Angels Landing: Summer (Hikes on June 1 – August 31)
Zion National Park is piloting a permit program to hike Angels Landing. The program provides a fair process that will improve visitor experience and protect park resources along Angels Landing. Permits will be required at all times of the year and times of day. Hikers must have a permit when accessing any portion of Angels Landing. Visitors will be able to hike the West Rim Trail from the trailhead at the Grotto to Scout Lookout without a permit.
Permits to hike are issued by lottery in two time frames: seasonally (1-3 months prior) and day-before (1 day prior). Permits are issued for three different time slots each day. Each time slot represents a time range during which a hike should begin from the Grotto in Zion Canyon (for example, someone with a ‘Before 8 AM’ permit may begin their hike any time prior to 8 AM at the Grotto).
For both seasonal and day-before lotteries, applicants may enter each lottery once and apply for a permit for up to six people (including the applicant). When applying, up to seven dates or date ranges along with preferred start times may be selected in preference order. There is a $6 non-refundable application fee. Applicants issued permits will be charged a $3 per-person fee. The confirmation email will need to be shown (printed or downloaded) to park staff on the day of your hike.
Permit & Season Information
You must have a permit to hike any portion of Angels Landing. Permits are needed every day and at all times beginning April 1, 2022. Permits (issued in three time slots) are available by two lottery processes. The seasonal lottery application periods occur quarterly (see important dates below). Additional permits are issued in day-before lotteries.
Throughout the pilot, the effectiveness of the program will be monitored and adjustments may be made. Commercial Use Authorization holders must refer to the FAQs on the Zion Commercial Services website.
The NPS trail crew is dedicating time every month for proactive inspections of the posts and chains between Scout Lookout and Angels Landing. The aim is to reduce the need for reactive closures due to unexpected trail, post, or chain damage. This will also provide the opportunity to improve the trail by removing trash or graffiti. Permit fees help pay for the staff who will do this work.
Need to Know
Permits are required 24 hours a day, seven days a week to hike any portion of Angels Landing. Hiking Angels Landing without a permit is a violation of 36 CFR 1.6 (engaging in a permitted activity without a permit) and is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail.
Angels Landing permits are:
- Only available through online lotteries on Recreation.gov.
- Not available at any office in Zion National Park.
- Valid for a single day and your hike should begin at the Grotto trailhead (shuttle stop 6) during the time slot indicated on your permit.
- Commercial Use Authorization holders must refer to the FAQs on the Zion Commercial Services website.
Lottery Applications
- You can list up to six people (including the applicant) on your lottery application.
- You must use the name that appears on your photo identification (ID) because rangers may ask to see both your ID and your permit.
- The names of the permit holder and alternate may not be changed once the application is submitted.
- If you submit more than one application, we will cancel all of your applications, and we will not issue any refunds.
Alternates
- Lottery applicants may specify an alternate during the seasonal lottery application process.
- The alternate cannot be modified once the application is submitted.
- A person listed as an alternate on one application may also enter their own lottery application.
- Daily lottery applications only allow a permit holder (no alternate).
Permit Details
- If successful, a confirmation email that serves as the permit will be sent to the permit holder.
- The permit holder or alternate and all members of the hiking party must be present at the permit checkpoint at the same time to proceed.
- A park ranger will ask to see your permit and the permit holder's or alternate's photo identification. The permit holder or alternate must be present. Permits are not transferable.
- An electronic or paper copy of the confirmation email must be carried while on your hike (Note: mobile phone service is very limited in the park; therefore, an electronic copy should be downloaded prior to starting the hike).
- Even if you have a permit, environmental or trail conditions may result in NPS closing the trail and you may not be able to do the hike.
Before your hike
- Even when conditions are perfect, this hike can be challenging. You are responsible for deciding if conditions are safe to proceed and being prepared before you start.
- Summer temperatures be very high. Extreme heat and lack of shade between May and September, along with the absence of drinking water have led to rescues in the permit area.
- During the monsoon season, July to September, heavy rainfall can cause extreme flash flooding and lightening. This trial is extremely dangerous during thunderstorms. Check the forecast before you hike.
- Be aware of the shuttle schedule and make sure you are back at the Grotto (shuttle stop 6) well before the last shuttle departs.
What to bring
- Water: There is no water to drink on the trail. We recommend 2 – 4 liters (64 – 128 oz) of water depending on the forecast. Keep hydrated.
- Snacks: Hiking takes energy. Make sure to fuel yourself before you hike and along the way. Eat some salty snacks as they provide your body with valuable electrolytes which help hold water in your body.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Boots with sufficient ankle support and traction.
While on your hike
- Begin your hike at the Grotto trailhead (shuttle stop 6) during the time indicated by your permit (start time before 8 AM, between 8 AM and 11 AM, and after 11 AM). Consider travel time, shuttle wait time and other travel factors to assure you arrive within the time slot.
- Practice Leave No Trace Principles: Pack it in, Pack it out.
- Do not feed wildlife (including chipmunks).
- Go to the restroom before you start, restrooms are limited.
- If listening to music, please wear ear buds.
- No pets allowed.
- Drones (also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or UAVs) are not allowed in any area managed by the NPS.
Fee Policy
Lottery Application Fee: $6 non-refundable application fee.
Recreation Fee: Each issued permit will be charged $3 per person.
Permit holders will be responsible for payment of fees for their entire group. If issued a permit, the per person fee will automatically be charged to the card used for the lottery application fee. If the charge to the credit card does not clear, the applicant will not be issued the permit and a new applicant is chosen. Permit holders for Angels Landing will need to pay the park entrance fee when arriving to the park unless they have a federal recreation pass.
Seasonal Lottery: If your application is selected through the lottery, you will automatically be issued a permit and will be charged $3 per person to the credit or debit card used for your application.
Day-before Lottery: If your application is selected through the lottery, you will automatically be issued a permit and will be charged $3 per person to the credit or debit card used for your application.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
For permits issued in a seasonal lottery, a permit holder can cancel the permit up to two days before the permit reservation date for a full refund of the recreation fees. Canceled seasonal lottery permits will automatically roll into the day-before lottery. Cancelled day-before lottery permits will not become available again.
Change Policy
Seasonal Lottery: A permit-holder may reduce the group size up until two-days before the permit reservation date. A refund will be provided for the reduced group size pertaining to recreation fees only. Other changes are not permitted including: increase group number, date change, permit holder, alternate leader. Permits are not transferable.
Day-before: No changes are allowed. All fees are non-refundable.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
1 Zion Park Blvd State Route 9 Springdale Utah 84767
Visitor center staffed daily 9 AM – 4 PM in the summer. Recorded information is available 24 hours a day. If you are unable to reach someone by phone, please email us at zion_park_information@nps.gov.
Phone Number
(435) 772-3256
