Hiking trails: Angels Landing, Zion National Park vs. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Quick Verdict

Angels Landing is a shorter, strenuous hike known for its panoramic views and exposed sections with chains, making it suitable for experienced hikers comfortable with heights. The Inca Trail, on the other hand, is a longer, moderate trek through diverse landscapes, including mountains, cloud forests, and Inca ruins, appealing to those seeking a multi-day cultural and natural experience.

Both Angels Landing and the Inca Trail require permits, but Angels Landing only requires it beyond Scout Lookout.
Angels Landing is a shorter, more intense hike with significant exposure, while the Inca Trail is a multi-day trek with varied scenery.
Angels Landing has no water sources along the trail, whereas the Inca Trail does.
Both trails can be very crowded, especially during peak season.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Angels Landing, Zion National Park	Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Trail Length (miles/km)	5 miles (8 km) to 5.4 miles (8.7 km) round trip	Classic Inca Trail: 25-26 miles (40-43 km), Short Inca Trail: 5.81 miles (9.35 km)
Elevation Gain (feet/meters)	1,488 feet (453 meters) to 1,600 feet (488 meters)	Total elevation gain: 7,063 - 8,225 feet (2,153 - 2,507 meters)
Difficulty Level (Easy, Moderate, Strenuous)	Strenuous. Rated moderate to hard	Moderate
Permit Requirements (Yes/No)	Yes, permits are required to hike beyond Scout Lookout	Yes
Scenery (Mountain, Forest, Desert, Ruins)	Mountain and Desert. Panoramic views of Zion Canyon	Mountains, cloud forests, and Inca ruins
Crowd Levels (Low, Moderate, High)	High	High: June-August, Moderate: April-May and September-October, Low: November-March
Accessibility (Public Transportation, Parking)	Via Zion Canyon Shuttle to the Grotto Trailhead (shuttle stop #6). Limited parking is available at the Grotto.	Start of the trail (Kilometer 82) is accessible by transportation from Cusco. Machu Picchu is partially accessible to people with disabilities
Best Time to Visit (Season/Month)	Spring (March to mid-May) and Fall (mid-September to November)	Late April to May and September to mid-October, June to August
Wildlife Sightings (Common animals)	Chipmunks	Spectacled bears, grey-breasted mountain toucans, deer (taruka), Andean foxes, pumas, various birds, butterflies, and reptiles
Technical Sections (Scrambling, Exposure)	Scrambling, exposure, and sections with chains. The final section is called "The Spine".	Steep ascents, descents, and numerous stone steps
Water Sources Availability (Yes/No)	No	Yes
Average Completion Time (Hours/Days)	3 to 6 hours	4 days, 3 nights
Price	Not available	Not available
Ratings	Not available	Not available

Overall Comparison

Angels Landing: 5 miles, 1,488 feet elevation gain, 3-6 hours completion time. Inca Trail: 25-26 miles, 7,063-8,225 feet elevation gain, 4 days completion time.

Pros and Cons

Angels Landing, Zion National Park

Pros:

Panoramic views of Zion Canyon
Well-maintained and clearly marked trail (especially the initial section)
Accessible via Zion Canyon Shuttle
Restrooms available at The Grotto (trailhead) and Scout Lookout

Cons:

Strenuous hike, not recommended for those with a fear of heights
Permits are required to hike to the summit
Trail gets very crowded, especially during peak season and on weekends
No water sources along the trail
Significant exposure to heights with steep drop-offs

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Pros:

Varied scenery: mountains, cloud forests, and Inca ruins
Multiple water sources available
Generally well-maintained trail

Cons:

Permits required, need to book in advance
Can get very crowded during peak season (June-August)
Basic restrooms available at designated campsites
Some exposed sections, particularly around Dead Woman's Pass

User Experiences and Feedback

Angels Landing, Zion National Park

What Users Love

No highlights reported.

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

The most challenging section involves steep, narrow ridges with chains for support. It requires mental and emotional fortitude due to the exposure and steep drop-offs.
Apply months in advance for the seasonal lottery or try the day-before lottery.
The trail gets very crowded, especially during peak season and on weekends. This can lead to congestion and delays, particularly on the narrow sections with chains.
It is recommended to carry at least 2-4 liters (64-128 oz) of water, especially during warmer months.
The trail has significant exposure to heights, with drop-offs of up to 1,000 feet on either side in some areas.
The best time of day to start the hike is early morning (6-7 am) to avoid crowds and the heat of the day.
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip and ankle support are recommended.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

What Users Love

No highlights reported.

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

The most challenging section is the ascent to Dead Woman's Pass (Warmiwañusca), the highest point on the trail at 13,828 feet (4,215 meters).
It's recommended to book 5-7 months in advance, especially for the high season (June-August).
It's recommended to carry a minimum of 2 liters of water.
Trekkers typically start early in the morning (around 4:30 am) to avoid crowds and heat.
Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support are highly recommended.