No Angels Landing Permit? These 5 Zion National Park Hikes Are Even Better

Angels Landing isn’t just the best-known hike in Zion National Park; it’s arguably one of the most famous hikes in the West. Steep drop-offs—with only chains for protection—lead to 360-degree vistas and a legendary summit. As a result of heavy traffic, the National Park Service instituted a permit system for the hike in 2022, and odds of nabbing the golden ticket are low. According to the NPS, the chance of getting a permit from either the day-before or a seasonal lottery average to about 50-50. Your success rate, however, depends on timing. You have an 8 percent chance of getting the day-before lottery permit on Memorial Day weekend, but a nearly certain chance of nabbing one on a midweek day throughout the year.

But don’t let one spectacular hike distract you from all the possibilities in one of America’s greatest parks. I never managed to get a permit for Angels Landing for my trip this past April. However, I still found plenty of life-list trails to explore. If the permit process doesn’t go your way, check out these equally scenic—and likely less crowded—alternative hikes to Angels Landing in Zion.

Timber Creek Overlook Trail

Visiting Zion during the peak summer season can feel overwhelming; the park gets over 550,000 visitors in June alone. Kolob Canyon, a separate, lesser-visited part of the park that’s about 40 miles from the main area in Zion Canyon, offers a welcome respite from the crowds. Timber Creek Overlook Trail is a highlight reel of this part of the park at an easy, accessible distance. You won’t need to work very hard for views of Kolob Terrace and the Pine Valley Mountains. Bonus: During the spring and summer, wildflowers such as the desert marigold and slickrock paintbrush blanket the area. 

La Verkin Creek Trail:

Also located in Kolob Canyon, the La Verkin Creek Trail is an excellent choice for an easy overnight backpacking trip. Hikers walk alongside Timber Creek and La Verkin Creek, with views of steep cliffs, before they arrive at the trail’s highlight: Kolob Arch. One of the largest freestanding arches in the country, this formation, made of reddish-orange sandstone, is worth the trek alone. There are 13 backcountry campsites at various points along the trail, too. The trail only changes 1,000 feet in elevation over 14 miles, making this a great option for newbie backpackers or people looking for a quick escape to the backcountry. You can reserve some campsites on recreation.gov, but most are first-come, first-served. Hikers must pick up permits in person at Kolob Canyon Wilderness Desk. 

Kayenta and Emerald Pools Trails

Due to a bridge closure, to access the three Emerald Pools at Zion, start at the Kayenta trailhead and take the trail approximately 0.9 miles to the spur trails for the upper, middle and lower Emerald Pools. Perfect for summertime, the hike takes you close enough to several waterfalls that you can feel the mist around you. It’s important to note that no swimming is allowed at any of the pools, in order to protect the delicate ecosystem. The trails can be sandy and rocky with moderate drop-offs, so bring grippy footwear. 

Watchman Trail 

If you’ve only got one afternoon in Zion and want to make the most of your time, head for the Watchman Trail. It’s right next to the Zion Canyon visitors center, which makes it easy for one-day-only visitors to access. In just two hours on the trail, you’ll see lower Zion Canyon, Temples, and Towers of the Virgin, a group of jutting stone monoliths, and Watchman Peak, an imposing 6,555-foot-tall sandstone spire. The trail is well-maintained with good waymarking, and should be easy enough for older kids. 

West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout 

If you’re bummed about not getting an Angels Landing permit, this trail to Scout Lookout is the next best thing. The hike to Scout Lookout provides views of Angels Landing and the Great White Throne, a large sandstone rock face, and it has plenty of the strenuous hiking and nerve-inducing heights that Angels Landing is famous for. The lookout itself is a large, flat, and somewhat shaded area ideal for enjoying a picnic before heading back. Note: It’s 0.5 miles from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing. You don’t need permits for Scout Lookout. But, to continue on, you’ll need permits at the junction of West Rim and the spur trail to Angels Landing.