Zion National Park Announces 2026 Angels Landing Seasonal Lottery Dates

Contact: Zion News Desk, (435) 772-0162

SPRINGDALE, Utah - Zion National Park today announced the lottery dates for the 2026 Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program. The spring seasonal lottery is set to open Feb. 13, 2026. Visitors can apply for a permit on Recreation.gov.

2026 Angels Landing Seasonal Lotteries

2026 Angels Landing Day-before Lottery

Hikers visiting in the spring, summer, fall and winter can also apply for permits the day before hiking. Under this system, hikers may apply for a permit starting at 12:01 a.m. through 3 p.m. Mountain Time the day before their intended hike. For example, a visitor who wishes to hike Angels Landing on a Tuesday can apply for a permit on Recreation.gov any time on Monday from 12:01 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Learn more about seasonal and day-before lotteries at go.nps.gov/AngelsLanding.

Fast facts about the Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program

• The permit system reduces congestion on the narrow, exposed trail section between Scout Lookout and Angels Landing.
• The program has improved overall trail conditions and enhanced hiker safety.
• Zion National Park issues more than 200,000 Angels Landing permits each year.
• Permits are distributed through two systems: a seasonal lottery and a day-before lottery.
• Seasonal lottery applications allow visitors to select flexible date ranges or specific hike dates and start times.

Background

The National Park Service implemented the Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program in April 2022 in response to growing visitation and safety concerns. Portions of the trail beyond Scout Lookout are less than three feet wide and include steep drop-offs, with chains installed to assist hikers.

As visitation at Zion National Park has increased over the past decade, congestion on the Angels Landing trail raised safety risks and diminished visitor experience. The permit program was introduced to manage use, improve safety, and ensure continued public access to this iconic hike. Park staff continue to monitor conditions and evaluate the program to support safe and enjoyable experiences for visitors.

www.nps.gov/zion

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.