Enchantments Core Zone Permit
Overnight permits for the legendary Core Zone. One of the most competitive lotteries.
“Alpine lakes so blue they look artificial, ringed by granite spires and golden larches.”
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Core Zone Quick Facts
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Booking Method
- Lottery
- Demand Level
- Extremely High
- Cost
- $5/person/night
- Daily Quota
- 150 permits
- Lottery Odds
- 3-5%
- Season
- June to October
- Max Group Size
- 8 people
The Experience
Why It Matters
The Enchantments earned their name honestly. Early explorers called this glacial basin enchanting, and the name stuck. Today, fewer than 150 people per night are allowed in the Core Zone, preserving a wilderness experience that gets rarer every year. Over 40,000 people apply for about 1,500 permits. If you get one, you've won a genuine lottery.
The Route
Most parties enter via Snow Lakes trailhead, a 6.5-mile grind gaining 4,400 feet to Snow Lakes. From there, the trail mellows through the Lower Enchantments before climbing again to the Core Zone. The full through-hike exits at Stuart Lake trailhead, 18 miles total with 6,600 feet of gain.
Aasgard Pass is the alternate entry from Colchuck Lake. It gains 2,200 feet in less than a mile of boulder scrambling. Not for the faint of heart, but it puts you in the Core Zone by lunch.
Key Landmarks
Snow Lakes
First major lakes. Good campsite options.
Nada Lake
Transition into alpine terrain.
Lake Viviane
Heart of the Core Zone. Iconic campsite location.
Prusik Pass
Views of Prusik Peak and the Temple.
Perfection Lake
Named for obvious reasons.
The Feeling
You wake at Lake Viviane. Mist rises off water so clear you can count stones on the bottom. Prusik Peak catches the first light, turning pink then orange. A mountain goat grazes fifty feet from your tent. You have nowhere to be. This is why you waited.
Key Dates
Permit Details
Pro Tips
- •Apply for all zones
- •Colchuck Zone is easier
- •Day hiking is permit-free
When to Go
Conditions
Snow-free by late July most years. Bugs can be fierce in early summer.
Crowd Level
HighAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temps
- +Snow-free travel
Challenges
- !Bugs through July
- !Crowded lottery
- !Hot on approach
Difficulty Assessment
Fitness and endurance required
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Route finding and trail clarity
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Experienced backpackers comfortable with steep terrain and long days.
Recommended Experience
Should have completed several multi-day trips with 3,000+ ft days.
Not Recommended For
Those new to backpacking or uncomfortable with 4,000+ ft elevation gains.
How to Get This Permit
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Verify your email and add payment info ahead of time.
Apply during the lottery window
Submit your application between February 15 and March 2. Apply for multiple dates to increase your odds.
If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations
Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.
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Get instant notifications when cancellations happen. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Core Zone FAQ
What are my odds?
3-5% for Core Zone. Over 40,000 applications for ~1,500 permits.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunrise from Lake Viviane with Prusik Peak catching first light.
Best Light
Late September afternoon light on golden larches.
Beat the Crowds
Enter on Tuesday or Wednesday. Avoid Labor Day weekend.
Classic Shots
- 📍Reflection in Perfection Lake
- 📍Prusik Peak from Gnome Tarn
- 📍Larches at Lake Viviane
- 📍Mountain goat portraits
Can't Get a Core Zone Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Colchuck Lake Day Hike
Same AreaSame trailhead, stunning glacial lake at the base of Dragontail Peak. Day-use only, no overnight permit lottery.
Tradeoffs
See the gateway to the Enchantments. Possibly better views than from inside.
Snow/Colchuck Zone Permit
Same AreaLower elevation zones with better lottery odds (10-15% vs 3-5%).
Tradeoffs
Still beautiful, but not the iconic Core Zone lakes and peaks.
Other Enchantments Permits
Consider these alternatives or add them to your tracking list
Don't miss your chance at Core Zone
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