Winning the Lottery for an Out-of-This-World View: A Guide to Angels Landing in Zion

Some places in the world are so popular that a plane ticket and a good pair of boots simply aren’t enough to visit them. You also need a heavy dose of luck. For me, that luck came recently when an email landed in my inbox, making my heart skip a beat: “Congratulations! You have been awarded a permit for Angels Landing.” I had won a permit for one of the most breathtaking and steepest climbs on our planet, located in Zion National Park, Utah. How does this lottery work, how much does it cost, and what is this legendary hike along the abyss actually like?

Why a lottery in the first place?

Angels Landing got its name back in 1916 when Methodist minister Frederick Vining Fisher was walking through the area and declared that only an angel could possibly land on that narrow rock summit. The trail eventually became so popular that dangerous bottlenecks began forming along the narrow rock ledges equipped with chains. To protect human lives and preserve nature, the National Park Service introduced a permit system. Without one, park rangers will not allow you onto the final—and by far the most thrilling—section of the trail.

How the lottery works and how much it costs?

If you want to include Angels Landing in your itinerary, there are two ways to secure a permit. Both options are handled exclusively through the official government website.

• Seasonal Lottery: This draw runs several months in advance (for instance, winter drawings determine spring dates, while spring drawings cover summer slots). You can select and rank up to seven preferred dates and time windows. I entered the fall lottery for a November date, chose the "before 9 a.m." slot, and won!
• Day-Before Lottery: If you don’t know your exact dates in Zion beforehand or fail to secure a spot in the seasonal lottery, you get a second chance. You can enter the lottery the day before your planned hike during a window that runs from 12:01 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. local Mountain Time. The results are then emailed to you at 4:00 p.m. that same day.

How much does it cost? When registering for the lottery, you pay a non-refundable application fee of $6 (which covers a group of up to 6 people). If luck is on your side and you are awarded a permit, an additional fee of $3 per person is charged. Winning the lottery certainly won't break the bank, but the value it adds to your travel experience is absolutely priceless.

(Please note: This fee does not include standard entry to Zion National Park, which costs $35 per vehicle. Alternatively, you can use the America the Beautiful interagency park pass).

The Climb: From a Peaceful River to Heart-Stopping Heights

The hike itself has two completely different faces. You start at "The Grotto" shuttle bus stop, and the entire round-trip trail to the summit measures roughly 5.4 miles (8.7 kilometers) with a total elevation gain of around 1,480 feet (450 meters).

Phase 1: The Warm-up and Walter's WigglesThe first few miles follow a well-maintained, paved path alongside the Virgin River, which quickly begins to climb steeply. You will pass through the cool, shaded Refrigerator Canyon until you reach the famous Walter's Wiggles. This is a series of 21 incredibly sharp, steep switchbacks carved directly into the canyon wall. This is where your thighs and lungs get their first real test.

Phase 2: Scout Lookout (Where the fun ends)

After conquering the switchbacks, you emerge onto the Scout Lookout plateau. This spot opens up to your first fantastic view of the canyon, and it is exactly where a park ranger stands to strictly check permits. You can have them downloaded on your phone or printed out, but do not forget to bring a photo ID! If you don't have a permit, your journey ends right here. If you do, the final 2,600 feet (800 meters) await you. And they are absolutely worth it.

Phase 3: The Spine, Chains, and Pure Adrenaline

The final half-mile leads along an extremely narrow sandstone spine, with drop-offs of hundreds of feet plunging down on both sides. The route is secured by massive iron chains anchored into the rock. At this point, it is no longer about physical fitness, but mental toughness. You must maintain a firm grip on the chain, watch your every step, and coordinate with hikers coming from the opposite direction. The rock can be slippery, the wind at the top can put up a real fight, and looking down is guaranteed to send a massive rush of adrenaline straight through your veins. If you suffer from vertigo, skip this part. But if you overcome your fear, the feeling is indescribable.

A Well-Deserved Angelic View

When you finally scramble to the very summit of Angels Landing, standing 5,790 feet (1,765 meters) above sea level, all fear and exhaustion melt away in an instant. You are standing on a massive rock slab right in the middle of the canyon, with the Virgin River winding far below, framed by Zion’s monumental red-and-white canyon walls. It is a view that completely takes your breath away. Sitting there on the bare rock, watching birds of prey soar beneath you, you know you have accomplished something truly extraordinary.

Quick Tips for the Road:

• Start as early as possible: Even if your permit is for a specific time window, try to catch one of the first morning shuttles in the park. You will avoid the worst of the heat and the harsh sun beating down on the rock—though temperatures tend to be much more forgiving in the autumn.
• Proper footwear is non-negotiable: Forget about sneakers with smooth soles. You need sturdy hiking boots that provide excellent grip on sandstone surfaces.
• Keep your hands free: You will need both hands on the chains. Everything, including your water bottle and phone or camera, must be securely stowed away in your backpack. Do not underestimate your water supply—summer temperatures here routinely soar past 95°F (35°C).

We are absolutely thrilled about our win, especially since I know people who have tried their luck three times and still haven't been picked. We managed to snag it on our very first try! I am already looking forward to the stunning photos and videos we are going to bring back!