Walter’s Wiggles Are An Engineering Marvel In Utah, But They’re More Dangerous Than They Look
Established in 1919, Zion National Park is one of the country’s most beautiful parks, and its Angels Landing trail is one of the most iconic (and dangerous). While most people think of the perch at the top of Angels Landing as scary, a lower set of switchbacks is just as dangerous for hikers. Walter’s Wiggles was a feat of engineering, but it’s often the site of medical emergencies.
Looming 1,488 feet above the canyon floor, Angels Landing is a stunning rock formation. Hikers start their climb from the canyon below, traversing several sets of switchbacks before reaching the final climb up the spine of the mountain to the summit.
The last half mile of the trail is nerve-wracking, with steep drop-offs on both sides. Over the years, many deaths have occurred here when hikers have fallen, but this terrifying portion of the trail isn't the only dangerous spot along the journey.
Walter's Wiggles is a steep set of 21 switchbacks that is set right into the side of the mountain, and it's often the site of medical emergencies and even deaths.
Many visitors to Zion National Park make the mistake of thinking that since it's a park, its hikes are fine for all kind of tourists. This can't be further from the truth, especially when it comes to the Angel's Landing Trail.
Walter's Wiggles are steep and strenuous. Visitors who are out of shape and haven't brought enough water along often run into trouble on this section of the trail. Some suffer from dehydration and heat exhaustion; others have heart attacks trying to climb these switchbacks.
Though they're often underestimated for their physical difficulty, it's impossible not to be impressed by Walter's Wiggles.They scale right up the mountain!
The switchbacks got their name from Walter Ruesch, who supervised the construction of trails in the park starting in 1917. He came up with the plans and design for Walter's Wiggles.
The construction of this part of the trail was a true feat of engineering, and a difficult task for the men who built it in 1926 and continued to maintain it over the decades.
In 1985, this section of the trail was paved with 88 cubic yards of concrete, which had to be brought in by helicopter. It took 258 helicopter flights to deliver it all!
If you decide to take on the challenge of Angel's Landing, make sure you're adequately prepared.
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
