Walter's Wiggles in Utah: 21 short, very steep switchbacks

Located in Washington County, in the southwestern corner of Utah, United States, the trail to Angel’s Landing is an unforgettable short adventure. It’s a set of 21 short, very steep switchbacks that present a relentless uphill climb. It’s said to be one of the most difficult and most terrifying hikes in the zone.

Walter's Wiggles

What’s Walter's Wiggles?

Tucked away in Zion National Park, Walter's Wiggles is a series of 21 sharp turns carved into the face of the cliff to get to the top of Angels Landing. The trail to Angels Landing viewpoint is 2.4 miles (3.9 km) long. The serpentine switchbacks steeply ascend the north face, each wiggle no more than 20-25 feet in length. This section of the trail to the iconic Angels Landing is characterized by its tight, zigzagging path, meticulously designed to help hikers ascend the steep terrain with relative ease. It has support chains anchored intermittently along the route.

Is Walter's Wiggles for pedestrians only?

This switchback trail is closed to vehicles and patrolled by park rangers often. It's for pedestrians only. The National Park Service website officially recognizes five fatalities; however, other deaths have been reported.

When was Walter's Wiggles built?

The trail was cut from a sheer drop of solid rock in 1926 and remains one of the park’s most spectacular construction wonders. It was constructed as a solution to the challenging elevation gain leading to Scout Lookout and eventually to Angels Landing, one of Zion’s most popular and breathtaking vistas. It’s named after Walter Ruesch, the first superintendent of the national park.
Pic&more info: http://www.bobnpaty.com/UT/zionhiking/wiggles.jpg

 

 

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