Angels Landing: Winter (Hikes on December 1 - February 28)
Zion National Park is piloting a permit program to hike Angels Landing. The program provides a fair process that will improve visitor experience and protect park resources along Angels Landing. Everyone who wants to hike from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing along the half-mile section of trail with chains needs to have a permit. This applies to hikers at all times of day and all times of year. Get a permit by applying to a Seasonal Lottery or by applying for our Day-before Lottery. Hikes during the winter, December 1, 2024 to Febuary 28, 2025 can be found on this page. See ‘Additional Information’ on the right hand side of this website for other seasons. Hiking on the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout does not require a permit.
A permit is an opportunity, not a guarantee that conditions will allow a hike on your date and time. Environmental, trail, or other conditions may result in the NPS closing the trail and you may not be able to do the hike. If parking is full you may need to park at a nearby trailhead, or return later when parking is available. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive may close due to parking availability.
Ice and/or snow may be present on substantial portions of the trail throughout the winter. This trail is extremely dangerous during icy or snowy conditions. We recommend bringing traction devices with you. Check the forecast before you hike. Your safety is your responsibility.
When you apply for the Seasonal lottery, you can pick up to 7 days and times or ranges of days and times that you are available to hike. Be sure to list the dates you want most first. The lottery uses a ranked choice system to allocate permits. If you do not get your first choice, you may get another.
The Day-Before lottery opens from 12:01am to 3:00pm the day before you wish to hike. Apply any time within that window, and you will be entered for a chance to receive a permit. You’ll be notified by 4:00pm if you have received one or not.
You can list up to six people (including the applicant) on your lottery application.
Applicants pay a $6 non-refundable application fee. This pays for recreation.gov to manage applications, run the lottery, and send emails to every applicant. You will automatically pay a $3 per person fee if recreation.gov issues a permit. This pays for National Park Service rangers to provide help on the trail and check permits.
If you get a permit, you need to print or screenshot it to bring on your hike. Cellular and data connectivity in the park are poor, so do this before you get to Zion. You may be asked to show your permit and valid photo identification to rangers at any point along the trail.
Limited parking will be at the Grotto trailhead when shuttles are not running. 12/20-12/29 you will need to ride the park shuttle from the Visitor Center.
Throughout the pilot, the effectiveness of the program will be monitored and adjustments may be made. Commercial Use Authorization holders must refer to the FAQs on the Zion Commercial Services website.
Permit & Season Information
You must have a permit to hike any portion of Angels Landing. Permits are needed every day and at all times. Permits are available by two lottery processes. The Seasonal Lottery application periods occur quarterly (see important dates below). Additional permits are issued in the Day-before Lottery.
Need to Know
Permits are required 24 hours a day, seven days a week to hike any portion of Angels Landing. Hiking Angels Landing without a permit is a violation of 36 CFR 1.6 (engaging in a permitted activity without a permit) and is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail.
Angels Landing permits are:
- Only available through online lotteries on Recreation.gov.
- Not available at any office in Zion National Park.
- Not available day-of.
- Not a guarantee that parking will be availible at the closest trailhead.
- Valid for a single day, and your hike should begin at the Grotto trailhead (Shuttle Stop 6).
Commercial Use Authorization holders must refer to the FAQs on the Zion Commercial Services website .
Lottery Applications
- You can list up to six people (including the applicant) on your lottery application.
- You must use the name that appears on your photo identification (ID) because rangers may ask to see both your ID and your permit.
- The names of the permit holder and alternate may not be changed once the application is submitted.
- If you submit more than one application, we will cancel all of your applications, and we will not issue any refunds.
Alternates
- Seasonal lottery applicants may specify an alternate during the seasonal lottery application process.
- The alternate cannot be modified once the application is submitted.
- A person listed as an alternate on one application may also enter their own lottery application.
Permit Details
- If successful, a confirmation email that serves as the permit will be sent to the permit holder.
- A park ranger may ask to see your permit and ID of permit holder or alternate at any point along the trail. The permit holder or alternate must be present. Permits are not transferable.
- You need to carry an electronic or paper copy of your confirmation email while on your hike - this is your permit. Note: mobile phone service is very limited in the park; therefore, an electronic copy (such as a screenshot of the permit email) should be saved prior to starting the hike).
Getting a permit does not guarantee that you will be able to do this hike. A permit is an opportunity, not a guarantee that conditions will allow a hike on your date and time. Having a permit does not guarantee the safety of the trail. Conditions may cause the trail to be impassable.
Before your hike
- Even when conditions are perfect, this hike can be challenging. You are responsible for deciding if conditions are safe to proceed and being prepared before you start. Your safety is your responsibility.
- Winter temperatures can vary by 40°F each day. Ice and snow may be present on substantial portions of the trail. This trail is extremely dangerous during icy or snowy conditions. Check conditions before you hike and prepare accordingly.
- If parking at the Grotto and along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is full you may need to park at a nearby trailhead, or return later when parking is available. Shuttles will be running December 20-29, 2025. During this time you will need to park at the Visitor Center and take a shuttle to the Grotto trailhead.
- Remember: a permit is an opportunity, not a guarantee that conditions will allow a hike on your date and time. Having a permit does not guarantee the safety of the trail. Conditions may cause the trail to be impassable.
What to bring
- Traction devices for shoes/boots are HIGHLY recommended. Ice and snow cause treacherous conditions.
- Water: There is no water to drink on the trail. We recommend 2 – 4 liters (64 – 128 oz) of water per person. Keep hydrated.
- Snacks: Hiking takes energy. Make sure to fuel yourself before you hike and along the way. Salty snacks provide your body with valuable electrolytes which help hold water in your body.
- Boots with sufficient ankle support and traction.
While on your hike
- Practice Leave No Trace Principles: Pack it in, pack it out.
- Do not feed wildlife (including chipmunks).
- Go to the restroom before you start, restrooms are limited at Scout Lookout.
- If listening to music, please use ear buds.
- No pets allowed.
- Drones (also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or UAVs) are not allowed in any area managed by the NPS.
Fee Policy
Lottery Application Fee: $6 non-refundable application fee.
Recreation Fee: Each issued permit will be charged $3 per person.
Permit holders will be responsible for payment of fees for their entire group. If issued a permit, the per person fee will automatically be charged to the card used for the lottery application fee. If the charge to the credit card does not clear, the applicant will not be issued the permit and a new applicant is chosen. Permit holders for Angels Landing will need to pay the park entrance fee when arriving to the park unless they have a federal recreation pass.
Seasonal Lottery: If your application is selected through the lottery, you will automatically be issued a permit and will be charged $3 per person to the credit or debit card used for your application.
Day-before Lottery: If your application is selected through the lottery, you will automatically be issued a permit and will be charged $3 per person to the credit or debit card used for your application.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
For permits issued in a Seasonal Lottery, a permit holder can cancel the permit up to two days before the permit reservation date for a full refund of the recreation fees. Canceled Seasonal Lottery permits will automatically roll into the Day-before Lottery. Cancelled Day-before Lottery permits will not become available again.
Change Policy
Seasonal Lottery: A permit-holder may reduce the group size up until two-days before the permit reservation date. A refund will be provided for the reduced group size pertaining to recreation fees only. Other changes are not permitted including: increase group number, date change, permit holder, alternate leader. Permits are not transferable.
Day-before Lottery: No changes are allowed. All fees are non-refundable.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
State Route 9 Springdale UT 84767
Recorded information is available 24 hours a day. If you are unable to reach someone by phone, please email us at zion_park_information@nps.gov.
Phone Number
(435) 772-3256
