TRAVELRAGS

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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
  • Angels LandingTrailSteep, narrow trail with chains and sheer drops.
  • The GrottoSightStarting area for the Angels Landing hike.
  • Refrigerator CanyonSightScenic canyon passed through on Angels Landing hike.
  • Walter’s WigglesSightFamed switchbacks on the Angels Landing 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

OutsideJul 3

'Comfort in the Wild': Lodges and Glamping Escapes, No Roughing it Required

You do not have to sleep on the ground or skip hot showers to enjoy America’s most beautiful wild spaces. These incredible lodges and glamping spots offer the best of nature—without any of the roughing it.

12 things in this story
  • Lone Mountain RanchHotelBig Sky, United StatesWooden cabins for trail rides, hikes, yoga, archery.
  • Everglades National ParkSightMiami, United StatesUnique ecosystem with sharp-edged grasses, snakes, and muck.
  • Flamingo LodgeHotelMiami, United StatesSuites with sitting room, small kitchen, separate bedroom.
  • Clark Farm SilosHotelKalispell, United StatesCylindrical metal towers converted into cozy guest lodgings.
  • Glacier National ParkMotelKalispell, United StatesPark with icy peaks and grain fields.
  • Moose Meadow Lodge and TreehouseHotelWaterbury, United StatesTwo-story log cottage hanging from mature pine trees.
  • Mendocino GroveHotelMendocino, United StatesTent camping with heated beds in a redwood forest.
  • Horn and Cantle RestaurantRestaurantBig Sky, United StatesSophisticated menu featuring tuna tartare, elk ravioli.
  • 320 Guest RanchHotelBig Sky, United StatesSituated between Yellowstone Park and Big Sky Ski Resort on more than 320 acres of pristine Montana nature, 320 Guest…
  • Black SageRestaurantZion National Park, United StatesAward-winning restaurant featuring cornmeal-crusted walleye.
  • ExploraHotelTorres del Paine National Park, ChileAdventure lodge in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile.
  • Open Sky ZionHotelZion National Park, United StatesGlamping tents with heat, AC, private decks, and room service.
Read the full piece at Outside →
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