Reservation7/10
Narrows Top-Down
The complete 16-mile through-hike of Zion's most famous slot canyon—from Chamber...
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LotteryDay UseVery High Demand
Angels Landing Permit
Required permit for the chain-assisted climb to Angels Landing—Zion's most famous and dramatic summit.
“Ascend a knife-edge sandstone ridge with 1,000-foot drops on both sides to reach one of America's most exhilarating summits.”
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Angels Landing Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodLottery
Demand LevelExtremely High9/10
SeasonYear-round
Cost$6
Daily Quota400 permits
Key Information
Key Dates
Lottery OpensSeasonal: 1st of each month
Lottery ClosesSeasonal: 15th of each month
SeasonYear-round
Permit Details
TypeDay Use
Booking MethodLottery
Demand Level9/10
LocationUT
Pro Tips
- •Apply to both lotteries every month
- •Winter has much better odds
- •Scout Lookout doesn't require permit
- •Start at first shuttle
- •Avoid if storms or ice
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
5.4 miles
Elevation Gain
1,488 ft
Route Type
Out & Back
Duration
4-5 hours
Difficulty
StrenuousElevation Range
4,300 - 5,790 ft
Highlights
- •A 5.4-mile round-trip hike with 1,488 feet of elevation gain
- •Walter's Wiggles: 21 steep, carved switchbacks
- •The chains section: 0.5 miles of exposed ridge with sheer drops
- •4-5 hours round trip for most hikers
- •Significant crowds on the chains during peak season—expect to wait
Best Time to Visit
March-May and September-November offer ideal temperatures. Summer is hot but manageable with early starts. Winter has fewer crowds but icy conditions can close the chains section.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Extreme exposure—not suitable for those with fear of heights
- !Slippery when wet or icy—trail closes during winter storms
- !Lightning danger—descend immediately if storms approach
- !Crowding on chains can cause dangerous bottlenecks
- !Heat exhaustion in summer months
How to Get This Permit
1
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.
2
Apply during the lottery window
Submit your application between Seasonal: 1st of each month and Seasonal: 15th of each month. Apply for multiple dates to increase your odds.
3
If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations
Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.
4
Set up PermitSnag alerts
Get instant notifications when cancellations happen. We check availability every 2-3 minutes, 24/7.
When to Go
Peak: OctoberShoulder: March-April
Conditions
Mild temperatures. Occasional rain. Wildflowers in lower elevations.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Pleasant temperatures
- +Fewer crowds than fall
- +Wildflowers
Challenges
- !Unpredictable weather
- !Some areas still muddy
- !Flash flood risk
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand3/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill3/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk5/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment3/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Hikers comfortable with significant exposure and heights. Must be able to maintain composure on narrow ledges with long drops.
Recommended Experience
Should have experience with exposed trails. No technical skills required, but comfort with heights is essential.
Not Recommended For
Those with fear of heights, vertigo, or difficulty with balance. Not appropriate for young children.
About This Permit
Angels Landing is a 5.4-mile round-trip hike featuring dramatic exposure and the famous chains section—a half-mile traverse along a narrow sandstone ridge with 1,000-foot drops on both sides. The trail gains nearly 1,500 feet through a series of switchbacks and carved steps before reaching the 5,790-foot summit.
Since April 2022, a permit is required to hike beyond Scout Lookout to the summit. Permits are distributed via lottery through Recreation.gov.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Angels Landing was named by Frederick Fisher in 1916, who proclaimed that 'only an angel could land' on the narrow summit. It has become Zion's signature hike and one of the most photographed destinations in the National Park system—a testament to the human desire to stand on the edge of the void.
The Route
The trail begins at The Grotto shuttle stop, crossing a bridge over the Virgin River before climbing into the canyon. The first section is a gentle warm-up through cottonwood groves.
Then comes Refrigerator Canyon—a narrow, shaded slot that provides cool relief and a preview of Zion's geology. At its end, you face Walter's Wiggles: 21 tight, steep switchbacks carved into the cliff by Zion's first superintendent in 1926.
Scout Lookout is the decision point. To the left, the permit-free West Rim Trail continues. Straight ahead, the chains section begins. The final half-mile follows a narrow ridge, chains bolted into sandstone providing the only handholds between you and oblivion. The exposure is intense, the views infinite.
The Feeling
The chains section is unlike anything else in hiking. One moment you're on solid rock, the next you're clutching a chain with your life, shuffling across a sandstone spine no wider than a sidewalk with vertical drops on both sides. Your heart pounds, your palms sweat inside your grip, but you can't stop—there's only forward or back. And then you reach the summit, and the entire Zion Canyon spreads below you like a relief map carved by gods.
Trailhead Information
The Grotto Trailhead
4,300 ft elevationPrimary access point via Shuttle Stop 6. The only authorized trailhead for Angels Landing.
Restrooms
Water Available
No Service
Parking
No private vehicle parking. Take the free Zion Canyon shuttle from the Visitor Center.
Getting There
Park at the Visitor Center parking lot or Springdale shuttle stops. Shuttles run every 7-10 minutes in peak season.
Nearest Services
Zion Lodge (1 mile by shuttle) has a restaurant and gift shop. Springdale has full services.
Rules & Regulations
- •Permit required to hike beyond Scout Lookout (the chains section)
- •Rangers may check permits at Scout Lookout or on the chains
- •Group size limited to 6 people per permit
- •No rock scrambling or off-trail travel
- •Dogs prohibited on trail
Gear Checklist
Required
- Sturdy hiking shoes with excellent traction
- Water (at least 2 liters)
- Valid permit with photo ID
Recommended
- Grippy gloves for the chains (especially in cold weather)
- Sunscreen and hat (little shade on upper trail)
- Snacks for energy
- Camera or phone with good grip/strap
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Angels Landing
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
Browse all shuttles🧭
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Key Landmarks
↑
1,488ft
Gain↓
1,488ft
Loss⛰️
5,790ft
High📏
2.7mi
Distance📐
10.5%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•6 landmarks
Landmarks (6)
Lottery Statistics
Competitive
estimated success rate
Get detailed lottery statistics and tips. Sign up to track this permit.
Boost Your Chances
Team Up to Win
More people = better odds
Your Odds by Group Size
Solo
5%
2 people
10%
4 people
19%
8 people
34%
* Assumes each person submits an independent application
- Everyone submits their own lottery entry
- Winner invites the whole group
- Reminders so no one misses the deadline
12,453 permits and 8,294 campsites secured by PermitSnag users
Angels Landing FAQ
How do I get a Angels Landing permit?
Angels Landing permits are obtained through a lottery system. The lottery typically opens Seasonal: 1st of each month. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to visit Angels Landing?
The season typically runs Year-round. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Angels Landing permit?
This permit has a demand score of 9/10, making it extremely competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Angels Landing permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every 2-3 minutes, 24/7.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
Questions
Trip Reports
Write ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunset from the summit paints Big Bend and the Virgin River in golden light. Morning light illuminates the Great White Throne across the canyon.
Best Light
Early morning offers even light and fewer crowds for summit photography. Sunset provides dramatic shadows in the canyon.
Beat the Crowds
First shuttle of the day offers the best chance at uncrowded chains and summit. Winter months have significantly fewer people.
Classic Shots
- 📍Looking down the chains section from the summit
- 📍Zion Canyon panorama from the summit at sunset
- 📍Big Bend and the Virgin River from above
- 📍The Great White Throne at sunrise from Scout Lookout
- 📍Hiker silhouette on the chains with canyon backdrop
Can't Get a Angels Landing Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Scout Lookout
Easier AlternativeHike to Scout Lookout (2 miles one-way) for incredible canyon views without the chains or permit requirement.
No permit needed
Tradeoffs
Misses the summit and chains experience, but still offers the Walter's Wiggles climb and spectacular views.
Observation Point
Similar ExperienceHigher viewpoint (6,521 ft) with views looking DOWN on Angels Landing. Currently accessible via East Mesa Trail (8 miles RT).
No permit needed
Tradeoffs
More elevation and distance, but no exposure and no permit required. Requires driving to the East Mesa trailhead.
Canyon Overlook Trail
Easier AlternativeA 1-mile round-trip trail near the tunnel offering canyon views without the crowds or difficulty.
No permit needed
Tradeoffs
Much shorter and easier. Good introduction to Zion's exposure but lacks the drama of Angels Landing.
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