Permit hikes afford trekkers the chance to explore the outdoors with fewer crowds. Not all trails are created equal, and there are those strictly protected to preserve their landscape, wildlife, and ecology. Permit hikes are essential in places deemed sacred, too. Securing permits is the first step to adventure, and the United States has some of the best trails for hikers who want to get out there.
Not anyone is patient in getting permits, but those who successfully do so will have the chance to commune with Mother Nature without the throng of people. Hiking, after all, is one of the best ways to appreciate nature’s grand show.
10 Havasu Falls
Tourists will have a slice of paradise in Havasu Falls; a landmark tucked in the Grand Canyon. This mesmerizing attraction is one of the most sought-after in Arizona – if not the world. It is located in the lands of the Havasupai people, so visiting it is highly regulated, as it should be, because its magnificence needs to be protected for future generations. It is recommended to visit from February to November, and a prior campground or lodge reservation is required. The overnight trip is always worthwhile when trekkers reach the mesmerizing falls.
9 Half Dome Cables Route
At 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is one of Yosemite National Park’s iconic attractions. A report once said that it is “perfectly inaccessible,” yet George G. Anderson reached its summit in 1875, establishing the permanent route to “one of the prominent points about the Yosemite which never has been, and never will be, trodden by human foot.” Day hikers need to secure a permit via lottery before they can follow the footsteps of Anderson and declare, once atop, that they have conquered what the early people deemed impenetrable.
8 John Muir Trail
It is challenging to secure a permit for a hike through John Muir Trail because many trekkers are eager to get one, so the competition is tough. It’s not surprising that backpackers want to conquer this Sierra Nevada trail because it’s packed with wonders that will ease their worries. Some say it even has “the finest mountain scenery” in the country, something to entice adventurers. From canyons and cliffs to lakes and peaks, John Muir Trail makes for a hiking paradise. Add the calming climate, and anyone visiting this California charmer will have a journey that's one for the books.
7 Coyote Buttes North
Also known as The Wave, Coyote Buttes North is one of the most stunning formations in the scenic Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Being enveloped by this Utah-Arizona landmark is awe-inspiring, with the rock formations creating a seemingly out-of-this-world panorama. The permits are for day use only and can be secured via lottery. While hiking, trekkers will enjoy taking snaps of geological wonders, and they can even head to the dinosaur tracks. Stepping back in time has never been this good, thanks to The Wave.
6 Kalalau Trail
When in Hawaii, tourists might as well go for a hike through Kalalau Trail on the island of Kauai. This scenic route along the Na Pali Coast starts from the northern shore of the island along Keʻe Beach up to Kalalau Valley. It was once dubbed one of the most dangerous trails in the country but affords tourists unmatched panoramas. Permits are required even for day hikers whose endpoint is Hanakāpīʻai Valley (first two miles of the trail), and a camping permit is necessary for those going beyond this point.
5 Mt. Whitney Trail
Those up for a challenge when exploring California outdoors should head to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous U.S. It has an elevation of 4,418 meters above sea level, and the trail reaches an elevation of over 1,800 m. Permits are acquired via lottery, whether trekkers plan to have a day hike or conquer the trail overnight. A round-trip hike will cover 22 miles, so visitors should prepare for a challenging climb of up to 14 hours. Atop, there’s nothing but fulfillment.
4 Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim
It is possible to hike the Grand Canyon from rim to rim, especially from mid-May to mid-October when the road to the North Rim is open. This bucket list adventure is the best way to get the most out of this Arizona wonder. The journey can start from North Kaibab Trail up to Bright Angel Trail or 24 miles of fun one way. Hiking any part of the Grand Canyon is already an exciting experience, but doing it rim-to-rim makes the experience extra special. Imagine the conversations when tourists share how they finished this difficult trek.
3 The Narrows
Conquering The Narrows means having the widest smile because this destination in Zion National Park aims to impress. It got its name for being the narrowest section of Zion Canyon and is one of the most popular attractions in the park. A permit is needed for tourists who plan to finish the 16-mile trek through the Virgin River Narrows, where the towering canyon and the gorge work together to deliver a superb outdoor experience. Utah is lucky to have this gem, and luckier are those who successfully conquer it.
2 The Enchantments
The aptly named region of Enchantments in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is famous for its pristine lakes. Hiking it during winter, spring, summer, or fall means enjoying the best show of Mother Nature, thanks to the crystal-clear waters that play with the lights, creating a grand display of colors, be it sunrise or sunset. Add the calming sounds of nature, and those visiting it for a trek will have a rewarding experience. Day hikers need to secure a permit, especially those touring during its peak season from mid-May to October. This Washington wonder is enchanting, indeed.
1 Angels Landing
Another Zion National Park attraction, Angels Landing, is indeed heaven-sent as it provides stunning views of the canyon. The recommended time to visit this Utah charmer is from early spring to mid-autumn, the perfect season to drink in the sights and sounds of the surrounding. Once a permit is secured, trekkers will have a rewarding journey through a trail with 1,500 vertical feet and an elevation of 5,790 feet. The numbers are enticing, enough to satisfy a hiker’s wanderlust.