Anytime it's not rainy, snowy, windy, haily, sleety, etc such that you might slip and fall to your death
Zion Campground or Lodge
Ange's Landing is another one of those hikes that everyone talks of upon their return from Zion National Park. Many hikers complete the 5 mile journey to the landing and I don't know this for fact, but I would have to guess that many more turn around after staring at the imposing drop off on each side of the narrow trail whose only safety measure is a sporadic chains strategically placed to aid as you traverse this steep, narrow ridge.
Although short, and moderately strenuous the dangers of this hike should not be taken lightly. Several people have died trying to hike to Angel's Landing including a 55 year old woman in August of 2009. I wouldn't reccomend hiking past Scout's Lookout if you do not feel comfortable hiking on uneven, often slippery, steep rocks. The intermittent chains provided to assist you along your way do not make the hike any less dangerous and the abundance of hikers on this trail also poses a serious hazard to anyone who's tentative or overly scared of heights.
The hike up to Scout's Lookout involves a fairly steep set of switchbacks followed by Walter's Wiggles (another set of switchbacks famous for its ingenuity) which quickly ascend to Scout's Lookout and the West Rim Trail. From here it's another 1/2 mile of hair-raising hiking if you're up to the challenge. Personally, I was more scared for other people than myself. I saw many people with their knees knocking or white knuckled grips of the chain. I only suffered a brief moment of my infamous jello legs when I looked over the edge at the Landing.
This hike was pretty cool, but I don't believe it lived up to the hype. Many people I've met along the way have raved about hiking Angel's Landing and I guess it's a bit of an accomplishment......but, still nothing like climbing Everest, completing a marathon or ironman. You know the events that many people do, because they can, and so they can say they did. I'm proud to say that I hiked to Angel's Landing, and there is very little that they could do to make a scarier hike than this, but there are many hikes I'll take over this one in terms of beauty and scenery. However, if you want a cheap thrill, absolutely go for it.
