Hike Angels Landing in Zion

What it's really like

Angels Landing is a 5.4-mile (8.7 km) round trip from the Grotto, shuttle stop 6 in Zion Canyon, with 1,488 feet (454 metres) of climbing; the park says most hikers take about four hours. The first 2.25 miles (3.6 km) climb about 1,000 feet (305 metres) up the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout, and anyone may walk that far without a permit.

The last half-mile is why people come and why there is a permit. Beyond Scout Lookout the route follows a narrow fin of rock, in places less than three feet (about a metre) wide, with steep drop-offs and chains fixed to hold. Zion issues more than 200,000 permits a year for it, and the park credits the system with less crowding and safer conditions on the chains.

The park is plain that falls from cliffs on its trails have killed people and that your safety is your responsibility. If the exposure is not for you, Scout Lookout is a real destination in its own right.

The two lotteries

Both run on Recreation.gov. Everyone on the chains section needs a permit, whatever the season.

How the 2026 seasonal lotteries ran

The park announces each year's dates in advance, so check the 2027 windows on its permit page. For hikes before the end of February 2027, the seasonal lottery has closed and the day-before lottery is the way in.

Fees and rules

• A $6 application fee, which is not refunded, then $3 a person if you win, plus the park entrance fee unless you hold a federal recreation pass.
• Up to six people, including you, on one application. Apply only once: if you submit more than one application, all of them are cancelled and nothing is refunded.
• The permit holder or the named alternate must be on the hike, carrying photo ID that matches the application. Permits cannot be transferred and you cannot add people later.
• Save the confirmation before you set out. Most phones get no signal in Zion Canyon, and rangers may ask to see permits anywhere on the trail at any time.
• The time on your permit is when you must be at the Grotto, so allow for the shuttle. The shuttle and park entry need no reservation, but check the time of the last shuttle back.

Heat, storms and what to carry

• Zion's summers bring extreme heat, thunderstorms and rain, and the monsoon season runs from July to September. Flash floods can happen at any time.
• Carry and drink plenty of water: the park advises at least a gallon (about 4 litres) per person per day.
• Take a torch or head torch with new batteries, food, layers and proper footwear, in case you are out later than planned.
• In an emergency, try 911 first. If there is no signal, find a ranger or park volunteer.