Hiking Angels Landing is a bucket-list item for outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. But with the new Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program, hiking this iconic trail has gotten a little more difficult.
Now, anyone hoping to hike past Scouts Lookout will need to apply for a permit. Permits are available through two lotteries; the Seasonal Lottery and the Day-Before Lottery. With so many people hoping to hike this trail, getting a permit during your stay at our Zion Canyon lodge isn’t a guarantee.
Luckily, you’ll find no shortage of amazing hiking trails and other attractions to enjoy during your visit to Flanigan’s Resort. But if Angels Landing is on your bucket list, keep reading. We’re breaking down a few tips to help you get a permit and plan your hike.
Don’t Miss the Seasonal Lottery
The best tip to increase your chances of getting a permit is to make sure that you don’t miss the Seasonal Lottery. As soon as you choose the dates of your trip and book your stay at our Zion Canyon lodge, check to see when the window will open to enter the Seasonal Lottery for permits for the date of your stay.
For instance, if you’re planning a visit to Zion park hotels between September 1 and November 30, the window for the Seasonal Lottery will be open from July 1 to July 20. Permits will be awarded on July 25. If you’ll be visiting around the holidays, from December 1 to February 29, 2024, the window will be open from October 1 to October 20, with permits awarded on October 25.
If you’re planning a stay in Springdale hotels this summer, you’ve already missed the window for the Seasonal Lottery. But you can still enter the Day-Before Lottery for a chance to get a permit.
Consider Visiting During the Off-Season
The National Park Service is allowing up to around 800 hikers on Angels Landing each day. They haven’t announced how many people are applying for permits for each date. But given how busy the trail once was, it’s likely that a number of people are entering the lotteries and not receiving a permit.
If you have your heart set on hiking Angels Landing and you haven’t booked your stay in our Zion Canyon lodge yet, consider planning your visit during the off-season. While snow and ice can occasionally lead to trail closures during the winter, visiting from the late fall to late spring is a great way to enjoy the park with fewer crowds. With fewer people visiting, there are also fewer people applying for Angels Landing permits, making it easier to secure your spot.
Make Sure to Apply for a Permit for Everyone in Your Group
Every entry into the Angels Landing Lottery, including both the Seasonal Lottery and the Day-Before Lottery, includes entry for up to six hikers. If you’re visiting with family and friends, make sure to include everyone when applying for a permit. Because permits are limited, applying for individual permits will not only mean paying the entry fee several times but could also lead to some members of your group getting a permit while others don’t.
Additionally, each Angels Landing permit includes a time slot for when you can hike past Scouts Lookout. If multiple members of your group receive permits for different time slots, you may not be able to hike the trail together. The only exception is during the winter months. When the Zion Canyon Shuttles are not in operation, Angels Landing permits will not include a time slot, and hikers are free to start their hike at any time.
What to Do if You Don’t Get a Permit
Didn’t get a permit to hike Angels Landing during your stay at our Zion Canyon lodge? Don’t worry—the park has tons of other incredible hiking trails to choose from.
One great alternative is The Narrows. This trail may be even more unique than Angels Landing. Instead of scaling to the top of the canyon, you’ll hike deeper into Zion Canyon through the Virgin River.
One great thing about The Narrows is that you can customize your experience. If you aren’t up for a long or challenging hike, you can walk the short Riverside Walk, take the steps down to the Virgin River, and then hike upstream as far as you’d like. When you’re done, simply turn around and hike back.
Planning Your Next Stay at Our Zion Canyon Lodge
Whether you get an Angels Landing permit during your visit or not, our top tip for planning an amazing vacation is choosing the best Zion Canyon lodge. Flanigan’s Resort is a great base camp for your national park adventure. Located just a short walk, drive, or shuttle ride from the park, it’s easy to make the most of your time in Zion.
Ready to start planning your next visit to Zion National Park? Book your stay at Flanigan’s Resort today!