An In-Depth Guide For Hiking Angel’s Landing in 2023 

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The permit system is still in effect, so I have written an in-depth guide for hiking Angel’s Landing in 2023 for you!

It is a little different because you have to have a permit to complete any section of this hike at all times of the year.

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, obtaining a permit for national parks has pros and cons.

It’s great if you get one.

There are significantly fewer crowds, and ultimately why the most popular national parks are implementing them.

However, if you’re trying to plan a vacation several months away, it might not have even occurred to you that having a permit for some parks and hikes is a thing.

That’s ok because I will supply you with all the details!

It is now required year-round for Angel’s Landing, but don’t worry; I have everything you need to know.

Getting a Permit?

Here’s how to get it!

If you plan a trip to Zion National Park to hike Angel’s Landing specifically, you MUST have a permit to go on any part of this hike as I mentioned above. 

Right now, you don’t need a permit to enter the park. 

To get started, you need to make an account at https://www.recreation.gov

After creating your account, type “Angel’s Landing” in the search bar.

You will be directed to this page https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675326.

From here, you can enter the daily lottery until 3:00 pm MST for the NEXT DAY.

You can’t obtain a permit for the day of, unfortunately. 

If you are looking for a date in a few months, the summer season lottery application usually opens in March.

You will need to select a time frame.

The website gives you an option of morning, afternoon, or evening. 

I’m not sure if any one time has a better chance than the other. 

Last year I applied for a permit in mid-July in the afternoon and got one.

Don’t forget that if your name is on the permit, YOU have to bring a valid ID to show the rangers.

Sadly, you can’t ask your friends to log on to their accounts and enter the lottery for you. 

Also, there is an “important dates” section that is a great reference and stays up to date.

Since it is winter, the seasonal lottery application is closed, and only daily lotteries can be obtained.

Are You Trying To Find The Trailhead?

Here’s how to get there!

In the off-season, you can drive to the parking lot across from the trailhead.

You must take a shuttle into Zion Canyon during the summer months.

No personal vehicles are allowed during this time unless you are only driving through to the other exit/entrance. 

You have to pay for parking available on a first-come, first-served basis in Springdale.

There is also a free parking lot behind the visitor center outside the south entrance.

There is no parking that I know of outside of the park’s East entrance.

After parking, you will get on a shuttle at the south entrance visitor station.

The shuttle stop is #6 at The Grotto, with restrooms and a water-fill station. 

Walk directly across the street and over the bridge above the river.

Take a right, and you will be on the trail!

There are two checkpoints along this trail where you have to show your permit to a park ranger, and one of them will be sitting just past the entrance. 

Hiking

When you get to this checkpoint, remember that they will not let you pass until your allotted hike time. 

You will hike in the dirt and sand for a little while until you reach a paved trail.

This is where the elevation begins. 

There will be a few switchbacks until you turn right and head up toward the rock formation, which you will also hike under. 

Once you reach the end of this, you will take a left and go straight until you reach another few switchbacks.

This will lead to the part of the trail known as Walter’s Wiggles.

After you make it up, easier said than done, there is a flat area with “toilets,” but a restroom, nonetheless. 

If you head to the right or east, this is where the second checkpoint will be.

There were two park rangers sitting beneath where the chains started, and they will also check your permit.

The Chains

The chains are provided to you for your safety!

This is the part that makes people who are afraid of heights uneasy.

Although, for those that aren’t, it’s the best part!

In my opinion, the first part of the chained area is the most challenging.

However, I never once felt like I didn’t have enough room or space, even with other hikers passing by, but this is from my own experience. 

After you get to the top of the first sandstone incline, it gets easier in terms of maneuvering.

However, this section of Angel’s Landing is a full-body workout in some areas.

There are also places where there is a drop-off on either side of you.

If you are having doubts, just remember to breathe and go slowly.

Hiking is not a race.

Be courteous of those who need to go around you from either direction and wait until it is safe to move.

Once you reach the top (CONGRATS!), it flattens out, and you will have a 360-degree view of Zion Canyon!

This hike is one of my all-time favorites and is for sure bucket-list worthy. 

I have found that wearing gloves that grip and micro spikes come in handy during the winter.

During the summer heat, I thought those chains would be boiling for sure, but they were totally fine. 

Gloves were brought, just in case, though.

I highly recommend bringing more water than you think you need.

I drank two liters when I did this hike in February 2019 and four liters in July 2022.

It might not look like that long of a distance or have much elevation gain, but the dry air will sneak up on you.

It’s always better to be over-prepared! 

I hope this in-depth guide to hiking Angel’s Landing in 2023 gives you all the info you need.

Let me know in the comments if you have any more questions or concerns!