Last updated September 10, 2026
Angels Landing Permit Lottery & Reservation Guide: 2026 Dates, Fees & How to Apply
You need a permit to continue beyond Scout Lookout onto Angels Landing every day and at all times. In 2026, permits are distributed through a seasonal lottery and a day-before lottery on Recreation.gov. The application costs $6 for a group of up to six people; if selected, the permit costs another $3 per person.
Apply Seasonally if You Can. Use the Day-Before Lottery as Your Backup.
If your Zion trip is far enough in advance, enter the seasonal lottery for your hike window. You can rank up to seven dates/times or date-and-time windows, which lets you tell Recreation.gov which options you would genuinely accept.
If the seasonal window has already passed—or you were not selected—use the day-before lottery. It opens at 12:01 a.m. Mountain Time and closes at 3 p.m. on the day before the hike. Results are issued at about 4 p.m.
As of September 3, the fall seasonal lottery is already finished. If you want to hike between now and November 30 without an existing seasonal permit, the day-before lottery is the normal remaining option. The next seasonal application window opens October 1 for winter dates.
Angels Landing Seasonal Lottery Dates
Zion announced the four 2026 seasonal windows in February. The table below uses the park’s current published dates and Mountain Time.
| Hike Dates | Lottery Opens | Lottery Closes | Permits Issued | Status on Sept. 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar. 1–May 31, 2026 | Feb. 13 · 8 a.m. MT | Feb. 25 · 11:59 p.m. MT | Feb. 26 | Closed |
| Jun. 1–Aug. 31, 2026 | Apr. 1 · 8 a.m. MT | Apr. 20 · 11:59 p.m. MT | Apr. 25 | Closed |
| Sep. 1–Nov. 30, 2026 | Jul. 1 · 8 a.m. MT | Jul. 20 · 11:59 p.m. MT | Jul. 25 | Closed; use day-before if needed |
| Dec. 1, 2026–Feb. 28, 2027 | Oct. 1 · 8 a.m. MT | Oct. 20 · 11:59 p.m. MT | Oct. 25 | Next seasonal window |
How the Seasonal Lottery Works
The seasonal lottery gives you the strongest planning lead time because you learn the result weeks or months before your hike.
Use the Angels Landing lottery that matches your intended hike season.
Rank dates/times or date-and-time windows you would genuinely accept.
One application can include up to six people, including the applicant.
The application fee is non-refundable whether you win or lose.
The Permit Is Issued Automatically
Recreation.gov charges the card on file $3 per person and sends the confirmation email that serves as your permit. Make sure the payment method can clear the charge.
You Still Have the Day-Before Lottery
A seasonal loss does not end the trip. You can try again the day before the hike. Seasonal cancellations also roll back into the day-before pool.
Scout Lookout Is the Decision Point.
You can hike the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout without an Angels Landing permit. The permit is required to continue onto the chains and the narrow ridge beyond.
The Day-Before Lottery
This is the system to know if your seasonal application failed, your trip was booked late, or a newly canceled seasonal permit returns to the pool.
| Day-Before Step | Mountain Time | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Lottery opens | 12:01 a.m. | You can submit at any point after midnight. |
| Lottery closes | 3:00 p.m. | Applications after the deadline wait for another hike date. |
| Results | About 4:00 p.m. | Recreation.gov sends the permit or non-selection notice. |
| If selected | Automatic | $3 per person is charged to the application card. |
Day-before permits cannot be changed and the fees are non-refundable. That makes the group list especially important: apply for the people who are actually ready and available to hike the next day.
What to Decide Before You Enter
The lottery form is simple. Most preventable problems happen because the group has not decided dates, start times or leadership before the application is submitted.
Maximum Six People
The $6 application fee covers up to six people including the applicant. If your party is larger, do not assume multiple winning applications can be merged later.
Choose the Person Who Will Be There
The permit is not transferable. The permit holder or alternate must be present with the group and may be asked for photo identification.
Rank Only Real Options
Seasonal applications can include up to seven ranked choices. Flexible windows are useful only when your lodging and transportation are equally flexible.
Remember the Grotto Clock
Your permit start time applies at the Grotto, not when you reach Scout Lookout. Shuttle travel and waiting time have to be built in before the slot.
Put October 1 on Your Calendar if You Want a Winter 2026–27 Permit.
The next seasonal Angels Landing lottery opens October 1, 2026 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time and closes October 20 at 11:59 p.m. MT. Global Summit Guide’s email updates are the simplest way to keep permit and access dates in your broader trip-planning flow.
Your Time Slot Starts at The Grotto
Recreation.gov currently uses three broad start windows. The permit window tells you when to begin at the Grotto, Shuttle Stop 6.
| Permit Window | What It Means | Planning Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Before 9 a.m. | Begin from the Grotto before 9 a.m. | Best daylight/temperature margin, but you must account for first-shuttle timing. |
| 9 a.m.–12 p.m. | Begin from the Grotto during this window. | More relaxed access; can be hotter in warm months. |
| After 12 p.m. | Begin from the Grotto after noon. | Check heat, thunderstorm risk, daylight and the last shuttle carefully. |
Changes, Cancellations & Refunds
The rules are much more flexible for seasonal permits than for day-before permits.
| Action | Seasonal Permit | Day-Before Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Cancel | Allowed until two days before the hike for refund of $3/person recreation fees | No changes; fees non-refundable |
| Reduce group size | Allowed until two days before; removed $3/person fees refunded | Not allowed |
| Increase group size | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Change date | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Transfer permit | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Change alternate leader | Not allowed after issuance | Not allowed |
A Winning Email Does Not Override Weather.
Zion specifically warns hikers not to continue onto Angels Landing when storms are nearby or the rock is wet or icy. The permit gives access; conditions still make the final decision.
Save the Permit Before You Enter Zion Canyon
Cell and data service can be poor in the canyon. A confirmation email that exists only in your inbox is not useful if your phone cannot load it.
Print, Download or Screenshot It
Your Recreation.gov confirmation email is the permit. Save an offline copy before leaving Springdale or the Visitor Center.
The Leader Must Match
A ranger may ask the permit holder or alternate for photo identification. The permit holder or alternate and the hiking party need to be together.
Checks Can Happen More Than Once
NPS says rangers may check permits at the Grotto, Scout Lookout or along the route. Carry the permit for the full hike.
Move Through the Checkpoint Together
Do not split the permitted group into separate arrivals and assume everyone can continue independently.
Build the Shuttle Into Your Permit Time
For most of the year, hikers reach the Grotto on the Zion Canyon shuttle. Shuttle reservations are not required, but waiting and travel time can determine whether you hit your permit window.
| 2026 Dates | First Shuttle from Visitor Center | Last Outbound from Visitor Center | Last Shuttle Out of Canyon |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 17–Sept. 12 | 7:00 a.m. | 7:00 p.m. | 8:15 p.m. from Temple of Sinawava |
| Sept. 13–Oct. 24 | 7:00 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. | 7:15 p.m. |
| Oct. 25–Nov. 28 | 7:00 a.m. | 5:00 p.m. | 6:15 p.m. |
| Nov. 29–Dec. 25 | No regular Zion Canyon shuttle service | ||
Four Strong Zion Alternatives
Losing the lottery does not ruin the trip. The best substitute depends on whether you wanted exposure, a big canyon view or simply a memorable Zion hike.
Scout Lookout
Hike the same West Rim approach and stop before the permitted chain section. NPS notes that Scout Lookout covers most of the distance and elevation gain and does not require an Angels Landing permit.
Observation Point
If the canyon panorama matters more than the chains, Observation Point is a stronger visual substitute. Current access is from the east-rim side, not the long-closed Weeping Rock approach.
Canyon Overlook
A much shorter hike with a high-return canyon view. The trail is not permit-controlled, although parking near the east side tunnel can be difficult.
The Narrows — Bottom-Up
No wilderness permit is required for the normal bottom-up day hike. River flow, flash-flood risk and water conditions—not a lottery—control whether it is a good day.
Weather, Ice & Trail Closures Still Win
Recreation.gov explicitly says a permit is an opportunity, not a guarantee that the trail will be open or advisable.
Do Not Enter the Chains
NPS warns that the sandstone becomes very slick when wet and says most accidents on the chains occur during wet conditions.
Turn Around Before the Storm Arrives
The exposed ridge is a poor place to wait out lightning, gusty wind or heavy rain. Afternoon thunderstorm timing should influence the start window you rank.
Snow and Ice Change the Hike
The chains, steps and narrow rock can become icy. A winter lottery win should not be treated as evidence that the route will be suitable for your equipment or experience.
Maintenance Can Override the Permit System
October 5–8, 2026 is the clearest current example: Zion has scheduled trail maintenance and Recreation.gov says no permits will be issued.
Use the GSG mountain-weather framework before committing to exposed terrain →
Use These Before You Apply or Hike
Angels Landing Permits & Hiking
The stable NPS starting point for current lottery windows, permit rules, hike guidance and links into Recreation.gov.
Open official NPS guide →Fall 2026 / Day-Before Lottery
Current permit page for September 1–November 30 dates, including the day-before lottery and October 5–8 maintenance closure.
Open Fall 2026 lottery →Winter 2026–27 Lottery
Use this for December 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027 hike dates. The seasonal application window opens October 1.
Open Winter lottery →2026 Shuttle Schedule
Check the latest Zion Canyon shuttle hours before matching a permit start window to your morning transportation.
Open shuttle schedule →Zion, Utah & Southwest Hiking
Zion National Park Hiking Guide
Compare Angels Landing with The Narrows, Observation Point, The Subway, West Rim and shorter canyon hikes.
Plan Zion → SouthwestBest Hikes in the Southwest USA
Put Zion beside Grand Canyon, Sedona, Moab and other major Southwest hiking objectives.
Explore Southwest hikes → PermitsPermits, Fees & Regulations
Compare how reservation and permit systems work across major mountains and hiking objectives.
Open permit hub → WeatherMountain Weather for Climbers
Build a better decision around rain, thunderstorms, wind and temperature before an exposed hike.
Read weather → Emergency planningNavigation & Emergency Communication
Prepare for weak cell service, separation and delays in canyon terrain.
Review emergency planning → Trip planningStart Here
Move from choosing a hike to permits, readiness, weather and final departure checks.
Build the plan →Angels Landing Permit FAQ
Do you need a permit to hike Angels Landing in 2026?
Yes. A permit is required every day and at all times for the Angels Landing section beyond Scout Lookout. You do not need an Angels Landing permit to hike the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout.
How much does an Angels Landing permit cost?
The lottery application costs $6 and is non-refundable. One application can include up to six people including the applicant. If selected, Recreation.gov automatically charges an additional $3 per person. Zion’s park entrance fee is separate.
When is the Angels Landing day-before lottery?
Apply the day before the hike between 12:01 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mountain Time. Results are issued at about 4 p.m. Mountain Time.
When is the next seasonal lottery in 2026?
As of September 3, the next seasonal lottery covers December 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027 hike dates. Applications open October 1 at 8 a.m. MT, close October 20 at 11:59 p.m. MT and permits are issued October 25.
Can I hike to Scout Lookout without a permit?
Yes. NPS specifically says no Angels Landing permit is needed to hike the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout. The permit is required if you continue onto the chains and permitted ridge.
How many people can be on one application?
Up to six people, including the person filling out the application.
Can I transfer my Angels Landing permit?
No. Permits are not transferable. The permit holder or alternate must be present with the group and may need to show photo identification.
What time does my permit start?
Your permit start window applies at the Grotto, Shuttle Stop 6. Current windows are before 9 a.m., 9 a.m. to noon, or after noon.
Can I change a seasonal permit?
You can reduce the group size or cancel until two days before the hike and receive applicable $3-per-person fee refunds. You cannot increase group size, change the date, transfer the permit or change the alternate leader after issuance.
Is Angels Landing closed October 5–8, 2026?
Recreation.gov states that scheduled trail maintenance will take place October 5 through October 8 and no permits will be issued for those dates.
Enter Early. Keep the Day-Before Lottery. Keep Scout Lookout as Plan B.
Angels Landing is easier to plan once the lottery is treated as one part of the Zion trip rather than the whole trip. Enter the seasonal window when possible, save the day-before lottery as a second chance, and build a permit-free alternative into the same itinerary. If the weather is wrong when your date arrives, the permit is not a reason to step onto wet or icy chains.
Zion: Plan the Whole Climb
Permits, routes, difficulty, weather and logistics all decide the day. Start with the main guide, then go deeper below.
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Global Summit Guide is an independent mountaineering resource founded in 2026. The team combines first-hand trekking and climbing experience with in-depth research and professional health and nutrition review to help climbers choose objectives, prepare properly, and stay safe.
Health, altitude, and nutrition content is reviewed by Taylor Ludlow (Registered Nurse) and Brigg Hoopes (Nutritionist).
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