How to Apply for the Angel’s Landing Permit

As of April 1, 2022, a permit to hike to Angel’s Landing is required no matter the time of year. There are two types of permit applications for those wishing to complete the hike during their visit. 

1. Day Before Lottery
   • • Apply by 3 PM the day before you want to hike
   • There is a $6 application fee
   • At 4 pm Mountain Time, the day before the lottery winner will be emailed
     • A $3 fee per person will be charged if you win
     • The confirmation email serves as your permit
   • Print or download your permit and bring it with you on your hike

    

2. Seasonal Lottery
   • Apply before your trip
   • Select up to 7  days and times you want to hike
   • There is a $6 application fee
   • On the days that Zion National Park issues permits, you will be notified if you got a permit or not via email
     • A $3 fee per person will be charged if you win
     • The confirmation email serves as your permit
     • The email also confirms your permit reservation date
   • Once permits are issued, print or download your permit and bring it with you

The National Park Service now uses Recreation.gov for its permit system. To apply, go to www.recreation.gov, select “Permits”, and search “Angel’s Landing” (see image). Then select the option that contains the dates on which you wish to travel to Zion National Park.

What to Expect

Park rangers may ask to see your permit at Scout’s Lookout (along the West Rim Trail) or at the Grotto. You can find a list of the maps for Zion Nation Park HERE. You can carry your permit on your phone if you download it before entering the park. Cell service cannot be relied on while on the trail, so download it while you have service. In addition to your permit, a ranger may ask for a form of identification. Please abide by leave-no-trace principles while you are on any of the trails in Zion National Park.

During the summer, it is best to start the hike early in the morning before it gets too hot. A good start time can be as early as 8 AM. During the winter, parts of the hike can have snow and ice, so it is important to have the right gear with you if choose to go. Along the trail, you might view some wildlife. It is important to remember to not approach or feed any animals. You might see or encounter deer, squirrels, and birds including the Mexican Spotted Owl. The Mexican Spotted Owl is a protected species. The park tries to do its best to mark areas where the owls are nesting to inform hikers and visitors to not disturb the owls.

The Hike

The Angel’s Landing hike can be characterized by steep zig-zags from the bottom of the canyon floor to the tippy-top. One particular section of zig-zags is dubbed “Walter’s Wiggles.” There are plenty of places along the trail to stop, catch your breath, and rest. However, there is not much shade on the trail. Once you reach Scout’s Lookout, before the chains section, you might have to wait for a few minutes since this is a popular hike. There are a couple of stretches along the chains section that only allow for one-way traffic, so please be considerate and cautious when you get to those sections. The view from the top of the landing is spectacular so make sure to bring your camera! Because it is a popular place to take photos and selfies, watch your footing before taking a picture.

Plan Ahead

The Angel’s Landing hike has an elevation gain of about 1500 ft. It will take most people about a few hours to complete the round-trip. This means you should do the following before going:

1. Print or download your permit
2. Check the weather
3. Know the shuttle stops and shuttle schedule
4. Bring water and stay hydrated

It is also recommended that you keep updated on any park alerts before you head out for the day. Alerts in effect include can include anything from road and trail closures to weather advisories and cautionary information. Angel’s Landing is touted as one of the scariest hikes in the United States because of what people refer to as the “chain section” of the hike. There are chains that can be used as a support and safety handline on the final part of the hike to Angel’s Landing. The majority of this hike occurs on a wide, well-trafficked trail. While it is steep, the danger remains low. The final section of the hike can be intimidating. The trail narrows and you are closer to the edges of high cliffs before reaching the top on the landing. The only park resources along the Angel’s Landing hike are a couple of toilets near Scout’s Lookout, before the chains.

More Info

If you are looking for information about backcountry or canyoneering permits, learn more on the Zion Canyoneering Permits page or you can find more Angel’s Landing permit information on Zion NP’s website.