You are here

Home » Permits Needed To Hike Angels Landing At Zion National Park in '23

Permits Needed To Hike Angels Landing At Zion National Park in '23

Share
By Compiled From N... - December 18th, 2022

Permits will again be needed to hike Angels Landing at Zion National Park in 2023 to reduce crowding, such as that seen in this 2020 photo/NPS file

Permits will be needed to hike to Angels Landing in Zion National Park next year, and the park has carved out four "seasonal lotteries" to distribute the permits.

"Issuing permits is something we did after substantial public input, and it has been effective,” Zion Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh said. “In 2023, park rangers will continue recording data and enhancing the pilot program to maximize the number of people making the hike while minimizing crowding and congestion on this half-mile, perennially popular trail.”

Since the pilot program started on April 1, 2022, Zion issued nearly 200,000 permits to hikers. Hikers report the program is succeeding at reducing crowding and congestion on the last half mile of trail from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing. You can learn more about the program on the park’s website.

Fast facts about the Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program in 2022

  • Zion issued nearly 200,000 permits to hikers in 2022.
  • The Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program accommodated about 80% of the use NPS recorded in studies conducted in 2019 and 2021.
  • Zion rangers collected data that shows the Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program helped spread hikers’ start times throughout the day.
  • Rangers observed, and hikers reported, less crowding and congestion on the trail than in past years.
Hikers can also apply the day before hikes to get a permit to visit Angels Landing. Learn more about the Day-before Lottery at go.nps.gov/AngelsLanding

About the Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program

This is a pilot program, and the National Park Service is monitoring and adjusting it. The pilot permit program reflects comments from nearly 1,000 members of the public, park neighbors and other stakeholders. It also reflects lessons the NPS learned by metering the number of hikers on the trail to Angel Landing in 2019 and 2021 and from distributing tickets to use the park shuttle system in response to COVID-19 in 2020.  

Angels Landing is one of many places visitors enjoy hiking in Zion National Park. The park recorded about 2.8 million total visits in 2011 and more than 5 million in 2021. As the number of people who visit Zion continues to rise, the NPS is preparing a plan designed to provide high-quality visitor experiences and sustainably manage park resources. The Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program will inform that planning process.

Learn more about Zion’s Visitor Use Research and read a response to public comments about issuing permits at Angels Landing on the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment website (PEPC). 

Zion issues permits using recreation.gov. Visit the website to learn how the permit lottery works.
2023 Angels Landing Seasonal Lotteries
Hike DatesLottery opens 8 a.m. MTLottery closes 11:59 p.m. MTPermits Issued
March 1-May 31January 1January 20January 25
June 1-August 31April 1April 20April 25
September 1-November 30July 1July 20July 25
December 1-February 29, 2024October 1October 20October 25

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

Support Journalism about National Parks!

National Parks Traveler is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.