ST. GEORGE — The Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program has been given a thumbs-up by visitors and will continue in 2023 in Zion National Park.

“We’re getting positive comments from hikers and rangers about how the Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program has reduced crowding and congestion on the last half-mile of trail with chains,” Jonathan Shafer, park spokesman, told St. George News.

The lottery for permits to hike Angels Landing began April 1, said Zion National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh in a news release, adding that the program was designed after substantial public input.

“In 2023, park rangers will continue recording data and enhancing the pilot program to maximize the number of people making the hike while minimizing crowding and congestion on this half-mile, perennially popular trail,” Bradybaugh said.

The most congested part of the Angels Landing Trail is the last half-mile from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing, hikers have told park officials. Shafer said the program successfully reduced crowding of the trail in this specific section. 

Shafer also said the park rangers who manage the program have obtained critical information from hikers at Scout Lookout, near the Grotto or along the West Rim Trail.

“Having the opportunity to directly connect with visitors has given them great opportunities to discuss the structure of the pilot program, explain its benefits and hear feedback about how effective it’s been,” Shafer said.

Angels Landing is one of the places people enjoy visiting in Zion National Park, which recorded about 2.8 million visits in 2011 and nearly 4.5 million visits in 2019. 

“Looking to 2023, we’re continuing to share information about how to get a permit and working to maintain current conditions on the trail,” Shafer said. “We encourage visitors to plan ahead and take advantage of seasonal and day-before lotteries to apply for a permit.”

Visitors can secure a permit by entering seasonal lotteries or a different lottery the day before their planned hikes. According to the park’s website, it costs $6 to enter any of the lotteries, and successful permit holders will pay a $3 per person fee.

These funds will cover costs to manage the lotteries and for additional NPS rangers who will assist visitors and check permits on the trail. More information about when and how to enter the lotteries is available here.

The Zion National Park website also reminds hikers that rangers may ask to see permits at the Grotto or Scout Lookout and that they may see a ranger on the trail at any time of day or night.

“If you have a permit, print or download your permit confirmation email before you start the hike. You may need to show this and your identification to a ranger on the trail,” the website states.

Learn more about the program on the park’s website.

Photo gallery

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.