Every year, more than 4 million visitors make their way through the gates of Zion National Park. Of those visitors, researchers estimate that as many as 1,000 people a day hike — or attempt to hike — the park’s most famous trail, Angels Landing. To improve your chances of hiking Angels Landing, you should secure your permit and lodging well in advance.

This bucket-list worthy hike is one of the many natural features that draw so many visitors to Zion National Park. However, hikers must have a permit to access Angels Landing, and planning your hike and permit application is essential. Make sure to plan ahead and be aware of permit lottery deadlines to ensure your planned hike goes smoothly.

Start planning your trip early, including permit applications and logistics, to increase your chances of success and avoid last-minute issues.

On the day of your planned hike, start early to avoid crowds and the midday heat.

What You Need to Know About Angels Landing

At around 5 miles roundtrip, Angels Landing isn’t the park’s longest trail. It’s also not the highest point in the park, though it can seem that way as you stand at the top. What makes this trail so dangerous is the steep climb that hikers must take, as well as the narrow ridgeline you’ll navigate as you near the trail’s peak.

The hike to Angels Landing begins at the Grotto Trailhead and follows the West Rim Trail. Many hikers choose to turn around and go back at Scout Lookout, a spot that provides a view of the summit and doesn’t require you to make your way along the chain handrails at the top. Reaching Scout Lookout via the West Rim Trail does not require a permit, but if you want to continue past Scout Lookout for the final half mile to Angels Landing, you must have an Angels Landing permit. The handrails help keep hikers steady as they walk along a narrow ridge with drop-offs that can stretch anywhere from 800 to 1,000 feet down. The permit system is designed to manage the number of people on the trail and improve visitor experience by ensuring safety and protecting the environment.

Another famous feature of this popular trail is Walter’s Wiggles, a set of 21 switchbacks cut into the stone in 1924 to allow hikers to climb the steep rock face.

The incredible views from the trail’s summit make it a very popular hike, particularly during the park’s busiest times, including the summer months and around holidays. As a result, crowds often form on the trail. This can extend the amount of time that it takes to hike the trail.

Hiking Angels Landing in 2022

Up until now, hikers wishing to take on Angels Landing only needed to make it to the trailhead. While this could sometimes take time on busy days when lines for the Zion Shuttle got long, hikers could still pick a day and hike the trail if they didn’t mind waiting.

That’s about to change. Starting on April 1, 2022, all hikers hoping to take on Angels Landing will need to have a permit in order to do so.

The permit system is actually a pilot permit program and is part of a broader permit program managed by the National Park Service. This permit program uses a fair process, including seasonal lottery permits, to decide which Angels Landing hikers receive a landing permit. Permit holders must pay a non-refundable application fee and a $3 per person fee when a permit is issued. Park rangers and park staff verify permits at the trailhead and help protect park resources. The permit program is designed to protect park resources, manage the number of people on the trail, and improve the visitor experience.

Without a permit, visitors will not be permitted to hike the trail and will need to choose alternatives for that day instead.

How Can You Get a Permit to Hike Angels Landing?

Unfortunately, getting a permit won’t be as simple as requesting one. Because demand is expected to be high, the park is implementing a lottery system. There will be two ways to get a permit; by entering the Seasonal Lottery or the Day-Before Lottery.

Note: Permit availability is limited and deadlines for applications are strictly enforced. Be sure to review all requirements and plan ahead.

• The first Seasonal Lottery period covers hikes from March 1 to May 31, with March marking the start of the spring permit season.
• Additional lottery periods are available for other times of the year.

Remember to check the last shuttle schedule before your hike to ensure you have transportation back after completing Angels Landing.

Seasonal Lottery

There will be four Seasonal Lotteries for hiking permits throughout the year. The four time periods these lotteries will cover, and the dates the lottery for each opens and closes, include:

• Lottery for hikes between April 1 and May 31 opens on January 3 and closes January 20
• The Lottery for hikes between June 1 and August 31 opens April 1 and closes April 20
• Lottery for hikes between September 1 and November 30 opens July 1 and closes July 20
• The Lottery for hikes between December 1 and February 28, 2023, will open on October 1 and close on October 20

If you’re hoping to hike Angels Landing during one of the four time periods, you’ll choose seven dates and times or windows of dates and times, and rank them by the ones you prefer. It costs $6 to enter the Seasonal Lottery, and one entry can be used for 6 hikers.

If you receive a permit in the Seasonal Lottery, you’ll be charged an additional $3 per person for the permit. If you cancel your permit at least two days before your hike, you will get a refund.

Day-Before Lottery

If you miss the Seasonal Lottery or don’t get a permit, you can also enter the Day-Before Lottery. This lottery opens every day at 12:01 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m. MST. You’ll find out whether you got a permit at 4:00 p.m. MST. The lottery only awards permits for hiking Angels Landing the next day.

This lottery also costs $6 to enter, and each entry can be used to obtain permits for 6 hikers. If you win a permit, you’ll be charged an additional $3 per person for the permit. This permit fee is non-refundable.

Observation Point: A Scenic Alternative to Angels Landing

If you’re unable to secure a permit to hike Angels Landing or simply want to experience another side of Zion National Park, Observation Point is a fantastic alternative. This trail offers some of the most breathtaking views in the park, with a sweeping panorama of Zion Canyon that actually looks down on Angels Landing itself.

Unlike the Angels Landing trail, you don’t need a permit to hike to Observation Point, making it a convenient option for visitors who want to enjoy a challenging and rewarding hike without the extra planning. The trail to Observation Point is longer and gains more elevation, but it’s well worth the effort for the incredible vistas you’ll find at the top.

Observation Point is located on the eastern rim of Zion Canyon, giving hikers a unique perspective of the park’s dramatic cliffs and winding river below. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a memorable adventure in Zion, this trail is a must-see. If you’re planning your visit and find that permits for Angels Landing are sold out, don’t worry—Observation Point is a scenic and satisfying way to experience the beauty of Zion National Park.

Hiking Angels Landing

While the permit system might make it a bit tougher to hike Angels Landing during your visit, it will help to alleviate crowds and keep hikers safer on the trail.

If you’re dreaming of hiking Angels Landing, you still have time to do so without a permit. In fact, the off-season is one of the best times to take on this trail with fewer crowds. Cooler temperatures in the winter months can make hiking safer and more comfortable, though you should still check with the park’s Visitor Center before starting your hike to make sure that the summit isn’t icy during your visit. Now is the time to book your winter visit! Book your stay at The Dwellings today to take advantage of our Winter Promo and get a 50% discount on your tiny home vacation rental.