Angels Landing is iconic, but I don’t think it has to be your Zion National Park “make-or-break” hike. Between the permit, the crowds, and the chain section (plus winter ice or summer heat), it can feel like you’re signing up for stress instead of scenery.
If you want Angels Landing alternatives with huge views of Southern Utah’s dramatic landscapes and a lot less heart-in-throat exposure, Zion delivers. I’ve planned trips around these trails when permits didn’t work out, when friends didn’t want the chains, or when I just wanted a calmer day that still felt epic.
Photo by Jay Chung
Key takeaways (so you can choose fast):
- If you want the “Angels Landing feeling” without chains, Scout Lookout is the cleanest swap.
- For quieter, bigger-scale views, go for Northgate Peaks or Taylor Creek Trail in Kolob Canyons.
- If you only have an hour, Canyon Overlook is the quickest big payoff in the park.
- As of 2026, the Angels Landing chain section requires a permit year-round, and the seasonal lottery for spring opens Feb. 13, 2026.
- In February, plan for ice on shaded trails, even when Springdale feels mild.
What I mean by “big views without the same stress”
I’m not here to talk you out of Angels Landing forever. I’m here to keep your trip from hinging on one permit and one exposed ridgeline.
For me, a good alternative to beat the crowds hits at least two of these:
- High payoff-to-effort ratio (you feel like you “got Zion”)
- Low exposure (no narrow fin with cliffside drops)
- Less bottlenecking (fewer stop-and-go crowds)
- Flexible timing (sunrise, winter, or a late start still works)
Also, keep the permit details straight. According to the National Park Service, in 2026, you can hike up to Scout Lookout without a permit. You only need the permit for the chain section from Scout Lookout to the summit. There’s also a scheduled closure for maintenance April 20 to 23, 2026, so plan around it.
My rule in Zion: if a trail turns into a human traffic jam on a cliff, I pick a viewpoint trail instead.
If you want more context on why some hikers skip Angels Landing (and other crowded classics) on purpose, I mostly agree with the vibe of reasons to choose other Zion National Park hikes.
My 7 favorite Angels Landing alternatives in Zion (ranked by payoff)
Here’s a quick comparison first, then I’ll break each one down in Zion National Park.
| Hike | Why I like it | Stress level |
|---|---|---|
| Scout Lookout | Same approach via Walter’s Wiggles, huge canyon views | Low |
| West Rim Trail (past Scout Lookout) | Bigger vistas, fewer people as you go | Low |
| Canyon Overlook | Fast, dramatic, classic photo spot | Very low |
| Watchman Trail | Quiet views near the entrance | Low |
| Observation Point (East Mesa route) | High viewpoint, wide trail | Medium |
| Northgate Peaks | Underrated, wide-open overlooks | Low |
| Taylor Creek (Kolob Canyons) | Scenic canyon, fewer crowds | Very low |
Scout Lookout (the easiest “Angels Landing swap”)
If you want to stand in the same saddle that makes Angels Landing famous, hike to Scout Lookout and call it a win. You get the iconic canyon depth, the spine of Angels Landing above you, and a real sense of scale.
Most importantly, you skip the chains and don’t need the Angels Landing permit to stop here. The work is still real, because the climb via Walter’s Wiggles is steady, but the trail stays wide enough to feel controlled.
My tip: start early, even in winter. Shaded switchbacks can hold ice in February, so traction helps.
West Rim Trail (keep going when everyone turns around)
From Scout Lookout, I like to keep walking up the West Rim Trail. Almost instantly, the crowd thins. The views open up in a different way too, less “look down into Zion Canyon,” more “walk through a gigantic sandstone world.”
This West Rim Trail is my go-to world-class day hike when I want solitude without leaving the main canyon. You can turn it into whatever you want: add 30 minutes for a quick extension, or keep going for a longer half-day.
If you ask me, this is where Zion starts to feel calm again.
Canyon Overlook Trail (the biggest view per minute)
Canyon Overlook Trail is short, sweet, and ridiculously scenic for the effort. Unlike main canyon trails, it is not accessed via the Zion Canyon Shuttle. If you’re hiking with beginners, kids, or anyone who just doesn’t want a grind, this is the easiest way to score a huge vista.
The trade-off is popularity. Parking can be the hardest part. I like it early or late, because midday feels like everyone in the park has the same idea.
For a general roundup of popular Zion trails and easier swaps, this overview of easier Zion alternatives is a decent skim.
Watchman Trail (a quieter classic near Springdale)
Watchman is my “first afternoon in Zion” hike. It’s close to the south entrance, it doesn’t require the shuttle, and the views are legit the whole way. You’re looking out over the Virgin River, Springdale, and the Watchman formation like it’s guarding the canyon.
It’s also a nice confidence builder. You get elevation and big scenery, without the exposed, line-up-on-a-ledge feeling that freaks people out on Angels Landing.
Bring more water than you think. The sun hits this trail hard.
Observation Point (East Mesa Trail route for wide trails and huge height)
Observation Point gives you that “top of the world” feeling, and the trail itself stays wide on the East Mesa Trail approach. No chains. No knife-edge fin. Just long views over Zion National Park that honestly make Angels Landing feel small, looking down toward The Narrows and Emerald Pools. Spots like Hidden Canyon and Weeping Rock are alternative strenuous options but often subject to closures.
The catch is logistics. Access can depend on road conditions, and some routes involve private land or shuttle setups near the boundary. I always confirm the latest access details right before I go.
If you’re comparing a bunch of non-Angels options, this list of hikes that aren’t Angels Landing can help you brainstorm.
Northgate Peaks (Kolob Terrace Road’s underrated viewpoint hike)
Northgate Peaks is one of my favorite “I can’t believe this is still quiet” hikes in Zion. You get big open panoramic views, cleaner air, and a very different feel than the main canyon. The terrain is straightforward, and the risk level stays low.
Because it sits off Kolob Terrace Road, it’s also a good escape plan when shuttle lines and parking lots are out of control near the visitor center.
If the main canyon feels like a theme park, Kolob Terrace often feels like the back gate.
Taylor Creek Trail (Kolob Canyons scenery without the crowds)
Taylor Creek is a different kind of wow in Zion National Park. It’s not a constant overlook trail, but the slot canyon walls, stream crossings, and the final boxed-in scenery make it feel like a mini adventure. I also like it for nervous hikers because the “danger factor” is basically nonexistent. Be aware of flash floods during monsoon season.
This is a smart pick in hotter months too, since the canyon can feel cooler than open slickrock routes. For other ideas outside the main corridor, I’ve long used Joe’s guide to hiking beyond Zion as a jumping-off point.
FAQs about Angels Landing alternatives
Do I need a permit for these Angels Landing alternatives?
No. In 2026, the Angels Landing permit only applies to the chain section from Scout Lookout to the summit. A backcountry permit is a separate requirement for overnight stays and is not needed for these day hikes. None of the hikes listed here use that section.
Which alternative feels most like Angels Landing?
Scout Lookout. You hike the same famous approach and get the “over Zion Canyon” view, minus the chains.
What’s the best easy hike with big views in Zion?
Canyon Overlook is the best quick payoff. Watchman Trail is a close second if you want more of a workout; Riverside Walk is a flat alternative.
Are these hikes good in February in Zion National Park?
Usually, yes, but expect winter conditions. Ice can stick around on shaded trails, especially on steep sections. I bring traction when temps dip, and I check conditions the morning of my hike.
What if I still want to try Angels Landing in 2026?
Plan for the lottery. As of Feb. 2026, the spring seasonal lottery opens Feb. 13, 2026, and there’s also a day-before lottery (apply the day before, and you’ll know by late afternoon). The Narrows is another top-tier hike that people often pair with an Angels Landing attempt. Even with an Angels Landing permit, weather can shut things down.
Final thoughts
Zion doesn’t run out of views just because you skip one famous fin. If you want the canyon’s best scenery with less stress, these Angels Landing alternatives let you hike with steadier footing and a lot more fun. Pick one that fits your group, start early, and leave room for a second short hike if you’ve got the energy. While these Angels Landing Alternatives in Zion make for a great day hike, those looking for a multi-day adventure should research a backpacking trip or the full Zion Traverse across Southern Utah. The best Zion day in Zion National Park usually comes in pairs.
