How to Get an Angels Landing Permit: A Complete 2025 Guide
Planning to hike Angels Landing? Since 2022, a permit is required to access the famous chain section of this trail. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the lottery system to give you the best chance of success.
How to Apply: The Two Lotteries
The National Park Service implemented the permit system to reduce crowding and improve safety on the narrowest parts of the trail. It helps preserve the trail's delicate environment and ensures a better experience for all hikers. Don't even think about attempting the chain section without one—rangers regularly check for permits at Scout Lookout. There are two ways to get a permit, both managed through the official Recreation.gov website. Your best bet is always the Seasonal Lottery.
1. The Seasonal Lottery (Advanced Planning)
This is your primary method for securing a permit. The lottery opens months in advance for specific date ranges. You can choose up to seven ranked days or date ranges you'd like to hike.
- Visit the Angels Landing page on Recreation.gov.
- Under "Activities & Experiences", find the correct seasonal lottery window for your desired hiking dates.
- Enter your preferred dates, times, and the number of hikers in your group.
- Submit your application. A non-refundable $6 application fee applies.
- You will be notified via email on a specific date (listed on the site) whether your application was successful. If you win, you will be charged an additional $3 per person.
2. The Day-Before Lottery (Last Chance)
If you missed the seasonal lottery or your application was denied, you have one last chance. This lottery opens each day at 12:01 AM and closes at 3:00 PM Mountain Time for a permit for the following day.
- Visit the same Recreation.gov page.
- Select the "Day-Before Lottery" option.
- Submit your application between the specified hours. Results are announced at 4:00 PM the same day.
Fees & Cancellations Explained
The fee structure involves two separate charges:
- $6 Application Fee: This is charged for every application of up to six people. This fee is always non-refundable, whether you win or lose the lottery.
- $3 Per-Person Fee: If you are awarded a permit, your card will then be charged $3 for each person on the permit.
For Seasonal Lottery permits, the $3 per-person fee is refundable if you cancel your permit at least two days before your hike date. For Day-Before Lottery permits, all fees are non-refundable.
Important Permit Rules
- Carry Your Permit & ID: You must have a printed or downloaded copy of your permit confirmation email. Rangers may ask to see it along with a photo ID at any time.
- Permits are Not Transferable: You cannot sell, transfer, or give your permit to another person.
- No Group Size Increases: You cannot increase the number of people in your group after the lottery is complete.
What If I Don't Get a Permit?
Don't worry! You can still have an amazing hike. A permit is only required for the final half-mile section that includes the chains. You can hike the West Rim Trail all the way to Scout Lookout without a permit, which offers breathtaking views of its own.
All permit information on this page is sourced from and verified with the official National Park Service. For the more information, please check the official NPS Angels Landing permit page.