How to Hike Zion’s Angels Landing in 2023!
Are you planning to hike angels landing this year? The most iconic hike in Zion National Park will continue to be permitted. Know what to expect and how to apply for permits to get the most out of your summit experience.
A hiker holds on to the chains of Angel’s Landing during a guided tour to the summit.
Are permits required to hike Angels Landing?
Yes! Since April 1st of 2022 permits have been required to complete the Angels Landing hike past Scout Lookout. Permits are required 24 hours a day seven days a week. Rangers may check permits at Grotto (Shuttle Stop 6), Scout Lookout, or along the trail. You need your permit confirmation with you, or they may not allow you to take your hike.
Can I hike Angel’s Landing without a permit?
Image Credit: NPS
No, but if you are not able to secure a permit yourself using the public lottery you can still do the hike by booking with a guiding company that has permits available for the day you want to hike. The seasonal lottery for Spring closed on January 20th. If you are looking to hike this Spring—March 1st through May 31st—reach out to our reservations team (435) 414-8040 to see what we have available. Day-before permits are only available via a public lottery—and not until the day before you plan to hike.
Or, you can hike to Scout Lookout without a permit. The view from Angels Landing offers an iconic panorama of the canyon floor and the opportunity to complete your first mountaineering summit. Book our Angels Landing Summit Experience to secure a permit and complete the iconic hike. If you cannot secure a permit and chose to hike alone, Scout Lookout will still take your breath away with a sweeping view of the canyon walls from up high.
How does the Angels Landing permit system work?
There are three ways to get a permit. 1) Apply for the “Seasonal Lottery” well in advance of your planned hike. 2) Apply for the “Day Before Lottery” the day before your planned hike. 3) Hire a guiding company with permits available for the day you plan to hike.
How to get an Angels Landing Permit via the “Seasonal” or “Day Before” Lottery:
Click HERE to access the recreation.gov website.
Choose either “Seasonal Lottery” or “Day Before Lottery” link.
Click the blue “Register for Lottery” button.
Create an account or log in.
Choose your date and pay. Paying for a permit does not guarantee you will be awarded one. You will be notified via email.
How to Hire Zion Guide Hub to secure an Angels Landing Permit:
Check out our Angels Landing Summit Experience page.
Click “Book Now” at the bottom of the page.
Additional Information about Permits:
Permits are not first come first served. Rather all applications received during the reservations window will be equally considered in the lottery.
New lottery registrations will open on April 1st for summer hiking dates, July 1st for fall dates, and October 1st for winter dates. Lottery registrations will close on the 20th of that month, and you will be notified if you were awarded a permit on the 25th of that month. You cannot apply for the Seasonal Lottery outside those dates.
Permits are awarded for a specific day and time. You may be awarded a permit for hiking before 9 AM, between 9 AM and 12 PM, or after 12 PM. When registering for the lottery you will have the option to submit up to seven entries for seven different time slots or days you wish to hike. Make sure you enter your preferred dates and times first.
What should you expect if you hire a guide?
Our lead guide Grant on an interpretive hiking tour.
The Zion Guide Hub Angels Landing guided hike is designed to help you accomplish your goals, did deeper, excite your soul, and make your hiking experience more enjoyable. Hiring a guide takes the stress out of planning your trip and is a great way for everyone to have more fun. Our trips are designed to be educational. Our knowledge of history and ecology will lead you on a path of deeper connection with your surroundings. Everyone who completes the Angels Landing Summit with Zion Guide Hub will receive a special prize to commemorate your accomplishment!
Lunch from Deep Creek Coffee Company is included in all of our Angels Landing Summit Trips.
Guided trips up Angels Landing are only available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
What should you expect if you choose to hike alone?
The permit system has done a great job reducing traffic on the trail. Expect to see fewer people on the trail during peak hiking times compared to recent years. Angels Landing is still a very popular trail so don’t expect a solitary experience even if you are hiking early in the morning.
Weather conditions are variable. Bring a windproof layer, sun protection, and lots of water no matter what time of year you are hiking.
Less visitor traffic on the 1/2 mile chains section makes the section feel much safer, but be aware that you will still have to pass people on the trail, and that the chains are not continuous, meaning there are sections where there will not be chains to hold on to as you hike.
Plan on spending 5-7 hours to complete your round-trip hike.
