A previously announced weekday closure of the popular Angels Landing Route in Zion National Park has been extended due to weather delays. Closures for route repairs and improvements were originally scheduled to end Thursday, October 14, but little work was completed the week of October 3 due to heavy rain and lightning.

Work on the route is now scheduled from Monday, October 18 through Thursday, October 21. If there is bad weather and the project is delayed again, the remaining work will be postponed until next spring. The park staff has previously announced that the Angels Landing Route and climbing routes will be open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the scheduled work.

The Angels Landing Route will be closed from Scout Lookout to the summit of Angels Landing Monday, October 18 through Thursday, October 21. All climbing routes on the cliff faces of Angels Landing will also be closed. The West Rim trail to Scout Lookout and to the West Rim will be open at all times. After October 21, the Angels Landing Route will be open every day.

According to previous announcements about this project, a park trail crew will be working on route improvements including re-chiseling existing steps, drilling and installing new posts and chains in some areas to better delineate the route, and adding dry stone masonry to improve footing.

The staff notes that "alternate hikes with similar views to Angels Landing are available on the Observation Point and East Rim trails. The West Rim trail to Scout Lookout and further up to the canyon rim is also very rewarding. Rangers at any of the park visitor contact stations can help with alternate trip planning or you can find information about trails and other options for a park visit on the park website."

Even after the current projects are completed, the park staff wants to remind visitors about the need to be prudent and alert on this, and all park trails. A park spokesman notes, "Visitors are reminded that their safety is their responsibility. Even with the route improvements, exposed cliffs and great heights present situations where lack of situational awareness can have life threatening consequences. Any location with vertical exposure can be dangerous and should not be underestimated. Attention to the terrain and focus on footing are essential for a safe experience."

If you'd like to take a virtual trip to Angels Landing, you can do so at this link. You won't need to watch your footing—but you will need a high speed connection to the Web.