Win the Zion National Park (Hiking Permit) Lottery

AKA: How to Apply for Zion National Park Hiking Permits

The odds of winning the Powerball Lottery are about 1 in 292 million. For perspective, you’re statistically more likely to be attacked by a shark than you are to win a jackpot. Lucky for you, there’s a lottery system with more favorable odds: The Zion National Park Hiking Permit Lottery. 

Zion National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, so permits can be in high demand, especially during peak season. This system is designed to protect fragile environments and ensure visitor safety, so understanding how to get a canyoneering or hiking permit is essential for any serious adventure. But don’t worry — with the right planning and a little patience, your Instagram-worthy experience is within reach.

In this video, we break down what you need to know about the Zion National Park permit system and how to navigate the official recreation.gov website.

If that’s all the information you need. Go ahead and stop here, but if you want to know the types of permits available, how and when to apply, and what to do if you miss the lottery deadlines. Keep reading. 

Permits in Zion National Park

The park requires permits for three main categories of activities: 

Wilderness and backcountry permits are mandatory for all overnight camping in the park’s backcountry areas, including popular multi-day hikes like the Zion Traverse. 

Canyoneering permits are required for technical slot canyon adventures like The Subway (Bottom-Up), Keyhole Canyon, and Mystery Canyon. These are some of the most competitive to obtain due to limited daily allocations.

Special use permits cover activities like Angels Landing (currently requiring timed entry permits during peak season), commercial photography, and large group activities. The Angels Landing permits are free but essential during busy periods from March through October.

When to Apply for Permits in Zion National Park

Canyoneering permits use an advanced reservation system where permits become available exactly three months before your intended hike date at 10:00 AM Mountain Time. Mark your calendar – these permits often sell out within minutes for popular routes, such as The Subway.

Wilderness permits can be reserved up to three months in advance through the same online system at Recreation.gov. However, a portion of wilderness permits are held at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center for walk-in availability starting two days before your desired date. 

Angels Landing permits require reservations through Recreation.gov.  There is a $6.00 non-refundable application fee to apply for a permit for up to six people. If you win the lottery, it is an additional $3.00 per person to secure it. Keep in mind that all Angels Landing permits have a timed component, i.e., entry is allowed before 9 am, between 9 am and 12 pm, or after 12 pm. Remember to hike during your designated time.

If you cannot secure a permit for your trip, an alternative way to experience Angels Landing is to hike to Scout’s Lookout. This is the point on the hike just before the chains. While it is not the famously posted view of Zion Canyon, it does provide a stellar overlook of Angels Landing.

Where to Submit Your Applications

All Zion National Park permit applications must go through official National Park Service channels. Advanced reservations are handled exclusively through Recreation.gov – never use third-party resellers. Create your account and familiarize yourself with the website’s layout before applying for your desired dates.

For walk-in permits, visit the Zion Canyon Visitor Center in person. The wilderness desk opens at 8:00 AM, and permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis for available dates starting two days out. 

Missed the Zion National Park Permit Lottery?

If you miss the initial reservation window, don’t give up. You still have some options.  

Check Recreation.gov regularly for cancellations, and set up multiple alerts for different dates within your travel window. Permits often become available when other hikers change their plans. 

Consider the walk-in option for wilderness permits. Arrive at the visitor center early (before 8:00 AM) to join the queue. Your chances of getting a permit improve significantly during shoulder seasons and weekdays.

Try the Day-before Lottery on Recreation.gov. For Angels Landing, you can apply for a permit the day before your planned hike. This lottery opens every day at 12:01 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m. Mountain Time (MT). Note: The $6.00 non-refundable permit fee is required for this option as well. Other canyons have a Day-Before Lottery two days in advance. Check the National Park Service webpage for more details.

Focus on adventures that may have better availability. While The Subway and Angels Landing get all the attention, routes like Kolob Canyons backcountry or Observation Point offer incredible experiences with easier permit availability.