Why Angels Landing Has a Permit Now
Until 2022, Angels Landing was a free-for-all. Thousands of people a day jammed the chain section, a 0.5-mile exposed scramble along a knife-edge ridge with chains bolted into the rock and 1,000-foot drop-offs on both sides. Accidents happened. The NPS introduced a permit system to reduce crowding on the final exposed section, improve safety, and give everyone a better experience. Now you need a permit just for the chain section. The permit is free but competitive, particularly in spring and fall.
The good news: the majority of the hike doesn't require a permit. The West Rim Trail from the Grotto trailhead to Scout Lookout (the base of the chains) is open to anyone. Scout Lookout itself is a spectacular viewpoint with a direct look at the chain route and Zion Canyon below. Many people hike to Scout Lookout and call it a day, it's a legitimate destination in its own right.
Trail Stats
- Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 1,488 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous, with exposed Class 3 scrambling on the chain section
- Best season: Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November)
- Permit required: Yes, for the chain section above Scout Lookout. Apply via recreation.gov lottery.
- Time: 4–6 hours for the full round trip
Getting the Permit
Angels Landing permits are allocated through two lotteries: a seasonal lottery (opens in January for spring, May for fall) and a day-before lottery (opens at noon the day before your hike date). The seasonal lottery is more competitive but has more total permits. The day-before lottery is less competitive, many people don't know about it. Both lotteries are on recreation.gov.
The permit is per-person and specifies your hike date. You must have it on your phone or printed. Rangers check permits at Scout Lookout before you start the chain section. If you don't have a permit, you can hike to Scout Lookout but no further.
Tips for getting a permit: apply the moment the seasonal lottery opens; enter the day-before lottery starting at noon (results come at 3pm); go on weekdays rather than weekends; go in early spring or late fall when demand is lower. October and November shoulder season often have lower competition.
The Approach: Grotto Trailhead to Scout Lookout
Take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to the Grotto stop (stop 6). The trailhead is directly across from the shuttle stop, on the west side of the Virgin River. Cross the footbridge and you're at the start of the West Rim Trail.
The first mile is a broad, well-maintained trail climbing gradually through Zion Canyon. You'll pass Refrigerator Canyon, a narrow slot that stays cool year-round and offers a visual preview of Zion's geology. The canyon walls rise dramatically as you gain elevation.
Then come Walter's Wiggles, 21 steep switchbacks blasted into the cliff face in the 1920s. This is the crux of the non-chain section. They're relentless but short: you gain about 500 feet in less than half a mile. Take them slowly and step aside for hikers coming down.
At the top of Walter's Wiggles, Scout Lookout opens up: a broad sandy area with views of the chain route, the canyon below, and Zion Canyon in both directions. This is where permits are checked. Rest here, have food and water, and look at the chain section before committing. If it looks too crowded or too exposed for your comfort, turning around here is a completely valid choice.
The Chain Section: What It's Actually Like
The chain section is 0.5 miles of exposed ridge scrambling, mostly hands-and-feet climbing on slickrock with chains as assistance. The chains are not handrails, they're anchor points. You wrap your hand around the chain link for stability while using your feet on the rock. Good footwear matters enormously here.
The exposure is genuine. On both sides of the ridge the ground falls away steeply, in places essentially straight down. Heights affect people differently, and the chain section has turned back many experienced hikers who are simply uncomfortable with that kind of exposure. There is no shame in deciding at Scout Lookout that this isn't for you.
Traffic flow on the chains works best when groups alternate directions, downhill traffic has the right of way by convention, though in practice it's cooperative and social. With the permit system, crowding has improved dramatically compared to pre-2022 photos. Most permitted days have a manageable flow.
The summit is a narrow rock fin about 20 feet wide at its widest. Views are 360° and extraordinary: the Virgin River threading through the canyon below, the Zion sandstone monoliths in every direction, the plateau country stretching north. On a clear day you can see for 50+ miles. Give yourself 15–20 minutes at the top.
Key Hazards
Lightning: The summit is fully exposed. If thunderstorms develop, common in July and August afternoons, you must get off the summit and ideally off the chain section before lightning arrives. Start early to avoid afternoon storms.
Heat: The trail has almost no shade. In summer, the open slickrock on the chain section radiates heat. Start by 6am in June through August. Carry 2+ liters of water.
Loose footing: The sandstone is grippy when dry, slippery when wet. Avoid the hike in rain or immediately after rain, the chains and rock surface become treacherous. If rain develops mid-hike, descend immediately.
Children: The NPS requires children to be able to pass through a 5-inch opening to get a permit (to prevent strollers). The chain section is not appropriate for young children who cannot follow instructions precisely and stay connected to the chain at all times. Minimum recommended age is around 10–12, depending on the child.
What to Bring
Hiking boots or trail runners with good grip (avoid sandals on the chain section), 2–3 liters of water (there's no water on the trail), sunscreen and a hat, snacks for the summit, and your permit on your phone (screenshot it in case of poor signal). Trekking poles are useful for Walter's Wiggles but awkward on the chains, collapse them and strap them to your pack before the chain section starts.
Best Times to Go
April–May: Wildflowers, comfortable temperatures (60–75°F), busy but not overwhelming. Flash flood risk starting in May.
September–October: Best overall conditions. Crowds lighter than summer. Temperatures ideal for the exposed climb. Fall light is stunning on Zion's red sandstone.
June–August: Doable but requires starting before 7am to beat heat and afternoon storm risk. July and August thunderstorms are frequent and fast-moving.
Winter (December–February): Permit demand drops. The trail may be icy, microspikes may be necessary. The summit can be cold and windy. But you'll often have the chain section to yourself.
Parking and Logistics
The Grotto shuttle stop is served by the Zion Canyon Shuttle from the visitor center. No private vehicle access mid-March through early November. The visitor center parking lot fills by 8–9am on summer weekends, arrive by 7am or park in Springdale and take the town shuttle. The shuttle from visitor center to the Grotto takes about 25 minutes.
