FILE: This undated photo released by the Utah Office of Tourism shows Angels Landing in Zion National Park in Utah. (AP Photo/Utah Office of Tourism, Wm. Floyd Holdman)
SPRINGDALE, Utah — If your winter plans include a trip to Zion National Park, and you want to hike Angels Landing, plan on securing a permit.
Nearly 4.5 million visitors hiked Angels Landing in 2019. As the number of visitors continues to rise, the National Park Service is preparing to sustainably take care of park resources while allowing for high-quality guest experiences within Zion National Park.
Hikers will need permits to hike Angels Landing starting on April 1, 2022. National Park officials say they will distribute permits through the use of an online lottery system.
The first lottery opens on January 3, 2022, according to NPS.
Hopeful visitors can apply for lotteries here.
Park visitors can either try a lottery the day before their planned hike or enter a seasonal lottery.
The lottery costs $6 to enter. Successful permit holders will then pay $3 per person.
These funds cover the cost of NPS rangers who will assist visitors, check permits, and manage the lotteries.
“Angels Landing is one of the most iconic destinations in Zion National Park and issuing permits will make going there fair for everyone,” park superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh said in a release. “The system we’ve put in place will reduce crowding on the trail, address safety concerns and make it easy for visitors to plan ahead.”
The National Park Service contributed to this report.
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