You’re planning to tackle Angels Landing, one of America’s most thrilling hikes—but here’s the catch: you can’t just show up anymore. Since 2022, Zion National Park requires permits for that famous final ascent, and getting one isn’t as simple as clicking “buy now.” There are lotteries to enter, dates to remember, and rules you’ll need to follow. Don’t worry though—we’ve broken down everything you need to know to secure your spot on this bucket-list trail.
Which Parts of Angels Landing Require an Angels Landing Permit
The Angels Landing permit covers exactly what you’d expect: the thrilling, adrenaline-pumping finale. You’ll need it for the final half-mile from Scout Lookout to the summit—that spectacular chain section hugging the exposed ridge. This is where Angels Landing gets its legendary reputation.
Here’s the good news: the first two miles from The Grotto trailhead to Scout Lookout don’t require a permit. You’re free to hike this section, gain those 1,000+ feet of elevation, and enjoy the views from Scout Lookout without any special authorization.
The permit zone starts exactly where the chains begin, just past Scout Lookout. If you’re stepping onto that narrow spine—even for just the first chain section—you’ll need a valid permit in hand. Understanding the terrain and trail conditions is essential before attempting this challenging final section.
How to Apply for Angels Landing Permits: Seasonal vs. Day-Before Lottery
Didn’t win? Try the day-before lottery. It redistributes canceled permits daily. Apply between 12:01 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time the day before your hike; results arrive around 4:00 p.m. Both lotteries require online entries only—no walk-up permits exist. For the seasonal lottery, applications open months before each hiking season, giving you an earlier opportunity to secure your spot.
Angels Landing Permit Costs and Refund Policies
After you’ve submitted your lottery application, you’ll want to know exactly what you’re paying and when you can get your money back. Every application costs $6 (non-refundable), covering up to six hikers. If you win, you’ll pay an additional $3 per person—automatically charged to your card.
Here’s where refunds differ: seasonal permits offer flexibility. Cancel or reduce your group at least two days before your hike, and you’ll get back those $3-per-person fees. The $6 application fee? That’s gone regardless.
Day-before lottery permits are stricter. Once issued, everything’s non-refundable—no changes, no refunds, no exceptions. You’re locked in. Keep in mind that permits are non-transferable, meaning you cannot change the permit to a different group leader.
Best Times to Apply and Lottery Success Rates
Your chances of snagging an Angels Landing permit improve dramatically when you know which lottery to enter and when to apply. The seasonal lottery lets you rank seven preferred dates across a three-month hiking season, while the day-before lottery gives you last-minute access to leftover permits. Four seasonal lotteries are available for 2024, with each lottery opening at 8 a.m. MT and closing at 11:59 p.m. MT. Timing matters big time—weekday applications and off-peak winter months offer considerably better odds than weekend dates during spring and summer.
Seasonal vs Day-Before Lottery
Because Angels Landing uses two completely separate lottery systems—seasonal and day-before—understanding when and how to apply to each can dramatically improve your odds of snagging a permit.
The seasonal lottery opens months ahead and covers entire seasons, letting you rank up to seven date/time choices. You’ll face stiffer competition for peak weekends, but midweek shoulder dates—like early March, late May, or mid-December—offer better odds. Apply as soon as the window opens for maximum flexibility.
The day-before lottery runs daily, closing at 3:00 p.m. MT for next-day hikes. It’s stocked mostly with canceled seasonal permits, so availability fluctuates wildly. Your best bet? Target unpopular weekdays during hot summer afternoons or cold winter stretches when fewer people apply. Keep in mind that permits are required year-round, so even off-season hikes need authorization through one of the lottery systems.
Peak Season Application Strategies
When you’re gunning for a permit during Zion’s busiest stretch—late May through mid-September—you’ll face the toughest odds in the seasonal lottery. July and August regularly draw half a million visitors monthly, driving permit competition sky-high. To improve your chances, target the shoulder edges: early March or late November see far fewer applicants than core summer months. Late September through October offers a sweet spot—mild temps and lighter crowds while permits remain available. Within any given month, apply for weekday slots over weekends; Saturday and Sunday draws attract the heaviest competition. Early-morning windows also fill faster than late-afternoon blocks, especially among photographers chasing sunrise. The free shuttle service operates from March to late November, making spring and fall applications particularly convenient for accessing the Grotto Trailhead. If flexibility isn’t an option, enter every lottery cycle and consider the day-before draw as your backup plan.
Timing Your Permit Application
Getting your Angels Landing permit comes down to understanding two distinct lottery windows—and knowing exactly when to click “submit.” The seasonal lottery is your primary shot, opening roughly three months before your target hike dates and running for about 20 days.
Your best odds come from strategic timing:
- Target mid-week days (Tuesday–Thursday) when competition drops dramatically compared to weekends
- Embrace winter months (December–February) where fewer casual hikers apply, boosting your success rates considerably
- Avoid federal holidays and Saturdays—demand becomes astronomically high on these dates
The day-before lottery opens at 12:01 a.m. MT and closes at 3:00 p.m. MT, distributing leftover permits. You’ll pay $6 to apply, then $3 per person if you win.
What to Show Rangers: Permit Confirmation and ID Rules
Your Angels Landing permit isn’t just a formality—it’s a document rangers will actively check, and you need to have it ready along with proper ID. Print your Recreation.gov confirmation email or save it offline as a screenshot—cell service is unreliable in Zion Canyon. Rangers may verify permits at the Grotto shuttle stop, Scout Lookout, or anywhere along the trail.
You’ll also need government-issued photo ID that matches the permit holder or listed alternate’s name exactly. The person named on the permit must be physically present with the group. Remember, permits are non-transferable—no gifting, selling, or swapping allowed.
Your confirmation must show the correct date, start time window, and group size (maximum six people). Without valid documentation, rangers will turn you around.
Booking Guided Angels Landing Tours With Permits Included
If you’d rather skip the permit lottery entirely, guided Angels Landing tours with permits included offer a streamlined way to tackle this bucket-list hike. Authorized outfitters holding a Commercial Use Authorization secure permits on your behalf, handling the logistics while you focus on the adventure. These small-group tours (typically 6–12 guests) pair you with experienced local guides who know the route, weather patterns, and how to navigate those exposed chain sections safely.
What makes guided tours worthwhile:
- You’re practically guaranteed a spot on your chosen date—no lottery stress or uncertainty
- Expert support through Walter’s Wiggles and the chains helps you push through moments of doubt
- Transportation coordination and gear recommendations mean you’ll show up fully prepared
Book directly through operator websites or platforms like Viator, but remember: park entrance fees aren’t included.
Conclusion
You’ve got everything you need to tackle Angels Landing! Remember to enter those lotteries early, keep your permit confirmation handy, and don’t skip the prep work. Whether you’re going solo or booking a guided tour, this adventure’s going to be epic. The views from the top are absolutely worth the effort. Now get out there, snag that permit, and make it happen. Angels Landing’s waiting for you!
