One of the most sought after and iconic photos of Zion National Park – beyond The Subway – is of Zion’s canyon from the top of Angels Landing. But that hike is not for the faint of heart. Plus, there are some other nuances you need to be aware of – mainly, how to get a permit to hike Angels Landing.

I took my wife, brother-in-law and neighbor on the hike to Angels Landing in April. We joked about how old we’re getting, since the conversations tended to center around our heart rates and knee pains. After all, the 2.7 mile trek from the trailhead to Angels Landing climbs 1,500 feet. You’ll want to be in shape or plan to take it slow.

If you want to hike Angels Landing, here’s a rundown on how to get a permit, how to get to the trailhead and what to expect along the trail.

How to Get a Permit to Hike Angels Landing

Angels Landing is one of the most popular hikes in all of Zion National Park. It can also be one of the most dangerous. Not to scare you, but since 2004 there have been eight deaths from hikers who have fallen over the edge. Having hiked this trail myself, I can see how people who aren’t mindful of the trail and their abilities may find themselves in trouble.

RELATED POST: Hike to The Subway in Zion National Park (Permit required)

The popularity of the trail has led to overcrowding. There are many photos of hoards of people trying to navigate the chains of Angels Landing, noting how narrow it is in certain areas. Recently, the National Park Service has implemented a permit system that requires all hikers on Angels Landing to have a permit.

I wasn’t able to locate the exact penalties for hiking Angels Landing without a permit, but please respect the permit system. If you don’t have a permit, DO NOT HIKE ANGELS LANDING.

There are two ways you can apply for a permit.

Enter the Seasonal Lottery in Advance of Your Planned Dates

Our hike up Angels Landing was on Saturday, April 22, 2023. In order to get the permit for that date, I had to put my name into the hat in early January. On January 25, I received notification that I had been awarded the permit for six people. I mention this to stress that you need to plan your hike months in advance of your visit.

Here are the four seasonal hiking dates and the deadlines for entering the application. These are for 2024 dates and may vary in 2025.

• Hike between March 1 to May 31 = Apply between Jan 1-20, 2024
• Hike between June 1 to August 31 = Apply between April 1-20, 2024
• Hike between September 1 to November 30 = Apply between July 1-20, 2024
• Hike between December 1 to February 28, 2025 = Apply between October 1-20, 2024

The application period takes place on Recreation.gov, but the link changes based on the open application period. Visit the main information page for hiking Angels Landing on the Zion National Park website.

The cost for putting your name in the hat is $6. That allows you pick three dates for up to six people for your permit. Select the time you want to hike Angels Landing – Before 9 a.m., between 9-12 p.m. or after 12 p.m.

Roughly five days after the application process closes, you’ll be notified of which dates (if any) you’ve been awarded the permit. You’ll then be charged $3 for each permit you received (i.e., 6 permits is $18).

Enter the Day-Before Lottery

If you missed the application period for the dates you want to visit Zion National Park, you can apply for a permit the day before your visit. No permits are issues same day.

Place your name into the lottery between 12:01 a.m. and 3 p.m. the day before your requested hike date. You’ll request your desired time slot during the application process. There is a $6, nonrefundable application fee.

Applicants will be notified by 4 p.m. (1 hour after the application period closes) if they received a permit or not. Those who are awarded a permit will be charged $3 for each permit they requested (i.e., 4 permits would be $12).

If you did not receive a permit, do NOT hike Angels Landing. You can hike to Scout Lookout, you just aren’t able to hike the chain section out to Angels Landing. Here are several other hikes in Zion National Park you can explore that don’t require permits.

What to Bring with You into Zion National Park

I’m a chronic over packer. I carry too many things with me when I venture out on a trail. Oftentimes, it’s bringing too many cameras (a DSLR, camera phone, adventure camera, 360 camera, etc.), or snacks that I really have no intention of eating along the route. But there are a few things I highly recommend bringing with you when you hike Angels Landing.

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You’ve got to know what the weather is like for the day and time you’ll be hiking Angels Landing. If it’s going to be cold, then wear a few layers. If it’s going to be 100+ degrees (which is common in the summer), you want to go with clothes that will help you stay cool. So I’ll leave the level of attire up to you, but will include a few vitals:

• Wear a hat – It’ll protect your face from the sun
• Apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) – It’s so important since you’ll be exposed to the sun while hiking
• Wear reliable hiking shoes – You NEED shoes that will grip to the ground beneath you and not slip
• Small hiking backpack – Something that can carry water and snacks, but allows you to keep your hands free for the hike
• Adequate supply of water – two liters of water is vital for every hiker, especially in the summer months
• Appropriate snacks – Trail mix or salt snacks can help keep you hydrated – don’t hike with only sugary snacks

One of the other VERY IMPORTANT things you need to bring with you is proof of your permit. This can be a printout of the email you received about your permit, or a screen capture on your phone of the email. Cellphone coverage is spotty, so chances of you connecting to WiFi while on the trail is slim to none.

Getting to the Trailhead for Angels Landing – The Grotto

Zion National Park entrance is about one hour from St. George, Utah. Regardless of where you’re staying for your visit to the park, be sure and allow adequate time for your drive to the park and account for the shuttle ride up the Scenic Drive so you can be on time for your permitted start time.

PLAN ON ABOUT FOUR HOURS FOR THE HIKE TO ANGELS LANDING, ONCE YOU DEPART FROM THE TRAILHEAD. Use the restrooms at The Grotto before you head out on the trail.

When you enter the park, you’ll need to pay the entrance fee or show an annual parks pass. If you’ve got a fourth grade student in your family, be sure you register them to claim your free National Parks annual pass. After you get through the gate, turn right into the Visitor Center and find a spot to park.

From the Visitor Center, you’ll want to get in line to take the free shuttle up to The Grotto shuttle stop, which is the trailhead for the hike. Depending on how busy the park is that day, you’ll want to allow about 30 minutes to wait in line and get up the canyon.

NOTE: The Grotto trailhead is only accessible via the free shuttle up the Scenic Drive. If you’re visiting between November and February, when the shuttle isn’t running, you’re able to drive up to the trailhead, but parking is EXTREMELY limited.

Take note of the operating times for the shuttle for the day of your hike. We started our hike around 2:30 p.m., knowing the shuttle stops running about 7:15 p.m. So that was our absolute deadline. If you miss the shuttle, you may be trekking several miles to hike back to your vehicle.

What to Expect on the Hike up to Angels Landing

The hike to Angels Landing is not for the faint of heart. You hike up more than 1,400 feet over the course of the 2.7-mile one-way trail. Following our hike, I would divide the trail into a few sections, and hopefully this will help you plan your hike and know what to expect.

PART 1 – From The Grotto shuttle stop, follow the path west and take the bridge across the river. The trail is relatively flat as it guides you back into the wall of the canyon so you can begin the first part of the ascent.

PART 2 – The switchbacks at this point are carved into the side of the mountain. If you’re afraid of heights, you may be hugging the side of the canyon wall to stay far away from the edge. Take your time and stop often to not only catch your breath, but enjoy the beautiful view of Zion Canyon.

PART 3 – Don’t think the switchbacks stretch all the way to the top of Angels Landing. At some point, you enter a 15-30 foot wide canyon where the trail is pretty flat. It’s noted as a quiet zone because there are owls living in the trees and too much noise can impact their habitat.

PART 4 – Eventually, the trail has a few switchbacks before you get to the infamous Walters Wiggles. You may have heard of this portion of the trail before, but don’t let it scare you. It’s mainly a jaunt up multiple flights of stairs to help you get up to Scout Lookout. The photo above is looking down on Walters Wiggles.

Part 5 – When you reach the top of Walters Wiggles, you’re moments away from Scout Lookout. The views from this spot are beautiful, and you can continue the trail (without a permit) up to the West Rim. But if you have a permit, you can proceed out onto Angels Landing.

Part 6 – From Scout Lookout, head east and you’ll reach the first section of chains. Don’t be scared (which is easier said that done), just hold on to the chain when needed and be mindful of your steps. You’ll be bouldering, hiking and sometimes climbing on your way to the final point of Angels Landing. When you reach the end, relax, sit down and enjoy the views. They are absolutely amazing!

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The Details

Address: 1 Zion Park Blvd., State Route 9, Springdale, UT 84767

Cost: A recreational use pass is required when entering Zion National Park. It’s $35 for a private vehicle and is valid in the park for 7 days. But I would highly recommend buying an annual pass so you can visit all of the national parks throughout the country for free.

Hours: Zion National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Zion Canyon Visitor Center and Park Store are open year round, but hours vary a little by season. The free shuttle up to The Grotto (the start of the hike to Angels Landing) runs between March through November – exact dates vary.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm

Phone: (435) 772-3256

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