Lonely PlanetAug 24, 2026
The Best Permit-Only Hikes in the US – and How to Actually Get a Spot
Navigate the permit systems and secure a spot on these top hiking trails in the USA.
25 things in this story
- Mt WhitneyTrailTallest mountain in the Lower 48, requires wilderness permits.
- Inyo National ForestSightForest where one route for Mt Whitney begins.
- Whitney PortalTrailMost popular starting point for Mt Whitney hike.
- Alabama HillsNature reserveUnderrated area near Mt Whitney worth visiting.
- Elsewhere
- Half DomeSightYosemite Valley, United StatesInfamous Yosemite hike requiring permits when cables are up.
- Sequoia National ParkPlaceThree Rivers, United StatesPark where one route for Mt Whitney begins.
- Kalalau TrailTrailHāʻena, United StatesSpectacularly rugged trail to cliff-framed Kalalau Beach.
- Hāʻena State ParkSightHāʻena, United StatesPark providing access to the Kalalau Trail.
- The WaveTrailPage, United StatesLayered orange and pink sandstone swirls in rugged desert.
- Wire Pass TrailheadTrailPage, United StatesTrailhead for The Wave, 1 hour from Page, Arizona.
- Angels LandingTrailZion, United StatesSteep, narrow trail with chains and sheer drops.
- The GrottoSightZion, United StatesStarting area for the Angels Landing hike.
- Refrigerator CanyonSightZion, United StatesScenic canyon passed through on Angels Landing hike.
- Walter’s WigglesSightZion, United StatesFamed switchbacks on the Angels Landing trail.
- The EnchantmentsTrailLeavenworth, United StatesUnspoiled wilderness with craggy peaks and glassy lakes.
- Alpine Lakes WildernessSightLeavenworth, United StatesWilderness area in the Cascade Mountains.
- Stuart LakeTrailLeavenworth, United StatesPopular starting point for The Enchantments hike.
- Leavenworth Ranger StationSightLeavenworth, United StatesLocation for daily lottery for The Enchantments permits.
- Mist TrailTrailYosemite Valley, United StatesTrailhead for Half Dome hikes in Yosemite Valley.
- Curry Village tent cabinsHotelYosemite Valley, United StatesLodging near Half Dome trailhead in Yosemite Valley.
- Nāpali CoastSightHāʻena, United StatesSpectacular coastline on Kauaʻi, accessible by boat, helicopter, or trail.
- Snow LakesTrailLeavenworth, United States
- Leavenworth ShuttlePlaceLeavenworth, United States
- Loop ConnectorPlaceLeavenworth, United States
- Pizza DeckRestaurantYosemite Valley, United States
