Angels Landing in Zion National Park. NPS Photo.
A California woman died in a fall Sunday from the popular site in Zion National Park known as Angels Landing.
The victim, 55-year-old Nancy Maltez of Glendora, California, was reported to be hiking with family members early Sunday when she fell at about 8:30 a.m. The accident was reported by another hiker by cell phone.
She was believed to have stumbled and fallen from the north side of Angels Landing. Media reports indicate she fell a distance of about 1,000 feet, and search-and-rescue crews reached her body before noon.
The West Rim Trail from the Grotto to Scout Lookout, along with climbing routes on the north side of Angels Landing, are temporarily closed while an investigation by the park and the Washington County Sheriff's Department is completed.
There has been considerable discussion on theTraveler in recent months about the safety of the Angels Landing Trail. Prior to today's incident, the most recent fatal fall at that location was in 2007.
The park website includes the following information in a description of the Angels Landing Trail:
Caution: The route to Angels Landing involves travel along a steep, narrow ridge with support chains anchored intermittently along the route. Footing can be slippery even when the rock is dry Unevenly surfaced steps are cut into the rock with major cliff dropoffs adjacent. Keep off when it is wet, icy or thunderstorms are in the area. Plan to be off before dark. Younger children should skip this trail; older children must be closely supervised.
This accident will almost certainly revive the debate about the safety of the popular trail. According to the park website, "about 5 people" have died due to falls from Angels Landing in the 100 years since the park was established, but it is not the most dangerous trail in the park. Emerald Pools holds that unwelcome distinction with seven victims.
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Comments
We just came back from Angels Landing. It's an breathtaking place to hike. I had my hiking boots and friend of mine had a pair of sneakers. He is afraid of heights and wisely and courageously decided not to continue to the summit. There are many basic things needs to be considered to hike the place like this one: Some people could get dizzy at high altitude. I would discourage kids younger than 16. Hiking boots highly recommended. Pure pressure - we need be able to say no if we don't feel up to it. this is more difficult with a group of kids. Lean to practice the 3-point contacts climbing method. Take your challenge game something else safer. I don't see any need for changes other than better warning signs or write-ups on the Zion newspaper. The Angels Landing is an privileged place. If we want to make the place as an unprivileged, we should have an elevator. (64 years old male with technical climbing experience). My condolences to the family.
In my opinion they should either get rid of the chains and make the hike more dangerous therefore less people would do it or instead of chains have cables like half dome does. The chains don't really allow you to tie yourself in safely and the gaps in the chains lead to undue risk. The Chains also provide a false sense of security and make the hike seem like someone has designed to be safe.
So either remove the chains or put cables all the way up. Both would lead to a safer hike.
Half Dome style cables wouldn't work. It's not a single hump like the 400 ft Half Dome climb, but a lot of little ridges. I found that a lot of the gaps where there aren't chains aren't so bad, but there are some chained areas that are scary.
I'm not even sure the NPS would consider building a brand new chain system. Most people would agree that the Half Dome chains wouldn't be installed today if they weren't already there.
"Not necessarily. There are some areas where there are ledges or bushes that could conceivably catch a fall. Or stumble and fall down without falling off. Granted there are a lot of exposed areas where one could die or suffer grave injury."
To clarify, I meant an 800 plus foot fall (which is probably the minimum at the last section of Angel's Landing) and it's extremely unlikely that any ledge or bush is going to save you if you fall 800 or more feet. The point stands though for people to stop comparing this to driving or walking on the sidewalk. Even if you went with the notion that an Angel's Landing hike is as necessary to living as walking on the sidewalk or driving, I'd bet the latter two activities are still much safer percentage wise.
Having hiked Angels landing before, it makes me feel very good to know that there are actually still hikes out there that the state or government has not regulated to the fullest and "Most safe" according to their saftey handbooks. Yes this was a tragic tragic event, and I feel deeply for the victim and her family, but to have such a beautiful and challenging hike/climb like angels landing closed off, or set with hand rails and over "Safe", would absolutely ruin the hike.
I have been on many many hikes in my time, and I still today cannot think of a hike that, without harnesses, is as exhilarating and exciting as this one. There were numerous times that I looked over the cliff, and though "Wow, I cant believe they let us hike this", which in my eyes is not a bad thing at all, it was a feeling of almost freedom and happiness that it was not regulated like everything else in the world. Please People, dont try to stop this hike, or "Make it safer", just do your research, and if you feel uncomfortable, please dont hike it, or take someone experienced with you; and if you are a parent, please explain to your kids the dangers, or wait until they are a bit older and understand the dangers.
This hike is one of he last great remaining hikes that make you remember it for years to come.
My wife and I just returned from Zion and we both hiked Angel's Landing. I always thought that I was comfortable with heights but this hike scared the heck out of me. There are consistently points throughout the final 1/2 mile or so where the slightest misstep or loss of balance will result in launching off. The hike is breathtakingly beautiful and exciting but, holy cow, it feels dangerous.
My husband and I just returned from our hike to the summit of Angels Landing. After reading the above accounts I'm glad we waited till late, even though it meant walking the last mile back in the dark. We started our hike at around 6 pm so by the time we got to the last .5 mile, there were only a few people left anywhere on the mountain, and they were all headed back down. We actually had the whole ascent from Scouts to the summit all to ourselves, for which I was very grateful - the whole way up I kept thinking how much more difficult it would be with two-way traffic from people going up/coming down simultaneously, especially in the areas where exposure was extreme. I kept thinking about Krakauer's account of the bottleneck waiting to ascend the last part of the climb to Everest's summit. There are places where it seemed virtually impossible to have two people pass each other with even a marginal sliver of safety. It's amazing to me that the park allows this hike but I'm glad we did it. Would I do it again? Probably not!
Im so sorry about your loss. There is no doubt there is danger in this hike and you have to be very cautious. My wife her sister husband and I hiked to Scouts landind and only my sister inlaw and myself went the rest of the way to the top. Yes it scarry and dangerous.You have to be so careful and for sure some are not. Saw one walk inches from the edge just to get by. And another one pressure to stand on a rock just for a picture. I loved the view but would probably not do it again. Maybe observation point I here that view is great. I have done it no since pushing my wel you know. I would have been really nervous if my wife wanted to go the rest of the way. For those that want to try no your limits don't be pushed on by others. Remember life is a gift.
I am absolutely terrified of heights and had the dubious distinction of being the only one in my party of 28+ people to turn around on this hike. Like so many before me to say so, it would be a shame to restrict people from hiking this trail. While it is a trail I will never again attempt, I simply cannot focus and gain a steady grip on the chain, this trail (amongst others) personifies Zion National Park. People come to these places to test themselves against mother nature and truly enjoy all that comes with it. We are all thrillseekers. At the end of the day, 6 Flags closes a ride for a day or 2 only to realize that it was a freak accident and ultimately they open the ride again. While i prefer the Observation Point hike and a trek up the Narrows, Angels Landing cannot be something taken away from the Zion faithful. It's something I absolutely will never do and for those who have done it I have a great respect for. As the most athletic member of my party I had no problem calling it off on this hike. Everyone must know their limits. It is not up to the NPS to determine what limits belong to certain people. No one except for myself would have felt what I felt and knew that I could not focus enough to continue that hike. Chances are that if you have found Zion National Park, you know enough to hike with water and not Coca-Cola. As sad as that is, that is enough to make the conscious choice. There are enough things going on in Zion to keep yourself occupied. If you can't hack Angels Landing go to Emerald Pools. If you can't hack that do Watchman. If that's too much, enjoy the free bus and catch a movie at the almost "IMAX" theatre. No one should feel pressured into doing Angels Landing, I didn't, and I'm headed back to Zion for my 4th trip. I love Zion and prefer it to every other National Park. Would I like to do Angels Landing just to prove a point? Of course. Do I care that I know better? Nope. Observation Point is a challenge and puts my fear of heights to the test sufficiently. But, to each their own.
We just hiked up part of Angels Landing but turned back after part of the trail with the chains. To me it just wasn't worth the risk especially when you have to get past other people. If you like thrills like roller coasters fine but that isn't my thing. We hiked up the West Rim Trail instead where you can get views down on to many peaks including Angels Landing without hanging on chains. It is more work but worth the effort.
I was amazed that so many people were taking their kids up there. I think someone should be old enough to be able to make their own decisions with full understanding of the consequences before they go up.
I think the big problem is that most of the dire warnings at parks are overblown and when one is real people don't take it seriously. For example the warnings about hiking down the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and back in a day. If you are fit, have plenty of water and it isn't the middle of summer it is definitely doable.
Just my opinion.
"most of the dire warnings at parks are overblown" when the warning/danger is real people don't take it seriously Yes, you've hit the nail on the head.
I just got back from hiking A.L. last week. It was really exciting but obviously not for everyone. I did it in running shoes as I feel boots are too stiff to grab the rock. I like the flex of running shoes. I'm not surprised people die here but I do not want to see it all nannied and such. Let people take risks!
I feel terrible for the families and friends of people who perished here. But what an incredible experience. Like half dome, choose a weekday to do this hike. Don't join the traffic jam on Sat or Sun.
And when you are ascending or descending, don't look down.
I hiked Angel"s Landing last Wednesday.My wife and I were the first ones up the trail.As we entered the trail a man named Cliff walked up.I asked if he minded if we hiked together.My wife had already decided to stay at Scouts Landing.I am glad Cliff went the rest of the way.I dont thnk I would have tried it alone and it was nice to have someone to hike with past Scouts Landing.I would have turned back past the first ridgeline had I been alone.It is a breathtaking hike,and there are places with and without chains that feature sheer dropoffs on either side.I did this the first week of December it was nice having only 10 or so other people hiking the trail.I cant imagine trying to do this hike in the middle of summer with a bunch of other people to pass,or let pass.Cliff and I agreed to take it slow since we were "fat guys".The view from the top is spectacular..I would recomend to never do this hike if it were wet or icey.Start early in the morning and take your time.If you are scared of heights dont think of doing this hike.
have more chains been installed?
I hiked "almost" to the top in October 2003. There were 3 of us, early 30's and being respectful of our surroundings - kept a close eye on the weather and the inherit dangers of the trail, especially the clsoer you get to the top. We were probably less than 100 feet from the top of the trail and it began to rain .. the rock became very slippery and at that portion of the trail, I do not remember as many chains as I see in the pictures that are currently posted. Sadly, for our safety, we turned back - there were no more chains "in sight". I have always wanted to finish the hike, but now with 2 small children, I think it best to wait until they are upper teenagers. I just hope the trail will always remain open.
interesting reading, was just there on 5/25/12 and while we didn't hike Angels Landing, we did hike up to Hidden Canyon and beyond into canyon. There are chains on that hike too and the canyon is beautiful.
My daughter is in college now, but when she just turned seven I took her on this hike. We caught the first morning tram from the lodge and what a terrific hike it was. We were almost alone on the trail because of the time of the morning. When we got to the top and sat to eat what turned out to be breakfast I wondered about people maybe falling off and the wisdom of taking my 7 year old to the top. About that time a pediatrician from New Jersey showed up with his eight year old daughter. We both took pictures of the two girls together at the top. Those pictures and the video of my daughter's entire assent are treasured. I must say that this is not a hike for all children and certainly not for more than 1 child per attentive adult.
I have recently gotten into hiking. Heights have never scared me, though falling concerns me. Does that make sense? I enjoy pushing myself a little pass my comfort zone, though I am old enough not to have to impress any either. My question is how do you know how you will respond? If this hike is the most extreme you've done, then how do you know how your body will respond but more importantly how your mind will respond. Just asking....
The person who says that 100% of those who stumble die, you are wrong. I am 16, and I climbed Angel's landing this summber. I stumbled not once, but twice, and because i had at least one hand in contact with a solid surface, be it the chain or the rock itself, i simply stumbled and got back up.
I'm amazed there aren't deaths here every month. the last part of this hike is just too dangerous, and a cable should be rigged for the ENTIRE last 0.5 miles. I've done canyoneering and rock climbing and I wouldn't even THINK about doing this without roping in. but thousands of people, with no experience (mostly) do it every year. That doesn't prove that it's safe, it just proves that a) people are stupid and b) people are stupid. It's just not worth the risk for the endorphins or for bragging rights. As other people have noted, the deaths here are GROSSLY under-reported. A group from my college is doing it this weekend, 60 folks, ages from 16 to 60, and they're ALL going to feel ENORMOUS peer pressure to do this (group led by a crazy professor). NONE are going to rope in, and I really fear that a dear friend of mine will fall to her death because she's too macho to resist the peer pressure.
Observation Point is a great hike in and of itself. It is actually higher than Angels Landing. It has heights, but they are on one side at a time. The pathway is about four feet wide which is much more manageable than Angels Landing.
I just returned from a trip to Zion's. When I was 19 (i'm 40 now) I attempted Angel's Landing. Right as we started the trail, a freak spring snow storm came out of no where. By the time we made it to the narrow spine before the final 1/4 mile ascent, the snow was over waist deep. I kept pulling the chain out of the snow drift. When the snow finally surpassed my naval, I threw in the towel. I vowed to come back some day and finish.
This past week, I brought my 3 oldest children with me (14, 12, and 9) I tethered the youngest to me with static climbing rope and harnesses. We took time preparing for the hike by talking about having hands on the chains, no sudden moves, watch out for sand, etc. Even with all the preparation, I sweat bullets the whole way watching my kids. Am I glad they did the hike? Yes. Is it way too dangerous for many of those who attempt it with flip flops and little water? Yup. I will say we saw a good number of people who started the hike turn around and go back early. I think it was wise of them.
I am very grateful that we still have opportunities for adventure of this magnitude in our National Parks. Angel's landing is a gem, albeit a terrifying one. We stayed with an 85 yr old lady who told us that as a teen, her church youth group leaders took a group of the young women up there. She said that in her days, there were no chains! I asked her how she got to the landing. She responded, " I crawled half the way". It's experiences that bring us way outside of our comfort zone that shape us and our futures. There's an intrinsic value that cannot be measured. Is it worth it for you? That's your decision.
Angel's Landing is one of the most magnificent hikes in our national parks, when you factor in the spectacular view, dizzying heights, trail variety, and danger factor. I've hiked it many times and hope they keep it open.
I just did this hike! There's a good 10 min where there's no margin for error - I imagine there'd be more than 5 deaths. Don't go by what the Zion website states - isn't it a government site?
We have done Angel's Landing numerous times. Both in the fall, winter, spring and summer. As far as increased safety is concerned, one possibility is to use a climbing harness with a runner secured to the chain sections by a locking caribiner. That would not prevent all injuries or falls but could reduce them. Just my .02
I am planning many trips to Zion and have just moved to Utah. For reference, check out Chimney Rock NC, where I took my wife and two daughters when we lived nearby. It is an amazing place and the views are spectacular. Some years ago, for similar reasons, the rock was surrounded with a metal fence/rail. My wife said she will not do Angels Landing with me just seeing the pictures. Maybe some thought should be given to making the route more secure. A little more safety can't hurt. Thanks .Great forum.
This is a serious trail. I worked for the National Park Service for seven years and even I was surprised at how treacherous this trail is.
We hiked this trail last week. The weather was clear, but with thunderstorm possibilities. We had plenty of water, food, warm jackets and secure cameras - packed away. I was absolutely stunned when I saw people with babies on their backs. This was just foolish and stupid. Another was a grungy couple (in their 30-40's) BAREFOOT! If you want to get back to nature that is the best way to - slip and fall. You two are NOT hip in any way - just stupid. Think about the rangers and recovery people that have to risk their lives to recover yours. You can't cure stupid, I suppose.
If you have to think twice about climbing this trail, you probably shouldn't.
As someone who started this trail and turned back, I was surprised at how precarious just the beginning section is.
The part where you hold the chain seems quite dangerous, but if you grip the chain you should be fine. However, just past that is a near vertical incline that has steps bareley wide enough for a single shoe's width. You can grip the steps with hands as you climb, but the rocks are also quite dusty (not sure if it's sandstone) and so unless you have good hiking books your feet may prone to slipping.
My wife and I are fairly experienced hikers and like to do adventurous and somewhat risky activites. She even did this hike years ago when she was in college. In spite of this, my healthy sense of fear kicked in at the vertical part as we were not wearing good hiking boots and so we turned back.
As we turned back another group started to come and they were trying to climb around us at the chains part instead of just letting us pass and get out of their way. So I can vouch for people being irresponsible up there.
Even with the right gear and experience, it's dangerous. That being said, people love the hike and completing it is like a badge of honor. I regret that we did not have the right gear for it, and one day I want to return to do the whole hike.
Completed the hike on 11/3/18. It was truly a difficult but rewarding hike. However, the amount of people up there added much more difficulty\dangerousness. I constantly envisioned that this must be what is like on Everest at the Hillary Step - waiting your turn at a pinchpoint as some go down and others go up, some at the same time. Loved the trail, hated the crowd.
Did the trail, and I think not the trail is dangerous, but passing people. Some have big backpacks, that can push you if they turn around or do stupid things. The trail is staic, people are not.
Climbed this trail in like 95 or 96 while on a Boy Scout summer camp. Did not think it was dangerous at the time, but our leaders couldn't make it to the top. Myself and one other scout were the only ones to complete the hike.
I would think the "about" is there, because when does an accident get classified as a suicide ? I'm sure it MUST attract the depressed !!
Hiking is fun but hike according to your skill level. Everyday some looses their life from carelessness or beyond their skill level. Unless you are skilled for this hike stay off. A loss of life can never be forgotten. Maybe people should read death in Grand Canyon. Personally children should 16 and under should stay off these dangerous trails. When you climb remember your in the Lords hands.
First climb up the trail was probably in 2004 or so. I got to Scout's Overlook. Pondered the last 1/2 mile for some time and finally decided - nope - can't do it. I was a Microwave Radio Tech and would sometimes climb towers to replace lights - wearing a harness. I wanted so badly to finish the trail, I went back the next year with the harness in my backpack, figuring I could put it on and hook up to the chains if things got too bad (not sure that was the best thinking). However, I found I never needed to, was just very cautious and focused. So glad that I did it! Went back a couple years later and did it a final time. Dangerous? Yep. Should they make it "safer"? Nope. I believe a dozen or so people die at the Grand Canyon each year. An 8 foot high chain link fence around the whole canyon would cut that way down and yeah, that sounds silly, but so does making Angel's Landing "safer" Plenty of chain along dangerous portions and those with a fear of heights should not attempt it. There is no stopping people doing stupid stuff. Now this lady stumbled. Nothing "stupid" in that and accidents WILL happen. But don't ruin a beautiful hike because of an accdient. Consider how many thousands of people have hiked this and even with the stupid people, very few people have died (though I think the real number is more than 5). One thing I would consider is what happened to Half Dome hike in Yosemite. It became so crowded, they went to a lottery system of selecting those who could hike it each day. You still have a good chance of hiking it - that just cut down on the crowds and probably a lot of people who shouldn't even be on it. I had more than one couple/group that barely crawling up it, causing major backlogs. Same with Angel's Landing. Have people reserve times/slots to climb, to include the last 1/2 mile. Just my two pennies. Shame when anyone dies on such trails - even the one's doing stupid stuff. And while you can't control accidents, you can control the crowds.
These trails should be open for adults but i feel age restrictions should apply to this type of trail. I see parents forcing their petrified children to such scary trails. There is no excuse for that type of Irresponsibility.
We recently hiked Angels Landing & found it to be safe if you are cautious. What bothered me more was being at the top with several foul-mouthed 20-somethings. We would have liked to spend more time at the top after exerting all that energy but they ruined the experience for me. One young girl came up after us & said loudly, “This is f_____ awesome. “ Seriously? Unfortunately she wasn’t the only one in her group to throw that around.
So easy to imagine anyone at any level of ability to loose their footing on Angles Landing. It is truly steep, and not a grommed trail but a chain rail rock climbing exercise along the crest at the top.
I just finished my first hike here and witnessed so many young and middle aged hikers making very stupid decisions. Some slipped on the sandy rocks and exclaimed so on their way back down in a mixture of semi-managed fear and hightented emotions. Many, many people wore completely the wrong shoes for this exercise, let alone hiking shoes at all.
I agree with the person who mentioned a well posted sign should be placed either at the base of the trail at the bottom or maybe better placed just before the chains, both to commemorate those whom have passed but mainly to remind those who shouldnt be out there from going beyond the peak onto the chains at all.
I hiked the trail about 2013. I was very cautious respecting the dangers. Despite my cautions and my control, I almost went over the edge, not because of my efforts but because a middle-aged woman, who had obviously taken on more than she could handle. She was obviously afraid of the heights. I was on a section of the trail with a chain. It was a narrow edge with a sloped footing. People were taking turns one by one. There was 2-way traffic - Those going up and those going down. Each direction of travel needed to use that same space and chain. Some people negotiated who would pass under with the other carefully reaching around the one going under while hanging on to the chain. I was going up and she apparently just had to get down as fast as she could. The look on her face was something - fear! She barged ahead willfully forcing me to the outside. In her rush she literally pushed me out and broke my grip on the chain and pushed me to the edge with my feet slipping out from under me. Thank god I kept one hand griped firmly onto the chain. I don’t know if she was fully aware of what she had done – the look of panic on her face. I had to pull myself up with my one arm. It all happened so fast. Others who saw what happened just shook their heads and asked if I was OK. With this experience I would have to say that no amount of caution and good intentions on my part could overcome this woman’s panic. Thankfully I was in decent shape and had a strong grip. This makes me say the park should re-engineer these tight places to protect us from people who really don’t know their own limits until they encounter the heights. I imagine she didn’t know going into this that she would panic. I would never do that stretch of the trail again which is unfortunate because it is such a great experience. You can look out for your self and your loved ones but not when there is an out of control person on the trail.
First time on a hike this trail must be nice I was between 6 and 8 years old with my brother who is 3 years older than me. My dad was back at the campsite and was what then was The grotto campsite not picnic area. He had no clue. We would stay 2 weeks at a time. We were all over that place, lower middle and upper emerald pools when you get swim in the upper emerald pool. My dad wasn't in the best of health, so he always stayed at the campsite and we were usually gone all day. The bridge crossing the river was a rope bridge from The grotto picnic area. Or cable. At any rate we could jump on it and make it swing back and forth. There was a pool the lodge that we've swam in.if you want to see it watch the movie The Eiger sanction with Clint Eastwood.if I remember correctly they make it seem like an outdoor bar. But that's where they would hand us towels over the counter. The last time I did that hike was about 15 years ago in my mid-forties with my 15 year old son and his friend, guess I had more sense then because it scared the crap out of me. It's one of the most beautiful hikes in America with a most rewarding climax. Just be careful.
My heart ❤️ goes out to the family of this unfortunate incident. It's an exciting and stimulating experience to hike "Angels Landing", it's much like climbing the cables of Half Dome in Yosemite. Myself being 60 yrs old and an avid hiker. I have found over the decades that the people overall that I've met in the National Parks are the best of America. People that hike Angels Landing know what they're getting into. Once you get to Scouts Lookout you can easily see what your in for if you decide to climb the sandstone "Fin" of Angels Landing. God made this magnificeint trail just for outdoor loving adventureres. To lose this trail would be robbing the adventure spirit from all of us. Peace!
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