Angels Landing Hike: How to Get a Permit and Hike the Chains in Zion National Park

Would you walk along a knife-edge ridge with drops of up to 1,000 feet on each side, holding on to a chain? That is Angels Landing. It is a huge sandstone fin in the middle of Zion Canyon, and the last half mile to the top is one of the most famous (and scary) hikes in the USA. It is a real bucket list hike.

We visited Zion in 2013 and hiked The Narrows. It was the highlight of our two months in the USA. I really wanted to do Angels Landing too. However, my mum wasn't keen, so we had to miss out on it. So I still haven't stood on top, but it is high on my bucket list, and I've researched every detail for you. Back then you could just turn up and go. Today you need a lottery permit for the chains.

Below I cover the route, the permit lottery, the shuttle and costs, plus what to do if you don't win a permit.

At a glance

• Distance: 5.4 miles (about 8.7 km) return from the Grotto
• Elevation gain: 1,488 ft (about 454 m)
• Allow about 4–5 hours, as queues on the chains can slow you down
• Difficulty: Strenuous. Steep climb, then an exposed ridge with chains
• Route type: Out and back
• Start/finish: the Grotto (shuttle stop 6)
• Permit: required for the chains section beyond Scout Lookout, all year round
• Prices: $6 lottery application plus $3 per person if you win, on top of the park entrance fee
• Toilets: at the Grotto and at Scout Lookout
• Water: only at the Grotto, so carry all you need
• Suitable for children: Scout Lookout yes, for fit kids. The chains section, I would say no for young children
• Dogs: not allowed. In Zion, pets are only allowed on the Pa'rus Trail

Route description

The Grotto to Refrigerator Canyon

Get off the shuttle at the Grotto, cross the road and the footbridge over the Virgin River, and turn right onto the West Rim Trail. The first part is fairly gentle and sandy along the river. Then the path starts to climb in long, paved switchbacks cut into the cliff.

After the switchbacks the trail turns into Refrigerator Canyon. This is a narrow side canyon between tall walls. It is shady and noticeably cooler, and it is a lovely break before the next climb.

Walter's Wiggles

At the end of Refrigerator Canyon you reach Walter's Wiggles. These are 21 short, steep switchbacks stacked on top of each other. They were built in 1926 and named after Walter Ruesch, Zion's first superintendent. Take your time and enjoy the cool engineering!

Scout Lookout

At the top of the Wiggles you arrive at Scout Lookout. It is about 2.25 miles (3.6 km) from the Grotto, with roughly 1,000 ft (305 m) of climbing. There are toilets here and great views into the canyon. You don't need a permit to come this far. If you don't have one, this is your turnaround point. Rangers often check permits here, so have yours ready.

The chains to the summit

From Scout Lookout the Angels Landing route is about half a mile (0.8 km) long. In many places it is less than 1 m wide, and the drops on either side are up to 1,000 feet. Chains are bolted to the rock in sections as handrails. People walk in both directions on the same narrow path, so you will need to wait and take turns. Stay within reach of the chains where there are any, and let faster hikers pass when it is safe.

The NPS says most of the fatal accidents on the trail since 1930 happened on this section. In April 2026 a hiker died after a fall on the chained section. If the rock is wet or icy, storm clouds are around, or you are scared of heights, don't go up. There is no shame in enjoying the view from Scout Lookout instead.

The summit and back

The summit is at about 5,790 ft (1,760 m). From the top you get views both up and down Zion Canyon, with the Virgin River winding far below and the Great White Throne across the canyon. Then come back down the same way. Go slowly on the way down.

How to get there

By shuttle (most of the year)

During the shuttle season, which normally runs from March to November, you cannot drive your own car on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. So take the free Zion Canyon Line from the Visitor Center to the Grotto, partway along the 45-minute route.

As of autumn 2026, the first shuttle leaves the Visitor Center at 7 am. From 25 October to 28 November the last one out of the canyon leaves the Temple of Sinawava at 6:15 pm, and there is no service from 29 November to 25 December. Timetables change, so check the NPS shuttle page. Don't miss the last shuttle back! The free Springdale Line links the town of Springdale with the park entrance.

By car and parking

Zion is about 170 miles from Las Vegas airport and 49 miles from St George Regional Airport.

Parking: the Zion Canyon Visitor Center has the park's biggest car park, with over 350 spaces. Parking there is free once you have paid the park entrance fee, but it fills up very early, especially on weekends and holidays. Springdale has paid parking, and you can ride the free Springdale Line from there.

Outside the shuttle season, usually in winter, private cars are generally allowed on the Scenic Drive, so you can drive up to the Grotto yourself.

By public transport

The SunTran Zion Route runs from St George via Washington, Hurricane and La Verkin to Springdale. In 2026 it cost $5 one way and ran Monday to Saturday. On Sundays and holidays only the Zion White Bison bus runs, between Virgin and Springdale.

Permits, fees & opening times

The Angels Landing permit

Since 2022 everyone who goes beyond Scout Lookout needs a permit. You apply on Recreation.gov, and there are two lotteries:

• Seasonal lottery: apply 1–20 January for March to May hikes, 1–20 April for June to August, 1–20 July for September to November and 1–20 October for December to February. Results come out on the 25th. You can rank up to seven days and times.
• Day-before lottery: apply the day before your hike, between 12:01 am and 3 pm Mountain Time. Results are sent after 4 pm. Everyone has the same odds, whenever they apply in that window.

Prices: the application costs $6 and covers up to 6 people, including you. If you win, you pay $3 per person. The $6 is never refunded. For seasonal permits, you get the $3 per person back if you cancel at least two days before.

Your confirmation email is your permit, so download or print it, as phone signal is unreliable. Bring ID, because rangers check permits anywhere on the trail. You can't change the date, add people or transfer it. Start from the Grotto at the time on your permit.

Which lottery should you try? For a big trip from abroad, I suggest the seasonal lottery first, with the day-before lottery as your backup.

Park entrance fees (2026)

• Private vehicle: $35, valid for 7 days
• Per person (on foot or by bike): $20, valid for 7 days. Under 16s are free
• Non-resident fee: since 2026, every non-US resident aged 16 and over pays an extra $100 on top of the entrance fee
• America the Beautiful pass: $80 for US residents, or $250 for non-residents. With a pass you don't pay the $100 fee

If you are visiting from the UK like us and doing a road trip around several parks, the $250 pass may work out cheaper. Do the maths!

Closures

Angels Landing is open all year, but it closes from time to time for maintenance, rescues or bad weather. For example, it was closed 20–23 April 2026 for planned maintenance. Check the alerts on the NPS Zion website before you set off.

When to go

In my opinion, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times. It is cooler, and the shuttle is running.

Summer is really hot in Zion Canyon, and the lower switchbacks have no shade. The NPS says monsoon season runs from July to September, with strong thunderstorms. So start early and turn back if clouds build.

In winter there are fewer people, but the chains get very cold and the rock can be icy or snowy. Check the sunset time too. The NPS says not to go up if it will be dark before you finish.

Hiking with kids

Suitable for children: Scout Lookout is a great adventure for fit, older kids. The chains are a different story. With huge drops and two-way traffic on a narrow ridge, I would not take young children up there.

• Pushchairs: not suitable. The trail is steep and the chains section is far too narrow.
• Family alternatives: the Pa'rus Trail and the Riverside Walk are much easier and still really beautiful. The Narrows from the Temple of Sinawava is fun for kids too, when conditions are safe.

What to pack

• At least 1 gallon (about 4 litres) of water per person per day, as the NPS recommends
• Salty snacks and a picnic
• Shoes or boots with good grip
• Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a light warm layer
• Gloves in winter, as the chains get very cold
• Your permit (downloaded or printed) and ID
• A head torch, just in case

Phone signal is patchy in the canyon. For hikes like this I recommend carrying a satellite messenger. The Garmin inReach Mini is one I recommend in my personal locator beacon guide. It lets you send messages and an SOS without phone signal.

Safety tips

• Know your limits. If you are scared of heights, stop at Scout Lookout. Many people do!
• Don't go up in bad weather. Wet or icy rock and storm clouds are reasons to turn back.
• Keep three points of contact on the steepest parts and stay within reach of the chains.
• Beat the heat. Learn the signs of heat exhaustion. If you feel dizzy or confused, stop, find shade, drink and eat.
• In an emergency, call 911.

Leave no trace & sustainable tips

• Use the shuttle. It is free and it keeps cars out of the canyon.
• Stay on the trail. Desert soil and plants are fragile, and cutting switchbacks causes erosion.
• Don't feed the wildlife, however cute and cheeky the animals look. Human food is bad for them.
• Pack out all your rubbish, including fruit peel.
• Refill a reusable bottle at the Grotto instead of buying plastic bottles.

Where to stay & eat nearby

• Springdale is the town right outside the south entrance. It has lots of hotels, cafés and restaurants on the Springdale Line shuttle route, so it is the most practical base.
• Zion Lodge is the only place to stay inside Zion Canyon. It is open all year, with rooms, suites and cabins. Book well ahead at zionlodge.com, as rooms fill up quickly.
• Eating in the park: Zion Lodge is the only place in the park serving food, with the Red Rock Grill open all year and the Castle Dome Café from spring to autumn.
• Camping: Watchman Campground (open all year) and South Campground (spring to autumn) are right next to the Visitor Center. Book early!

More to explore nearby

• The Narrows: walk up the Virgin River from the Temple of Sinawava. You don't need a permit to go as far as Big Spring. It closes when the river flow is over 150 cubic feet per second.
• Pa'rus Trail: a flat, paved path from the Visitor Center, and the only trail in Zion where dogs and bikes are allowed.

FAQ

Do I need a permit for Angels Landing?

Yes, if you want to go beyond Scout Lookout onto the chains section. You don't need a permit to hike the West Rim Trail from the Grotto to Scout Lookout.

How much does the Angels Landing permit cost?

The lottery application costs $6 and covers up to 6 people. If you win, you pay another $3 per person. You also need to pay the park entrance fee, plus the $100 non-resident fee if you don't live in the US (as of 2026).

Is Angels Landing dangerous?

It can be. The chains section is narrow and has drops of up to 1,000 feet, and people have died after falls. In good weather, with care, most hikers are fine. But it is not for anyone afraid of heights.

What if I don't get a permit?

Hike to Scout Lookout anyway. The views are still fantastic. You can also try the day-before lottery again for another day, or explore The Narrows instead.

Have you hiked Angels Landing? Did you get your permit in the seasonal or the day-before lottery? Let me know in the comments!