Is it Possible to Hike Angel’s Landing Without a Permit?
The quick answer is yes, but there’s more to consider. Angel’s Landing is a cliff that offers a half-mile trail at its peak, which does require a permit. However, to reach that point, you have to hike another trail that doesn’t need one.
The Initial Journey: West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout
You’ll start your hike on the West Rim Trail, heading to Scout Lookout. This 2.1-mile hike doesn’t require a permit and is quite challenging on its own. Even if it lacks the daunting chain sections of Angel’s Landing, the West Rim Trail offers a plethora of scenic views as you climb nearly 1,500 feet.
The hike will take about 3-4 hours to complete. For a more comfortable experience, consider hiking in the late afternoon during summer. This allows you to stay in the canyon’s shade and enjoy fewer crowds and stunning lighting at Scout Lookout.
How to Get a Permit for Angel’s Landing
If you decide to extend your hike to the final half-mile to Angel’s Landing, you’ll need a permit. You can enter a lottery to get one through this link. A helpful video walks you through the permit process as well.
Want a Guaranteed Spot? Book With Us!
Alternatively, if you’d rather skip the permit lottery, join us at Ride Zion Adventures. We offer Angel’s Landing experiences with permits on most Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. These are the days when commercial guides like us can purchase permits for you.
Here’s a few pics of the hike up to and from on top of Scout Lookout.
