With nearly 4.9 million people visiting in 2024, Zion is the second most popular national park in the country. Navigating its permits and reservations can be really tricky. While you don’t need a reservation just to enter the park or buy Zion National Park tickets, certain activities do require advance planning.
Iconic hikes like Angels Landing, sections of The Narrows, canyoneering routes and overnight backcountry trips all need specific permits, and skipping this step can mean missing out on experiences you’ve been looking forward to. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Zion National Park entrance fees, permits and reservations so you can plan your trip with confidence and focus on enjoying the park instead of stressing over logistics.
What Permits Are Needed in Zion National Park?
Visiting Zion National Park doesn’t require a reservation just to enter, but several popular activities do need Zion permits, which must be secured in advance and cannot be obtained at the park. The main types include:
- Angels Landing Hike: Everyone who hikes Angel’s Landing needs a permit.
- Canyoneering Routes: All canyoneering trips, including popular routes like The Subway, require a permit.
- Overnight Climbing & Bivouacs: Any overnight climbing or bivouac trips in the park need a permit.
- Wilderness Backcountry Camping & Backpacking: All overnight stays in the backcountry require a wilderness permit, often via lottery for high-demand areas.
Securing these permits ahead of time ensures access to some of Zion’s most iconic experiences without last-minute stress.
Angels Landing Permit: Lottery Explained
Angels Landing is one of the most iconic hikes in Zion, but it’s also one of the busiest. To protect both visitors and the trail, this hike requires an Angels Landing permit. Many first-time hikers are surprised by how competitive the permit system can be, which often leads to frustration for those trying to secure a spot.
Seasonal Lottery
The Seasonal Lottery is the main way to get an Angels Landing permit for popular times of the year. Applications are submitted through Recreation.gov, and it’s important to pay attention to key deadlines, which vary depending on the season. There’s a $6 non-refundable application fee per group (up to six people), and if the application is successful, there’s an additional $3 per person fee.
Day-Before Lottery
For those with more flexible schedules, the Day-Before Lottery offers a second chance to secure a permit. This lottery opens one day before the planned hike at 12:01 a.m. This gives visitors who missed the seasonal draw another opportunity. Timing is critical, and applying early in the day can improve the chances of success.
Pro Tips for Increasing Your Chances
- Try applying for weekdays or less popular times to avoid peak competition.
- Keep your plans flexible, as the lottery system favors those who can adjust their hike dates.
- Entering multiple lotteries for different dates can increase the odds of securing a permit.
Securing an Angels Landing permit takes a little planning, but understanding the lotteries and using flexible strategies makes it much easier to enjoy one of Zion’s most famous trails without the stress.
Hiking The Narrows: Permit vs. No Permit
The Narrows is one of Zion’s most popular hikes, but it can be confusing because the rules for permits depend on how the hike is done. There are two main ways to experience the slot canyon: the bottom-up day hike and the top-down through-hike.
Bottom-Up Hike
This is the most common way to enjoy The Narrows. Starting at the Temple of Sinawava, the hike is out-and-back, letting visitors go as far as they feel comfortable before turning around. No permit or reservation is required for this option, making it ideal for casual hikers or anyone looking for a flexible adventure. This is often what people mean when they ask about a Zion Narrows permit, but it’s important to note that for bottom-up hikes, a permit isn’t needed. Please note, hikers going bottom-up in the Narrows on this no-permit option can not hike further upstream than Big Springs.
Top-Down Hike
The top-down through-hike is a longer, more strenuous option, covering about 16 miles from Chamberlain’s Ranch. Hikers can complete it as a long day hike or split it into an overnight trip. This route requires a wilderness permit, which is competitive and usually secured through an Advanced Lottery or a Last-Minute Drawing. For those planning a top-down hike, the Zion backpacking permit is essential, and careful planning is necessary to secure a spot.
Canyoneering, Climbing and Backpacking Permits
Zion offers some of the most exciting outdoor experiences in the country, but many of these adventures require permits to protect the park and ensure safety. Applications for these permits are made on https://www.recreation.gov/ Here’s a breakdown of the main permit types for canyoneering, climbing and backcountry trips.
Canyoneering Permits
All canyoneering routes in Zion require a permit, including some of the park’s most famous routes like The Subway. Popular canyoneering trips often have lotteries due to high demand, so it’s important to plan ahead. For a complete list of routes and permit requirements, check the NPS Canyoneering Permit page.
Overnight Climbing & Backcountry Camping
Any overnight stay in Zion’s wilderness areas, whether climbing or backpacking, requires a wilderness permit. These permits can be picked up in person at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Desk. Advanced planning is key, as high-demand areas often fill quickly. For details on backcountry permits, visit the NPS Backpacking Reservation page.
Didn’t Get a Permit? Plan B Adventures
Not getting a permit doesn’t mean missing out on Zion. There are plenty of incredible hikes and experiences that don’t require one, letting visitors enjoy the park without extra planning or fees. Some top options include:
- Emerald Pools Trail: A scenic hike with waterfalls, pools and options for short or longer routes.
- Pa’rus Trail: An easy, paved trail along the Virgin River, perfect for casual walking and wildlife spotting.
- Watchman Trail: A moderate hike with panoramic views of the canyon and surrounding cliffs.
- Canyon Overlook Trail: A shorter trail that delivers big views for a small effort.
For a quieter experience, consider exploring less-visited areas like Kolob Canyons or the East Rim, where fewer crowds make it easier to connect with the landscape.
Visitors looking for flexible options can also take advantage of guided tours or the Zion shuttle system, which offers convenient access to many of these trails without worrying about parking. These activities are low-cost or free, keeping the Zion National Park cost manageable while still providing unforgettable scenery.
Reservations Beyond Permits: Lodging
Staying close to Zion National Park makes your visit easier and more enjoyable. The Riv in Virgin, Utah, offers modern tiny home accommodations, providing visitors with a comfortable and convenient place to rest after a day of hiking. Each home is fully equipped with a full kitchen and provides privacy while keeping you just minutes from the park entrance.
Booking early is important, especially during busy seasons, to secure the dates you want. Staying at The Riv also makes exploring Zion simpler, as you can plan your days around park hours without worrying about long drives or complicated logistics.
With lodging arranged at The Riv, everything else falls into place. You can focus on enjoying the trails, taking in the views and making the most of your time in Zion without extra stress.
Zion Permits & Reservations FAQ
Do you need reservations to get into Zion?
No, general entry to Zion National Park does not require a reservation. You can purchase your Zion National Park tickets at the entrance or online. Reservations are only needed for certain popular hikes, overnight trips and some activities.
What permits are needed in Zion?
Some of the most visited areas in Zion require permits. These include:
- Angels Landing
- Part of the Narrows
- Canyoneering routes such as The Subway
- Overnight climbing or bivouacs
- Wilderness backcountry camping or backpacking
What hikes in Zion do not require permits?
Many popular trails don’t need permits, including:
- Emerald Pools Trail
- Pa’rus Trail
- Watchman Trail
- Canyon Overlook Trail
Do you need a pass to enter Zion National Park?
Yes, all visitors must have a park entrance pass. This can be purchased at the gate or online as Zion National Park tickets. Passes cover entry for a set number of days but do not replace permits for special hikes.
Do you need a permit to hike the Narrows in Zion?
It depends on the route. The bottom-up day hike does not require a permit. The top-down hike does require a Zion backpacking permit due to its distance and overnight options.
