Angels Landing is a shorter, strenuous hike suitable for experienced hikers comfortable with heights and scrambling. The Inca Trail is a longer, moderately challenging trek that offers a rich cultural and natural experience, requiring advance planning and permits.
| Attribute | Angels Landing (Utah, USA) | Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Peru) |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Strenuous. Rated as a class 3 difficulty based on the Yosemite Decimal System. | Moderate |
| Trail Length (miles) | 5.4 miles round trip. | 26 |
| Elevation Gain (feet) | 1,488 feet. | 7,063 |
| Permit Requirements | Required to hike beyond Scout Lookout. Permits are obtained through online lotteries. | Yes, only 500 permits are issued daily and must be obtained in advance through a licensed tour operator. |
| Scenery/Landscape | Panoramic views of Zion Canyon, including colorful sandstone formations carved by the Virgin River. | Mountains, cloud forests, and subtropical jungle. Diverse ecosystems ranging from Andean plains to cloud forests. |
| Accessibility (year-round, seasonal) | Open year-round, but can be dangerous with snow or ice. Shuttle system operates from early spring to late fall, providing access to the trailhead. | Open from January 1st to January 31st and from March 1st to December 31st. Closed in February for maintenance. |
| Crowd Levels | Can get very crowded, especially during peak season. | Peak season is June and July. April, May, and October are recommended for fewer crowds. |
| Physical Challenge (steepness, exposure) | Steep ascent with switchbacks, exposure to heights, and some scrambling. | Steep inclines, descents, and altitude changes. Sections with steep drop-offs. The second day, ascending to Dead Woman's Pass, is considered the most challenging. |
| Wildlife Viewing Opportunities | Limited information on specific wildlife; rodents may be present. Cool-climate plants thrive in Refrigerator Canyon. | Spectacled bears, grey-breasted mountain toucans, deer, and various bird species. |
| Historical Significance | The trail was constructed in 1926 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Named by Frederick Fisher in 1916. | Part of the Qhapaq Ñan, an extensive road network used for trade, communication, and religious purposes in the Inca Empire. It was a pilgrimage route to Machu Picchu. |
| Average Completion Time | 4-5 hours. | 4 days |
| Technical Difficulty (scrambling, climbing) | Scrambling and climbing are required, with chains for support in exposed areas. | Not a technical trek, and no special skills or equipment are needed. |