We count on your comments

In 2011, Zion National Park recorded about 2.8 million visits, then, in 2021, we recorded more than 5 million visits. We are glad so many people have gotten to visit and enjoy this exceptional place. In the same period, visitors, staff and park neighbors reported increased crowding, longer lines to ride the shuttle, a lack of parking, visible wear on infrastructure like trails and bathrooms and a decline in opportunities for solitude. To understand and measure how those changes might be affecting your enjoyment of the park as well as its scenery, animals, plants and history, we asked what you thought.

We ask for your comments because they help us understand what you think is most important when you visit Zion. Your comments help us improve the ways we manage the park to meet your needs and protect the landscapes, animals, plants and history that may have convinced you to visit in the first place.

 

Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program comments

 
Computer generated graphic of Angels Landing in profile with text requesting public comment.

NPS / Abi Farish

In August 2021, we proposed a pilot program to issue day-use permits to hike to Angels Landing, and we wanted to learn what you thought about it. In August and September, more than 1,000 people submitted comments through the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website. As we planned for the pilot program, we also considered comments you shared on social media posts and ideas from meetings with neighbors, elected officials, business owners and other stakeholders.

Read here to learn how your ideas shaped the program.

 
 

Our responses to your comments about how you will get permits to hike Angels Landing

Many commenters said that they hoped issuing permits would improve hikers experience and reduce congestion on the trail. Some of the commenters who opposed issuing permits expressed concerns about how the system might make it harder to make spontaneous hikes to Angels Landing or raised concerns about permit's cost.

More of you supported Zion issuing day-use permits to hike to Angels Landing than opposed it, and all of the comments you shared helped us shape the program so that it will not only reduce crowding but also help you enjoy your hikes there.

Read summaries of your comments and an explanation of how we considered and responded to them in the drop-down boxes here. 

 
A ranger hands a visitor a map and newspaper about Zion National Park
How and when to apply for permits

Apply for permits to canyoneer, hike, or camp

Group of smiling children runs toward park ranger as part of a school program.
Our research helps you enjoy Zion

Rangers do research to understand how you enjoy the park and how recreation affects Zion's scenery, animals, plants and history.

Enter a lottery and print your required permit before you hike Angels Landing.
Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program

Enter a lottery, print or download your permit, and make your plans to hike Angels Landing

Last updated: February 28, 2022

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Zion National Park
1 Zion Park Blvd.

Springdale, UT 84767

Phone:

435-772-3256
If you have questions, please email zion_park_information@nps.gov. Listen to recorded information by calling anytime 24 hours a day. Rangers answer phone calls from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT, but a ranger may not answer if they are already speaking with someone else.

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