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What are the odds of winning the Angels Landing Lottery?

Angels Landing is a must-do in Zion National Park. Yet, permits are difficult to get, with only 43% of lottery applicants being successful in 2022.



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There are 2 different types of lotteries that you can apply for with your Angels Landing permit at Zion National Park Utah. You can apply for either the seasonal lottery, which opens up 2 months before and you have 20 days to apply for it. The results will then be released 5 after the lottery closes.

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Zion issued nearly 200,000 permits to hikers in 2022. The Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program accommodated about 80% of the use NPS recorded in studies conducted in 2019 and 2021.

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There are 2 different types of lotteries that you can apply for with your Angels Landing permit at Zion National Park Utah. You can apply for either the seasonal lottery, which opens up 2 months before and you have 20 days to apply for it. The results will then be released 5 after the lottery closes.

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So how many people have died on Angels Landing? As of 2023, at least 17 confirmed deaths have happened on the Angels Landing hike, and some sources put that figure closer to 20 deaths. Most of these were falls from steep cliffs.

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To hike Angels Landing, you have to: Be in good shape, as the hike is 5 miles (round-trip) and ascends many steep switchbacks over 1,500 feet. Tolerate heights, as the last (and most famous) section of the hike goes across a narrow stretch of rock with cliffs on both sides called the Hog's Back.

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With moderate elevation gain and a relatively limited mileage, the Angels Landing hike is in some ways beginner friendly. However, the Chains Section will be too intimidating for most beginners or anyone who struggles with vertigo or a fear of heights.

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Most of the accidents have not occurred on the final 1.1-mile chain section from Scout Lookout to the top of Angels Landing as most of the accidents happened on both sides with people getting too close to the edge.

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Angels Landing is known as one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States. The summit is over a thousand feet off the valley floor and has no guard rails. People have hurt themselves, and even fallen to their deaths, so this is a trail to take seriously.

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The Angels Landing Trail is a total of 5 miles round-trip, from the trailhead to the summit and back. The hike takes about 4 or 5 hours.

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A ranger may check your permit at the Grotto (Shuttle Stop 6), at Scout Lookout or along the trail. If you do not have your permit with you, we may not allow you to take your hike.

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Canyon Overlook Trail This trail is just one-mile round trip, making it short enough for inexperienced or younger hikers, or if you're in a rush. The trail is located in Zion's Upper Canyon, which means that you won't need to hop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle to get to it.

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Hiking Angels Landing without a permit is a violation of 36 CFR 1.6 (engaging in a permitted activity without a permit) and is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail. Angels Landing permits are: Only available through online lotteries on Recreation.gov.

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It's important not to attempt this climb if you aren't in good physical shape. It is not appropriate for young children and is too dangerous to try with a kid in a backpack. Only hike Angels Landing if you are in good physical shape. If you have a fear of heights, do not attempt a trail literally called Angels Landing.

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While the hike to Angels Landing is challenging based only on elevation gain, what makes it dangerous is the final ascent to the summit. The last half-mile of the trail is a ridge only a few feet across with steep drop-offs on either side.

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You don't need any specialty gear in order to hike the Angels Landing Trail. However, there are a few things I would recommend bringing along: Hiking Shoes. You'll definitely want really good grip while hiking the Angels Landing Trail, so if possible, I recommend hiking shoes with traction over regular sneakers.

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Angels Landing is open all year, but in winter the trail is more likely to be covered in snow, ice, or rain, which spells danger on the slickrock ridge. The best time to go is March to October. Keep in mind that temperatures on summer afternoons get up into the 90s, sometimes topping 100 degrees.

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Every year, more than 4 million visitors make their way through the gates of Zion National Park. Of those visitors, researchers estimate that as many as 1,000 people a day hike — or attempt to hike — the park's most famous trail; Angels Landing.

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