I have no experience or knowledge on this so I wanted any kinda feedback on the lottery system for permits to hike certain trails in Zion. We are planning a trip for mid October. I know the angel’s landing lottery is closed but was curious if we applied for the narrows and subway hikes, how realistic is the chance we get a permit? Or is it total luck of the draw?

Thanks

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Posted by Jolla

Houston, TX

Member since Dec 2018

285 posts

Posted on 8/31/23 at 7:27 am to ccsavage21

I went in November and tried the daily lottery for Angel's and didn't get it. Worth a shot to put in every day for it though.

We did the Narrows instead, and there was no one checking for permits at the trailhead. We also didn't even see a lottery for permits either. Hopefully, that will be the same case for you.

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Posted by speckledawg

Somewhere Salty

Member since Nov 2016

3916 posts

Posted on 8/31/23 at 9:02 am to ccsavage21

We went in October of 2020. Angel's Landing wasn't a permit one at that time, which was nice, though it was pretty crowded. I don't know what the odds are for the Subway Permit, but we drew one. Got there before they opened the morning of and were first to pick ours up. I wish we could have gotten it the day before and started the hike at sunrise. I would definitely apply for any/all of them.

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Posted by Tigers13

New Orleans

Member since Feb 2005

1756 posts

Posted on 8/31/23 at 11:24 am to ccsavage21

We were there this summer and did the daily lottery each day and got permits for Angels Landing with no problem. You don't need a permit for the Narrow or the Subway unless your hiking from the top down which would require repelling down with your own ropes and equipement. If you hike from the bottom up, no permit required which is what novice hikers would be doing.

Also for Angels Landing, you can hike up to Scout's lookout with no permit. We had a permit but we went in the afternoon and there was no one up there. Even if I didn't have a permit I would've taken my chances and hiked to Angel's Landing (not sure what the penalty is). You probably can't do that in the morning when it's more crowded.

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Posted by nctiger71

North Carolina

Member since Oct 2017

1319 posts

Posted on 8/31/23 at 12:23 pm to Tigers13

quote:
You don't need a permit for the Subway unless you’re hiking from the top down which would require repelling down with your own ropes and equipement.

I think you need a permit to hike to the Subway regardless of the way you go.

quote:
Wilderness Permits for the Left Fork of North Creek (Subway) Plan Ahead and Prepare

There are two different ways to explore the Left Fork of North Creek (Subway) by canyoneering and/or hiking. A Wilderness permit is always required for this area. The Wilderness permit application process is the same for all canyoneers and/or hikers going into Left Fork. The only difference will be the starting and ending trailheads listed on your reservation and permit.

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Posted by Tigers13

New Orleans

Member since Feb 2005

1756 posts

Posted on 8/31/23 at 1:15 pm to nctiger71

quote:
I think you need a permit to hike to the Subway regardless of the way you go.

Ah, you're right

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Posted by nctiger71

North Carolina

Member since Oct 2017

1319 posts

Posted on 9/1/23 at 10:03 am to ccsavage21

quote:
if we applied for the narrows

Unless it changed most people don’t need a permit for the Narrows. You need one if you hike from the top down. There are videos on line about that hike.

Most people take the shuttle to the last stop and then walk the 1 mile paved path to the river. Then hike up the river as far as you want and turn around and return to where you started.
In town you can rent special shoes to help with walking on rocks in the river.

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