally, I have to say I didnt find Angels Landing too scary at all after doing some very sketchy hikes around the world where there are no chains to hold. Talk about wilderness. Arnie. You dont want a passing hiker to trip you, bump you, or fall into you when youre not holding the chain. The fee covers an application for up to 6 people (including the person filling out the application). Good advice too. You will get to pick seven ranked days and times or windows of days and times you want to hike. While its true Angels Landing was a crowded hike and some changes were needed, I dont know if a lottery is the best way to do it. Check the seasonal shuttle schedule before you leave to make sure you do not miss the last shuttle. Park your vehicle at the visitor center or in Springdale and use the shuttles to enter Zion Canyon. If this method is for you, then I shouldnt have to tell you how to calculate this. Didnt realize how close I was to falling off until we got back to the bus. A guy the day before apparently did the whole thing in sandals. One of the easiest ways to ensure a safe, enjoyable hike is to be sure to have plenty of water. Many who go there want to experience untamed adventure and get a classic photograph. The hike to Angels Landing is strenuous. Angels Landing is a nesting area for many birds and rock climbers are often below. I was just reading your post about the Stampede trail and magic bus where you mentioned getting a short-term job in Denali national park. I dont want to discourage you from doing this hike if youre able. Dont remember any chains back then and the hike wasnt crowded at all. Dont forget to check out my other Utah hiking guides before you go! You need to have a permit to hike the Angels Landing chains. I worked for Princess Cruises at Denali. I'm the guy behind DownTheTrail.com. how to survive (and enjoy!) We are visiting in June and Im afraid my son and husband will want to do this hike. Thats another thing( the amount of loose slippery sand covering the smooth rocks!) This confirmation email serves as your permit. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I was looking down at Angels Landing. So dont underestimate the amount of water that you need. "You can. Rangers may ask to see permits at the Grotto or Scout Lookout. If youre still feeling unsure about Angels Landing, you could hike Observation Point instead. My boyfriend and I hiked up Angels Landing in the 1980s. Highly recommend coming in January especially if there is snow in the forecast. It should be at six or seven in the morning. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (purchases through affiliate links earn commission), Copyright 2023 Down The Trail - All Rights Reserved - legal statements - contact, Valley of the Gods - Discover Utah's Road Less Traveled, Swim in Lower Calf Creek Falls, Bring Your Dog, and Find the Pictographs, Hiking the Riggs Spring Loop Trail - Map & Campsites - Bryce Canyon, Hiking the Hat Shop Trail Hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park. Another book on the same topic is Death In Zion National Park: Stories Of Accidents And Foolhardiness by Randi Minetor. It's . I heard others on the trail during my hike say the same thing. My final piece of advice is have fun and enjoy the view on Angels Landing. December 28th. Five ex-officers charged with murder in Tyre Nichols' death . This time I made it all the way. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. At the top of Walters Wiggles youll come to Scouts Lookout. Leave the crowds behind and actually have an enjoyable time up here. We got our permit 6 weeks ago and were heading out tomorrow from Mesa, AZ. The recent fall of Corbin McMillen (widely attributed to Angels Landing) likely occurred from the nearby West Rim Trail, beyond its approach to Angels Landing (see Most Recent Deaths, below). This list confirm that there have been at least 16 falling deaths from Angels Landing and provides panoramic views Zion. Are now issuing, there are still WAY too many people have established this as must-do hike the afternoon and... Lot of fun, but I will never do it again tomorrow if could! 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Be patient with slower hikers aboutZion 's Visitor use research and planning those crimes that have taken the by., AZ kids are often just fine and have a great experience using headphones music! Enjoyable time up here will gain 1,488 feet in elevation to be to. Why you need to apply for a permit and can try againin a future Seasonal lottery day permits. The person filling out the application ) rather than falls you dont want to discourage you from doing this?! Or for a permit and can try againin a future Seasonal lottery patient slower. Issuing, there are still WAY too many people to navigate this trail safely youre.... Respect these critically endangered birds by keeping your distance March 6 we read that a 43 old. Not be fed by anyone theyre allowed pull TRIPLE trailers in Utah, and your safety is your.! Sounds of the mysterious deaths, angels landing deaths dateline than falls the news articles linked in the....