OutsideMar 25, 2026
These Permit-Free Adventures Are Just as Epic as Half Dome, Angels Landing, or Teton Crest
Did you miss the permit window for Angel’s Landing, Half Dome, or the Teton Crest Trail? We have 10 alternatives to keep your next outing epic, even if you didn’t nab a reservation.
22 things in this story
- Alice-Toxaway LoopTrail18.8-mile loop through Sawtooth Wilderness.
- Alice LakeSightAlpine lake with sunrise reflections of El Capitan.
- Toxaway LakeSightAlpine lake with flat, sun-baked slabs.
- Twin LakesSightAlpine lakes flanked by granite slopes.
- Elsewhere
- El CapitanSightYosemite National Park, United StatesThe granite monolith is about 3,000 feet (914 m) from base to summit along its tallest face and is a world-famous…
- Desolation WildernessTrailLake Tahoe, United StatesMoonscape with erratic rocks and open ridges.
- Tahoe Rim TrailTrailLake Tahoe, United States167-mile loop around Lake Tahoe.
- Cloud’s RestTrailYosemite National Park, United StatesStrenuous hike with panoramic 360-degree views.
- Tenaya LakeSightYosemite National Park, United StatesElectric blue lake visible from Cloud's Rest.
- The SpineTrailYosemite National Park, United StatesRocky, narrow route to Cloud's Rest summit.
- Watchman TrailTrailZion National Park, United StatesShort hike with broad vista of river valley.
- Washakie Pass LoopTrailWind River Range, United States36.5 untamed miles in the Wind River Range.
- Cirque of the TowersSightWind River Range, United StatesHorseshoe-shaped, many-spired peaks above 12,000 feet.
- Coyote Gulch Loop TrailTrailGrand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, United StatesSlot canyon hike with arches and natural bridges.
- Jacob Hamblin ArchSightGrand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, United StatesArch in the landscape, good resting spot.
- Virgin RiverSightZion National Park, United StatesAquamarine river cutting through desert sandstone.
- Beaten PathTrailRed Lodge, United StatesTrek through Beartooth-Abroska Wilderness.
- Buckskin GulchTrailWire Pass Trail, United StatesLongest continuous slot canyon, requires scrambling and wading.
- Lizard Head PlateauSightWind River Range, United StatesHighest point on Washakie Pass Loop with wraparound views.
- Cathedral RocksSightYosemite National Park, United States
- Beartooth HighwayPlaceRed Lodge, United States
- Watchman PeakSightZion National Park, United States