Beyond the overlook the trail crosses a bridge and heads into a side canyon that brings you to the backside of Angels Landing. The walk though this section was cool and shady in the early morning and the trail does not do any climbing in this section. Amazingly enough this side canyon is called REFRIGERATION CANYON. After about 1/2 mile you come to another set of amazing switchbacks called Walter's Wiggles. These switchbacks are a work of art and the hike is worth it just to see them. The walls that support the switchbacks have been constructed using the native stone and they are simply incredible to look at. They climb very quickly to the saddle between Angels Landing and the rim of the main canyon. A short flat stretch takes you to another awesome overlook from where you can watch people going up and down the final climb to the top of Angels Landing.

Some people go no further than this, which is maybe 2 miles or just under from the trailhead The final climb of 1/2 mile or more is NOT for anyone with a fear of heights. Angels Landing is not very wide and is really just a hugh fin of rock that projects from the side of the main canyon walls. At some sections the trail runs along the top of rock that is only 10 feet or so wide with sheer drops on either side of hundreds of feet. Way cool! :) Most of the climbing in this section is done via chains that have been affixed to the side of the rock. Robin did the first section of chains and then dropped out. She has a moderate fear of heights and just could not take it. I, of course, continued on up, and there were about 15-20 other people on top when I got there. The view was magnificent and I spent a while up there taking photos. The hike down along the chains was much more difficult.

I met Robin at the observation point below the chained sections and we hiked back to the car. Be forewarned that the first part of this hike, to the beginning of the chained section that climbs Angels Landing, is on a paved trail. If you're looking for a backcountry experience this is not where you find it. Just beyond Walter's Wiggles the trail splits, one branch going to Angels Landing and the other continuing along the West Rim (West Rim Trail). Beyond this point it becomes a backcountry trail and is much more pleasing to the eye.