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 release. Permits are released at once, one season at a time:
| To hike in | Release date |
|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | Dec 5, 10am MT |
| Apr–Jun | Mar 5, 10am MT |
| Jul–Sep | Jun 5, 10am MT |
| Oct–Dec | Sep 5, 10am MT |
Last-minute
Daily lottery. Enter the lottery 2 days ahead between 12am and 3pm MT.
No permit required
Other day hikes
No permit required
Backpacking
Plan ahead
Seasonal release. Permits are released at once, one season at a time:
| To hike in | Release date |
|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | Dec 5, 10am MT |
| Apr–Jun | Mar 5, 10am MT |
| Jul–Sep | Jun 5, 10am MT |
| Oct–Dec | Sep 5, 10am MT |
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 in | Release date |
|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | Dec 5, 10am MT |
| Apr–Jun | Mar 5, 10am MT |
| Jul–Sep | Jun 5, 10am MT |
| Oct–Dec | Sep 5, 10am MT |
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 date | Lottery |
|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | Nov 1–25 |
| Apr–Jun | Feb 1–25 |
| Jul–Sep | May 1–25 |
| Oct–Dec | Aug 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 date | Lottery |
|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | Nov 1–25 |
| Apr–Jun | Feb 1–25 |
| Jul–Sep | May 1–25 |
| Oct–Dec | Aug 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 in | Release date |
|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | Dec 5, 10am MT |
| Apr–Jun | Mar 5, 10am MT |
| Jul–Sep | Jun 5, 10am MT |
| Oct–Dec | Sep 5, 10am MT |
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 in | Release date |
|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | Dec 5, 10am MT |
| Apr–Jun | Mar 5, 10am MT |
| Jul–Sep | Jun 5, 10am MT |
| Oct–Dec | Sep 5, 10am MT |
Daytime rock climbing
No permit required
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