Which famous US hikes need a permit?
By the Bundu team · Last updated
Short answer: Angels Landing, Half Dome, Mount Whitney and overnight trips in the Enchantments need permits from a lottery. Hanging Lake, the Manitou Incline, Old Rag, Diamond Head, Maroon Bells and the Kalalau Trail need reservations or day-use tickets. Most are booked on Recreation.gov.
Many of the most famous hikes in the US now need a permit, a lottery win or a timed reservation. Turn up without one and you may be turned away at the trailhead. This guide lists the popular hikes that need one and how to get it. Systems change from year to year, so always confirm on the official site, usually Recreation.gov, before you go.
Permits by lottery
| Hike | What you need | How to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Angel's Landing | Permit to go beyond Scout Lookout | Seasonal lottery months ahead, plus a day-before lottery |
| Half Dome | Permit for the cables | Preseason lottery in March, plus daily lotteries in season |
| Mount Whitney | Permit for day and overnight hikes | Lottery early in the year for the summer quota season |
| The Enchantments | Overnight permit in the Core Enchantments | Lottery early in the year. Day hikers fill in a free permit at the trailhead |
Reservations and day-use tickets
- Kalalau Trail: a camping permit is needed beyond Hanakāpīʻai, about 2 miles in. Even a day hike needs a Hāʻena State Park entry and parking reservation.
- Hanging Lake: a paid permit is required for every hiker, all year.
- Manitou Incline: free, but you must reserve a time slot.
- Old Rag Mountain: a day-use ticket is required in the busy season, on top of the park entry fee.
- Diamond Head Summit Trail: non-residents must reserve entry and parking.
- Maroon Bells Scenic Trail: in season, you need a reservation for the shuttle or for parking.
- Lost Coast Trail: overnight trips need a permit.
- Eagle Lake: a free, self-issued day permit for Desolation Wilderness at the trailhead.
Park entry reservations
Some national parks have used timed-entry or vehicle reservations at busy times, on top of any trail permit. These have included Rocky Mountain (for Sky Pond and Emerald Lake), Arches (for Delicate Arch), and Glacier's Going-to-the-Sun Road (for the Highline Trail). Check the park's website for the current system before you plan your trip.
Seasonal closures
- Precipice Trail (Acadia) usually closes from spring to late summer while peregrine falcons nest.
- The Narrows closes when the river flows too high, often during spring snowmelt and after storms. Top-down trips need a permit.
Famous hikes that need no permit
Plenty of great hikes need only the park entry fee or nothing at all: Mist Trail in Yosemite, Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon (day hikes), Franconia Ridge Loop, McAfee Knob, Alum Cave to Mount Le Conte and Avalanche Lake. Go early at weekends; parking fills by mid-morning.
Tips for getting a permit
- Make an account early: create and verify your Recreation.gov account before the lottery opens.
- Be flexible: weekdays and shoulder seasons have far better odds than summer weekends.
- Use every chance: many lotteries have a second, day-before or same-week draw.
- Watch for cancellations: permits often come back in the days before the hike.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a permit for Angels Landing?
Yes. Since 2022, you need a permit from the Recreation.gov lottery to hike beyond Scout Lookout. There is a seasonal lottery and a day-before lottery.
How do I get a Half Dome permit?
Enter the preseason lottery on Recreation.gov in March, or the daily lottery two days before your hike during the cables season.
Do you need a permit to day hike Mount Whitney?
Yes. During the quota season, day hikers on the Mount Whitney Trail need a permit, allocated by lottery on Recreation.gov.
Do you need a reservation for Hanging Lake?
Yes. Every hiker needs a paid permit for Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado, all year round.
Do you need a reservation for Diamond Head?
Non-residents of Hawaii need to reserve an entry time and parking for Diamond Head State Monument in advance.
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