Two hikes define Zion for most visitors: Angels Landing, the chained climb along a sandstone fin high above the canyon, and The Narrows, the walk up the Virgin River between towering walls. Both are bucket-list experiences, and both are governed by rules that every hiker should understand before arriving. Here is how they work in late 2026.
Angels Landing: the permit system
Since 2022, the National Park Service has required a permit for the half-mile chains section from Scout Lookout to the summit. Permits are allocated by lottery on Recreation.gov, and there are two routes. The seasonal lottery opens months ahead for each season: in 2026, the spring lottery ran in February, the summer in April, the fall in July, and the winter lottery — for hikes from December 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027 — ran from October 1 to October 20, with results on October 25. You can rank up to seven dates or time windows. The day-before lottery is available year-round: apply between 12:01am and 3pm Mountain Time the day before your hike, and results arrive by 4pm. Up to six people can be on one application. There is a small non-refundable application fee, plus a per-person fee charged only if you win, refundable if you cancel at least two days ahead. You can reduce your group size until two days before the hike, but cannot add people or change the date. Use the exact names on each hiker's photo ID, and carry your permit on your phone or printed, because rangers may check permits on the trail and the canyon has almost no signal.
Angels Landing: the hike
The full route from the Grotto, shuttle stop 6, is 5.4 miles round trip with about 1,488 feet of elevation gain, usually around four hours. It climbs the West Rim Trail in paved switchbacks, passes through the shaded slot of Refrigerator Canyon and climbs Walter's Wiggles, a stack of tight switchbacks, to Scout Lookout, about 2.25 miles and 1,000 feet from the start. This is where the chains begin and where hikers without permits turn around — and Scout Lookout is a worthy goal in its own right. The chains section follows the narrow spine of the fin with drop-offs of hundreds of feet on both sides, using steel chains as handholds. It is not technical, but it demands steady nerves and good footing. Start early to avoid heat and crowds, wear shoes with good grip, carry water and a headlamp, and never go in rain, wind, lightning or ice.
The Narrows: the basics
The Narrows begins at the Temple of Sinawava, the last shuttle stop, with the one-mile paved Riverside Walk. Beyond, you hike in the river itself, often knee to waist deep, over slippery rocks. The bottom-up day hike needs no permit and goes as far as Big Spring, about ten miles round trip; most people turn back at or after Wall Street, the most dramatic stretch, a couple of hours upstream. The top-down route, 16 miles from Chamberlain's Ranch, requires a wilderness permit and transportation to the trailhead.
The Narrows: the closure rules
The park closes The Narrows when the river flows above 150 cubic feet per second, and during any Flash Flood Warning, staying closed for at least two hours after it is lifted. Between 70 and 150 cfs, hiking against the current is challenging. Spring snowmelt often keeps the river above the threshold for weeks, and summer monsoon storms create the greatest flash flood risk. Check the USGS flow gauge, the National Weather Service flash flood potential and the park's conditions page before you start, and turn back immediately if the water rises, muddies or carries debris.
The Narrows: gear and health
Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip and carry a sturdy walking stick — sandals and bare feet are not appropriate. Springdale outfitters rent canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks and poles, and drysuits in cold months, when hypothermia is the main risk. The park advises against drinking the river water or submerging your head because of toxic cyanobacteria; bring your own water. A dry bag protects your phone and a warm layer.
Winter conditions
From December to February, Angels Landing can be icy and dangerous, especially on the shaded switchbacks and the chains, and the park can close it at any time. The Narrows is cold and often high; a drysuit is essential. From November 29 to December 25, 2026, the shuttle does not run and you can drive to the Grotto and the Temple of Sinawava, but parking is limited; from December 26 to January 2, the shuttle runs again. Winter brings solitude and beautiful light, but plan conservatively.
Backup plans
If you lose the Angels Landing lottery, hike to Scout Lookout, or try the Canyon Overlook Trail on the east side for a shorter but spectacular view. If The Narrows is closed, walk the Riverside Walk if open, or explore the Emerald Pools, the Pa'rus Trail or Kolob Canyons. Some trails remain closed in 2026, including Hidden Canyon and the route to Observation Point from Zion Canyon. Check the park's alerts before you go, and you will always find a great hike in Zion.
