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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
  • Kalalau TrailTrailSpectacularly rugged trail to cliff-framed Kalalau Beach.
  • Hāʻena State ParkSightPark providing access to the Kalalau Trail.
  • Nāpali CoastSightSpectacular coastline on Kauaʻi, accessible by boat, helicopter, or trail.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Mt WhitneyTrailLone Pine, United StatesTallest mountain in the Lower 48, requires wilderness permits.
  • Inyo National ForestSightLone Pine, United StatesForest where one route for Mt Whitney begins.
  • Whitney PortalTrailLone Pine, United StatesMost popular starting point for Mt Whitney hike.
  • Alabama HillsNature reserveLone Pine, United StatesUnderrated area near Mt Whitney worth visiting.
  • 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.
  • Snow LakesTrailLeavenworth, United States
  • Leavenworth ShuttlePlaceLeavenworth, United States
  • Loop ConnectorPlaceLeavenworth, United States
  • Pizza DeckRestaurantYosemite Valley, United States
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

OutsideApr 30

The 9 Dreamiest Beach Camping Escapes Across the U.S.

Beach camping sites are hard to find and reserve the closer you get to peak season, so we won't gatekeep. Book these coveted spots from Assateague Island to the Kalalau Trail, before they are gone.

23 things in this storyRead the full piece at Outside →
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