Overview
Since 2022, the chained final section of Angels Landing requires a permit, awarded by lottery through recreation.gov. It cut the dangerous crowding on the spine, but it means you can’t just show up and climb.
Two lotteries feed the same permit: a seasonal draw ahead of each season (October 1–20 for winter hikes) and a day-before lottery for last-minute plans. The daily allocation varies with daylight, shuttle service and trail conditions, from a few hundred to over 800 permits a day.
At a glance
| Do you need a permit or reservation? | Day-hike permit (lottery) |
|---|---|
| Cost | $6 per application (non-refundable) + $3 per person if drawn |
| How to get it | Enter the seasonal lottery for your travel quarter. |
| When it opens | Oct 01, 2026 – Oct 20, 2026 · Seasonal lottery: Oct 1–20 |
| All-inclusive alternative | None we can recommend: no tour we checked includes this access, so the official channel is the way in. |
| Official rules | nps.gov Angels Landing: fall permits and lottery dates (recreation.gov) Angels Landing: winter permits and lottery dates (recreation.gov) |
How the permit works
- 1Enter the seasonal lottery for your travel quarter.
- 2No luck? Enter the day-before lottery between 12:01 AM and 3:00 PM MT the day before you hike.
- 3Day-before results come by 4:00 PM; seasonal results on a fixed date (October 25 for the winter draw).
- 4Carry the permit and photo ID on the trail.
- 5Only hike the chains in dry, non-stormy conditions.
Required documents
- recreation.gov account
- Photo ID matching the permit holder
- Digital or printed permit
Insider tips
- Stay flexible: the day-before lottery gives you a new chance for every day you are near the park.
- Avoid midday summer heat; start at dawn or hike in shoulder season.
- Scout Lookout, just below the chains, needs no permit and has huge views.
Sold-out alternatives
If your dates are gone, these get you a comparable experience.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need a permit?
Yes, for the final chained section beyond Scout Lookout. The West Rim Trail up to the lookout is permit-free.
Which lottery should I enter?
Both, if you can. Roughly half of each day’s permits go through the seasonal lottery and the rest through the day-before one; the NPS says holidays and weekends usually see more applicants.
How much does it cost?
US$6 per application (non-refundable, up to 6 people) plus US$3 per person if you get a permit.