Summary: Angels Landing Permit
Permits are required to hike Angels Landing 365 days a year
If you are only going to Scouts Landing, you do not need a permit
Permits are issued through two lottery systems – a day-before lottery and a seasonal lottery
The seasonal lottery occurs once every three months
Best Angels Landing Trip Reports
How to Secure a Permit to hike Angels Landing
An Angels Landing permit is a must-have for hikers visiting Zion National Park. Thousands of hikers travel to Zion National Park to hike the infamous Angels Landing Trail.
This strenuous hike travels along a narrow rock fin, featuring drop-offs on both sides. The Angels Landing Trail itself is only half-mile from Scout’s Lookout. It is a spectacular hike with high heights and big exposure. These features make Angels Landing one of the most popular destinations in any National Park.
With stunning views in every direction, Angels Landing is one of the most sought-after hikes for photography.
The West Rim Trail leads to Angels Landing and is two miles one-way. With endless views of Zion Canyon, the Virgin River, and the Great White Throne, this is one hike you don’t want to miss.
Why is Zion National Park doing a Permit system for Angels Landing?
On April 1, 2022, Zion National Park began an Angels Landing Pilot Permit System that required permits to hike Angels Landing. The pilot permit program is now permanent.
Permits were a solution that would make the trails less congested and would give hikers a fair chance to visit.
Angels Landing was known for some large, long, and dangerous conga lines through its most exposed sections. This change has been a long time coming and has been welcomed by many hiking Angels Landing.
If you plan to hike on the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout, Angels Landing permits are not required.
As you continue reading below, we’ll discuss getting an Angels Landing Permit. This includes all of the essential information you must know before beginning your hike.
Angels Landing Permit Information and Lottery
To hike any portion of Angels Landing, permits are required every day at all times. Angels Landing Permits are available through a two-lottery process. When applying for a permit, you enter yourself into a lottery.
The virtual drawing will determine who will receive a permit to hike Angels Landing. A Zion Angels Landing permit is issued ahead of time and issued by seasonal and day-before lotteries. During the Spring (March 1st – May 31st), chosen applicants will receive their permit to hike Angels Landing beginning from the Grotto Trailhead.
Seasonal Lottery
To apply for an Angels Landing permit during the spring, the seasonal lottery application period begins January 1st and covers hiking the spring dates of March 1st to May 31st.
Entering the seasonal lottery is only allowed once and is acceptable for up to six people. You may choose up to seven dates or ranges in your preferred order when applying for your permit.
Successful applicants will be notified via email and issued their Angels Landing permits.
Day-Before Lottery
Any additional lotteries to obtain an Angels Landing permit will be held the day before your desired hiking dates. Day-before lotteries are allowed to be entered between midnight and 3:00 PM. Successful applicants will be notified by email by 4:00 PM.
For more information on the lottery process and obtaining your Angels Landing permit, visit recreation.gov.
Angels Landing Permit Important Dates for 2023
Spring Seasonal Lottery
Entry Period: January 1, 2023 – January 20, 2023
Dates to hike: March 1st – May 31st
Results: January 25, 2023
Day before lottery: February 28, 2023 – May 30, 2023
Day-before lottery (apply the day before your desired hiking date)
Summer Seasonal Lottery
Entry Period: April 1, 2023 – April 20, 2023
Dates to hike: June 1st – August 31st
Results: April 25, 2023 – July 20, 2023
Trail closed for maintenance: April 3, 2023 – April 6, 2023
Fall seasonal Lottery
Entry Period: July 1, 2023 – July 20, 2023
Dates to hike: September 1st – November 30th
Results: July 25, 2023 – October 20, 2023
Winter Seasonal Lottery
Entry Period: October 1, 2023 – October 20, 2023
Dates to hike: December 1st – February 29, 2024
Results: October 25, 2023
What You Need to Know About Angels Landing Permits
To hike Angels Landing, a Zion Angels Landing permit is required any time of day, seven days a week, for all portions of the trail. If you do not have a permit, you will violate national park service rules by engaging in a permitted activity without a permit. Anyone without an Angels Landing permit may receive a fine of up to $5,000 or six months imprisonment.
Angels Landing Permits:
Only available online through seasonal and day-before lotteries at recreation.gov
Permits can not be obtained in any office in Zion National Park
Can not be obtained on the day of your hike
Parking is never guaranteed at the closest trailhead
Permits are only valid for single-day use, with your hike beginning at the Grotto Trailhead
Lottery Application Information
You may list up to six people on your application
You must use the name on your identification card just in case a ranger asks to see your ID and permit
Permit holder names may not be changed once your application is submitted
Submitting more than one application is not allowed. Any additional applications will be canceled without any refunds
Additional Permit Details
If you are a successful applicant, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your permit
A park ranger can request to see your permit at any time. Permits are not transferable, and the permit holder must be present
While hiking, you MUST carry an electronic or paper confirmation email. If using electronic, make sure to save your permit before your hike due to limited phone service
Angels Landing Permit Fees and Cancellation Policies
If you are the permit holder, you will be responsible for the fee of your entire group. As an Angels Landing permit holder, you will also pay the entrance fee to the park when arriving unless you have a federal recreation pass.
Permit Fees
Lottery Application Fee: $6.00 non-refundable
Recreation Fee: $3.00 per person for each issued permit
Cancellation Policies
If you have an Angels Landing permit issued during a seasonal lottery, you may cancel your permit up to two days before your hike and will receive a full refund of fees. Amy canceled permits in the seasonal lottery will then be available in the day-before lotteries. Unfortunately, they will not be available again if you try to cancel your day-before-lottery permit.
It is highly recommended that you only apply for Angel Landing permits that you will use. If your plans change and you were issued a permit through a seasonal lottery, it is highly encouraged that you cancel your permit. Canceling your seasonal lottery permit will allow it to be used on the day-before lottery instead of going unused.
Angels Landing Permit Hiking Directions
Beginning on March 11, 2023, permit holders will start their hike at the Grotto Trailhead and ride the free Zion Park Shuttle system to the trailhead (Shuttle Stop 6).
During shuttle season, you will not be allowed to drive your vehicle. To stay up-to-date on shuttle season and schedules, you can visit recreation.gov. The park shuttle is required for ~10 months a year in the main section of Zion National Park.
