Hiking trails: Angels Landing (Zion National Park) vs. Bright Angel Trail (Grand Canyon National Park)

Quick Verdict

Both Angels Landing and Bright Angel Trail are challenging but rewarding hikes with incredible views. Angels Landing is shorter but requires a permit and has exposed sections with chains. Bright Angel Trail is longer with more water and restroom access, but the return hike is more difficult.

Both Angels Landing and Bright Angel Trail are strenuous out-and-back trails with high crowd levels and stunning views.
Angels Landing requires a permit to hike beyond Scout Lookout, while Bright Angel Trail only requires a permit for overnight camping.
Bright Angel Trail offers more water and restroom availability along the trail compared to Angels Landing.
Bright Angel Trail has a significantly higher elevation gain and longer trail length compared to Angels Landing.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Angels Landing (Zion National Park)	Bright Angel Trail (Grand Canyon National Park)
Name	Angels Landing (Zion National Park)	Bright Angel Trail (Grand Canyon National Park)
Trail Length (miles)	5.4	8 miles to the River Resthouse, 9.5 miles to Bright Angel Campground, 9.9 miles to Phantom Ranch, 12.2 miles to Plateau Point
Elevation Gain (feet)	1,488	4,380 feet from the South Rim to the Colorado River
Difficulty Level	Strenuous	Strenuous
Average Completion Time (hours)	4-5	4-6 hours roundtrip to the second resthouse, 6-9 hours roundtrip to Havasupai Gardens, 9-12 hours roundtrip to Plateau Point, minimum of 12 hours for an average hiker to the river and back
Permit Requirements	Yes	No for day hiking, Yes for overnight camping
Shade Availability	Mostly none, with some shade in Refrigerator Canyon	Partial
Crowd Levels	High	High
Scenery/Views	Stunning (360-degree view)	Offers wide views of the inner canyon and distant formations. Breathtaking views of colorful canyons.
Trail Type	Out-and-back	Out-and-back
Accessibility (Wheelchair, Stroller)	Not wheelchair or stroller accessible	Not wheelchair or stroller accessible
Restroom Availability	Yes, at the Grotto Trailhead and Scout Lookout	Yes, at Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse, Three-Mile Resthouse, Havasupai Gardens, and near the River Resthouse
Water Source Availability	Water is available at The Grotto. No water sources are available along the trail.	Yes, seasonally (May-October) at Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse and Three-Mile Resthouse, year-round at Havasupai Gardens and Bright Angel Campground
Price	Not available	Not available
Ratings	Not available	Not available

Overall Comparison

Angels Landing: 5.4 miles, 1,488 ft elevation gain, permit required. Bright Angel Trail: Up to 12.2 miles, 4,380 ft elevation gain, permit for overnight camping only.

Pros and Cons

Angels Landing (Zion National Park)

Pros:

Stunning 360-degree views
Well-maintained trail (generally)

Cons:

Strenuous climb with steep switchbacks and exposure
Not recommended for those with a fear of heights
Very crowded, especially on weekends and during the summer
Steep drop-offs on the last half-mile requiring caution and use of chains
Slippery conditions, especially when wet or icy
Permit required to hike beyond Scout Lookout

Bright Angel Trail (Grand Canyon National Park)

Pros:

Well-maintained and graded trail
Restrooms available at multiple locations along the trail
Water available seasonally and year-round at various points
Breathtaking views of the inner canyon and distant formations

Cons:

Strenuous climb
High crowd levels
Potential hazards include dehydration, hyperthermia, sudden rainstorms, flash flooding, loose footing, ice, rockfall, encounters with wildlife, and extreme heat
Narrow edges and drop-offs alongside sheer cliffs

User Experiences and Feedback

Angels Landing (Zion National Park)

What Users Love

Views are worth the effort
Scout Lookout offers amazing views
Doable for those with a little experience (with proper preparation)

Common Complaints

Physically and mentally challenging
Crowded conditions
Requires caution due to steep drop-offs

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

The climb is strenuous with steep switchbacks and exposure.
The views are considered worth the effort, with a 360-degree panorama from the summit.
The trail is often very crowded, especially on weekends and during the summer.
The last half-mile has steep drop-offs, requiring caution and use of chains.

Bright Angel Trail (Grand Canyon National Park)

What Users Love

Offers wide views of the inner canyon
Best scenery is between Indian Garden and Plateau Point
Plateau Point offers excellent views of the Colorado River

Common Complaints

Return hike back up is far more difficult and requires much more effort
Trail has some narrow edges and drop-offs alongside sheer cliffs
Most reported injuries are squirrel bites

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

The Bright Angel Trail is considered strenuous.
It is recommended to have at least a moderate level of fitness if you plan to do the whole hike.
It is fairly easy to walk down, but the return hike back up is far more difficult and requires much more effort.
The Bright Angel Trail is the most popular trail in the park.
The trail has some narrow edges and drop-offs alongside sheer cliffs.
Stay on the trail to avoid falls.
Most reported injuries are squirrel bites, so do not feed the squirrels.