ANGELS LANDING PERMITS
Which Recreation.gov lottery to use, when to apply, the odds, and your permit cost — sorted out in plain English. Free, no sign-up.
Your plans
$6 application + $6 per-person (2 × $3)
The $6 application fee covers up to 6 people. The $3-per-person fee is only charged if you're awarded a permit, and it's non-refundable.
Seasonal Lottery
Recommended for youPlan months ahead and lock in dates for a whole season.
When to apply: Apply during the seasonal application window a few months before your trip, for a block of dates in that season.
- Go to Recreation.gov and search for the Angels Landing permit during the seasonal application window for the season you plan to hike.
- Submit your application with up to 7 ranked date-and-time-slot choices and your group size (up to 6 people).
- Pay the $6 application fee — this covers the whole group, not each person.
- Wait for the lottery to run after the window closes; you'll be notified by email whether you were awarded a permit.
- If awarded, pay the $3-per-person fee to finalize your permit, then print or save it for your hike.
Your odds
About 47% of seasonal-lottery applicants won a permit in 2024. Odds vary by season and time slot — popular spring and fall dates and midday slots are the most competitive. Improve your chances by entering flexible dates and off-peak time slots, and by trying the day-before lottery if your seasonal application doesn't win.
The two Angels Landing lotteries
Seasonal Lottery
Recommended for youPlan months ahead and lock in dates for a whole season.
When to apply: Apply during the seasonal application window a few months before your trip, for a block of dates in that season.
- Go to Recreation.gov and search for the Angels Landing permit during the seasonal application window for the season you plan to hike.
- Submit your application with up to 7 ranked date-and-time-slot choices and your group size (up to 6 people).
- Pay the $6 application fee — this covers the whole group, not each person.
- Wait for the lottery to run after the window closes; you'll be notified by email whether you were awarded a permit.
- If awarded, pay the $3-per-person fee to finalize your permit, then print or save it for your hike.
Day-Before Lottery
Already in the area? Try for a permit the day before you hike.
When to apply: Apply between 12:01am and 3pm the day before you want to hike; results are released around 4pm that same day.
- Open Recreation.gov on the day before you want to hike and find the Angels Landing day-before lottery.
- Apply between 12:01am and 3:00pm that day, choosing your preferred time slot and group size (up to 6 people).
- Pay the $6 application fee to enter the day-before drawing.
- Check your results around 4:00pm the same day — you'll be notified whether you were awarded a permit for the next day.
- If awarded, pay the $3-per-person fee to finalize the permit before you hit the trail.
Angels Landing Permit FAQ
Do you need a permit for Angels Landing?
Yes — a permit is required year-round for the chain section from Scout Lookout to the summit of Angels Landing. You do not need a permit to hike only as far as Scout Lookout; the permit applies specifically to the final chained climb to the top.
How much does the Angels Landing permit cost?
Permits are awarded by lottery on Recreation.gov. It costs $6 per application, which covers a group of up to 6 people, plus $3 per person if you're awarded a permit. The per-person fee is non-refundable.
What are the odds of getting an Angels Landing permit?
Roughly 47% of seasonal-lottery applicants won a permit in 2024, though the odds vary by season and by the time slot you request. Popular spring and fall dates and midday slots are more competitive than off-season dates and early-morning or late-afternoon slots.
When should I apply for the Angels Landing lottery?
If you're planning months ahead, use the seasonal lottery and apply during that season's application window for a block of dates. If you're arriving in a day or two, use the day-before lottery: apply between 12:01am and 3pm the day before you want to hike, with results released around 4pm the same day.