The hardest part of backpacking the Enchantments isn't the 2,200-foot Aasgard Pass scramble. It's getting the permit. We entered the lottery three times before succeeding. Here's everything we've learned about navigating the US permit system — for the Enchantments, Zion Narrows, and beyond.
Why Permits Exist
The most beautiful backcountry areas in the US are capacity-constrained. The Enchantments Core Zone has a handful of established campsites; the top-down Narrows has a limited number of sandy river camps. Without permits, these areas would be loved to destruction — and some already show the scars of years before quota systems were introduced.
The permit system is frustrating when you're on the outside of it. It's worth it when you arrive at a trail that still feels wild.
Recreation.gov: How the System Works
The vast majority of federally managed backcountry permits go through Recreation.gov. The system has two main mechanisms:
- Lottery: You enter a date range and zone preference. Winners are drawn randomly. Used for the Enchantments, Mount Whitney, Havasupai, and other high-demand permits.
- First-come reservation: A set number of permits release at a specific time — usually 6 months before the date at midnight PST. Used for Zion Narrows overnight, most Yosemite permits, Olympic NP wilderness.
The Enchantments Lottery: A Realistic Strategy
The Enchantments permit lottery opens in February for the summer/fall season. Here's how to maximise your chances:
- Apply for shoulder season dates (late September, early October). Snow is possible but crowds are lower, and competition for permits is slightly reduced.
- Apply for all zones. Core Zone is the goal but Snow Zone and Colchuck Zone permits also allow beautiful trips.
- Solo or pair applications win more often than groups of 4+. If you're flexible on group size, apply for 1-2 people.
- Enter every year. The odds are roughly 10-15% per application for peak dates. Three years of applications puts you in reasonable probability territory.
- Check for cancellations. Recreation.gov releases cancelled permits in real time. Set a notification for your target dates and check daily in the weeks before.
Zion Narrows Overnight Permit
The top-down Narrows overnight permit releases at midnight PST, exactly 3 months before the trip date. This is a first-come reservation — no lottery. The strategy:
- Set an alarm for 11:55 PM PST on the night before the 3-month mark.
- Have your Recreation.gov account ready with payment info saved.
- The most popular dates (weekends in May, September) sell out in minutes.
- Weekday permits are significantly easier to get — and the canyon is quieter.
- Know your alternative dates before midnight. Have backups ready.
Olympic National Park Wilderness Permits
Olympic NP uses a combination of a small lottery for peak-season Shi Shi Beach permits and walk-up availability for many other areas. The Makah Tribal permit (required for Shi Shi access) is separate from the NPS wilderness permit — you need both, and the Makah permit must be purchased from the Makah Nation directly before you arrive.
See our full Shi Shi Beach guide for the exact two-permit process.
General Permit Tips
- America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year) covers entrance fees but not backcountry permits — don't confuse the two.
- Group size matters. Smaller groups have more permit availability and lower fees.
- Read the exact regulations for your zone. Some areas have fire restrictions, bear canister requirements, or camping setback rules that vary by location within the same permit area.
- Don't skip the permit. Rangers do check, fines are significant, and the social contract of protecting these areas is worth taking seriously.
The three years of failed Enchantments lottery applications made the eventual permit feel like it meant something. There's a version of this story where easy access ruins what makes these places special.