Zion National Park has seen some big changes in recent years. In August 2019, rules in the park were changed. E-bikes were finally allowed in all locations where regular bikes are permitted. This paved the way for guests to begin enjoying an exciting e-bike rental from Greater Zion E-Bikes. It also helped to make biking in Zion more accessible and enjoyable on two wheels.
The next big change that would alter how visitors experience the park came just last year. The National Park Service announced that starting April 1, 2022, anyone looking to hike the famous Angels Landing trail would need to have a permit in order to do so. The trail had previously attracted as many as 300,000 hikers in a single calendar year. But Angels Landing features several narrow sections, and crowding on the trail was putting hikers and the delicate ecosystem of the trail at risk.
Now, if you want to be able to cruise into the park on your e-bike rental, park at the trailhead, and take on this iconic trail, you’ll need to obtain a permit ahead of time. Keep reading to learn how to hike Angels Landing in 2023.
Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program
Learning how to hike Angels Landing is easier than you might think. Under the new Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program, visitors have two opportunities to get a permit for their choice of hiking dates. Permits are required for anyone hiking past Scouts Landing. A Park ranger may check your permit at the start of the trail, or at Scout’s Landing.
Your first opportunity to get a permit for Angels Landing is the Seasonal Lottery.
Seasonal Lottery
The first opportunity to get a permit to hike Angels Landing during your next visit to Zion is the Seasonal Lottery. Four Seasonal Lotteries are available each year, with each awarding permits for the following season. The first Seasonal Lottery for 2023 has already closed. The other three Seasonal Lottery dates you need to know are:
- For hikes from June 1 to August 1, 2023, the Seasonal Lottery will run from April 1 to April 20. Permits will be issued on April 25.
- For hikes from September 1 to November 1, the lottery will run from July 1 to July 20. Permits will be issued on July 25.
- For hikes from December 1 to February 29, 2024, the lottery will run from October 1 to October 20. Permits will be issued on October 25.
You can enter the Seasonal Lottery online. It costs $6 to enter up to 6 hikers. If you receive a permit, you will need to pay an additional $3 per person. If you cancel your permit at least two days before your hike, you’ll get a refund of $3 per person.
Day-Before Lottery
If you miss the Seasonal Lottery or don’t get a permit, you’ll have a second chance in the Day-Before Lottery. As the name suggests, this lottery opens daily, and awards permits for the following day.
This lottery also costs $6 to enter up to 6 hikers, with an additional $3 fee per person if you receive a permit. These fees are not refundable.
Tips for Hiking Angels Landing
Now that you know how to hike Angels Landing in 2023 using the new pilot permit system, it’s time to start planning your own bucket list-worthy hike on this iconic trail.
Getting your permit isn’t the only planning you need to do. While it may be popular, this challenging trail isn’t for the inexperienced. You’ll want to make sure that you’re physically and mentally prepared for the 5.4-mile hike, which features more than 1,500 feet of elevation gain.
Pack plenty of water, and make sure that you’re wearing the right gear, like a good pair of hiking boots and clothing that will wick away sweat or keep you warm on a chilly day.
How to Hike Angels Landing in 2023
The permit system was implemented to help protect Zion’s plant and animal life, and keep hikers safe. This is particularly true on the narrow section of trail that features 1,000 drops on either side and only a single chain handrail to help individuals keep their balance.
In addition to learning how to hike Angels Landing in 2023, you’ll also want to figure out how you’ll get to and from the trail if you do get a permit. Getting to Angels Landing early in the day, especially during the summer, will help you complete the trail before it gets too hot. This can also help you avoid the most crowded times of the day. After a long day of hiking, the last thing that you’ll want to do is wait in line for a shuttle bus, ride out of the park, and hop on another shuttle to get back to your hotel or vacation rental.
A Zion e-bike rental from Greater Zion E-Bikes can solve this problem. You can use your e-bike rental to cruise through the park without hopping on the shuttle. Park your e-bike at the trailhead and lock it up with the bike lock included with your rental. Hike Angels Landing, and then let your e-bike take you on a relaxing ride back out of the park.
If you’ve entered the Seasonal Lottery for Angels Landing and received a permit, reserve your e-bike rental for the day of your hike next!