Making sense of Zion National Park’s permits

Zion National Park is one of the most restricted national parks in the US. Popular activities such as hiking Angels Landing, hiking the Narrows, or canyoneering now require a permit. In 2024, permit reservations moved to Recreation.gov, and Zion changed how permits are issued. So, here is an overview of what you need a permit for and how to get it.

For most activities, you’ll have two chances of obtaining a permit. You can either get a permit in advance (seasonal releases and lotteries) or a few days before your activity starts (daily lotteries and walk-ups).

Note on Angels Landing: Lottery dates for the Angels Landing permit are different from other activities. I recommend reading our Angels Landing lottery guide to maximize your chances of winning a permit.

Day-hiking

Plan ahead

Seasonal lottery. Enter the lottery corresponding to your hiking date. Each season is a different Recreation.gov page:

To hike inLottery
Dec–FebOct 1–20
Mar–MayJan 1–20
Jun–AugApr 1–20
Sep–NovJul 1–20

Last-minute

Daily lottery. Enter the lottery 1 day ahead between 12am and 3pm MT. Each season is a different Recreation.gov page:

To hike inLottery
Dec–FebOct 1–20
Mar–MayJan 1–20
Jun–AugApr 1–20
Sep–NovJul 1–20

Plan ahead

Seasonal release. Permits are released at once, one season at a time:

To hike inRelease date
Jan–MarDec 5, 10am MT
Apr–JunMar 5, 10am MT
Jul–SepJun 5, 10am MT
Oct–DecSep 5, 10am MT
We can notify you when we find canceled permits.

Last-minute

Daily lottery. Enter the lottery 2 days ahead between 12am and 3pm MT.

Other day hikes

No permit required

Backpacking

Plan ahead

Seasonal release. Permits are released at once, one season at a time:

To hike inRelease date
Jan–MarDec 5, 10am MT
Apr–JunMar 5, 10am MT
Jul–SepJun 5, 10am MT
Oct–DecSep 5, 10am MT
We can notify you when we find canceled permits.

Last-minute

Walk-up. Permits are issued up to 1 day ahead on a first-come, first-served basis at the Wilderness Desk.

Other backpacking trips

Plan ahead

Seasonal release. Permits are released at once, one season at a time:

To hike inRelease date
Jan–MarDec 5, 10am MT
Apr–JunMar 5, 10am MT
Jul–SepJun 5, 10am MT
Oct–DecSep 5, 10am MT
We can notify you when we find canceled permits.

Last-minute

Walk-up. Permits are issued up to 1 day ahead on a first-come, first-served basis at the Wilderness Desk.

Canyoneering

Plan ahead

Seasonal lottery. Enter the lottery corresponding to your hiking date:

Activity dateLottery
Jan–MarNov 1–25
Apr–JunFeb 1–25
Jul–SepMay 1–25
Oct–DecAug 1–25

Last-minute

Daily lottery. Enter the lottery 2 days ahead between 12am and 3pm MT.

Plan ahead

Seasonal lottery. Enter the lottery corresponding to your hiking date:

Activity dateLottery
Jan–MarNov 1–25
Apr–JunFeb 1–25
Jul–SepMay 1–25
Oct–DecAug 1–25

Last-minute

Daily lottery. Enter the lottery 2 days ahead between 12am and 3pm MT.

Other canyoneering trips

Plan ahead

Seasonal release. Permits are released at once, one season at a time:

To hike inRelease date
Jan–MarDec 5, 10am MT
Apr–JunMar 5, 10am MT
Jul–SepJun 5, 10am MT
Oct–DecSep 5, 10am MT
We can notify you when we find canceled permits.

Last-minute

Daily lottery. Enter the lottery 2 days ahead between 12am and 3pm MT.

Rock climbing

Overnight rock climbing

Plan ahead

Seasonal release. Permits are released at once, one season at a time:

To hike inRelease date
Jan–MarDec 5, 10am MT
Apr–JunMar 5, 10am MT
Jul–SepJun 5, 10am MT
Oct–DecSep 5, 10am MT
We can notify you when we find canceled permits.

Daytime rock climbing

No permit required

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