Everything You Need to Know About Angels Landing Permits
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Your Ultimate Angels Landing Permit 2026 Guide — How to Get Permits, Increase Your Chances of Winning, & Book with Explore Zion Tours
Angels Landingis one of the most iconic hikes in the United States, a 5.4-mile round trip with breathtaking views high aboveZion National Park. But because of its popularity, steep terrain, and narrow spine with chain-assisted sections, Zion requires special permits to hike to the summit.
Why Angels Landing Permits Are Required
Angels Landing’s popularity has led the National Park Service to implement a pilot permit program that limits the number of hikers who can access the narrow, exposed section beyond Scout Lookout. Every hiker must have a permit to continue past Scout Lookout to Angels Landing — no exceptions.
>>Hiking without a permit is a violation of federal regulations and can result in fines up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail.
How Angels Landing Permits Work
Permits are not available in person or on the day of your hike; they are only obtained online via a lottery system through Recreation.gov.
There are two paths to securing a permit:
- Seasonal Lottery
- Open quarterly for entire seasons (e.g., March–May, June–Aug, etc.).
- When you apply, you can choose up to seven preferred dates and time windows ranked by priority.
- Fees: $6 non-refundable application fee (covers up to 6 people),$3 per person fee charged if issued a permit
- Day-Before Lottery
- If you don’t get selected in the seasonal lottery, there’s still hope.
- Apply the day before you plan to hike.
- The lottery opens at 12:01 AM MT and closes at 3 PM MT the day before.
- Results are issued around 4 PM MT that same day.
- For example: If you want to hike on a Wednesday, you need to apply between 12:01 AM and 3 PM MT on Tuesday. Permits will be issued at 4 PM MT on Tuesday.
- Same fees apply.
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>>Want a guaranteed permit? Angels Landing Tours with Explore Zion Tours include all required permits and can be booked here.
What are my chances of winning an Angels Landing permit?
Although Zion National Park doesn't release official numbers on Angels Landing permits, they have shared that approximately 200,000 permits are issued annually, ranging from as few as a couple of hundred up to 1,000 per day. Your chance of winning a permit is best during off season (Dec-Feb) and on a weekday. Reportedly, your chance of winning a permit is about 50%, but on peak holiday weekends, it can drop to 8%.'
Important 2026 Angels Landing Permit Dates
- Hike March 1 to May 31
- Lottery Open February 13-February 26
- Permits Issued February 26
- Special Note: Trail maintenance is scheduled April 20-23, and no permits will be issued
- Hike June 1 to August 31
- Lottery Open April 1-April 20
- Permits Issued April 25
- Hike September 1 to November 30
- Lottery Open July 1-July 20
- Permits Issued July 25
- Hike December 1 to February 28, 2027
- Lottery Open October 1-October 20
- Permits Issued October 25
Permit Rules & What to Bring
Permits come with a few key requirements and recommendations:
- You can list up to 6 people on a permit. A common misconception is that an issued permit grants you access to take 6 people, that is not the case you must indicate your party size at the time you enter the Angels Landing lottery.
- Your permit is the confirmation email you get (not your receipt); print it or download it before hitting the trail.
- Bring a matching photo ID because rangers may check permits and IDs anywhere along the hike.
- Permits are not transferable and have to match the name on your ID.
- After you've entered the lottery, you cannot:
- Increase the number of people in your group
- Change the date of your hike
- Change the permittee (transfer the permit)
- Change the alternate leader
- Always practice Leave No Trace principles and stay prepared. This hike is strenuous and exposed.
- There’s no drinking water on the trail; bring 2–4 liters per person.
- Traction devices (like microspikes) are highly recommended in snow/ice conditions.
How to Get to the Angels Landing Trailhead
The hike starts at The Grotto or stop #6, which is accessible via the Zion Canyon Shuttle. Private vehicles are not allowed in Zion Canyon most of the year, so plan to use the shuttle system and allow extra time during busy seasons. Check here for current shuttle schedules.
How Hard is the Angels Landing hike?
There is no getting around the fact that Angels Landing is a challenging hike, gaining 1,500' of elevation, but it is not so challenging that the average person can't complete it. We've witnessed all kinds of people successfully complete this hike, and we describe it as a moderately strenuous hike. We do not recommend this hike for those with medical conditions that could be exacerbated by moderate to strenuous physical activity (including steep up and downhills) or those with a fear of heights.
Is Angels Landing dangerous?
While Angels Landing is known for views and thrills, it doesn't come without risk and should be treated as such. There have been 18 confirmed deaths (some reports put the figure close to 20) on the Angels Landing hike. The last death was in March 2021, which was prior to the permit system. We tell you this not to scare you off, but to remind you to proceed with caution. It is estimated that 200,000 people safely hike Angels Landing each year.
>>Want to minimize risk? Going on a guided tour of Angels Landing adds another level of safety and confidence. Check out available dates here.
Why Booking an Angels Landing Tour with Explore Zion Tours Helps
Securing a permit on your own can be competitive; the lottery doesn’t guarantee results. That’s where Explore Zion Tours comes in:
Going guided with Explore Zion Tours allows you to Explore More and Stress Less:
- Permits included: We are able to secure our Angels Landing permits in advance for the dates shown in our calendar. If you have your own permit, we're happy to guide you too.
- Local Expert Guides: Learn about geology, history, and hidden stories of Zion National Park as you hike.
- Shuttle & Crowd Logistics Managed: We handle your Zion Canyon Shuttle timing and crowd management, so you don't have to worry about logistics.
- Safety & Confidence: Your guide will ensure safety and provide reassurance to get you to the top of Angels Landing.
- Small Group Experience: Limited to a maximum of 6 guests for safety, attention to detail, and a personalized pace.
>>Angels Landing tours fill up fast. Book your tour here.
If Angels Landing is on your bucket list, a guided hike is the safest and most reliable way to experience it. Wondering if an Angels Landing Guided Tour is right for you? Check out our blog post on why going guided is the right decision here. You can also check out our Angels Landing Tour FAQ page.
Related Posts: Everything You Need to Know to Hike Angels Landing, 13 Things to Do in Zion National Park, The Narrows vs. Angels Landing, Best Zion Hikes for First Time Visitors
