16 U.S. Hikes You Can Only Dream Of Unless You Can Get a Permit
The United States is lined with incredible hikes every naturalist wants to enjoy, but this is easier said than done. Among hundreds of hiking trails, a few stand out for their immense beauty, stunning views, and intensive paths, which is also why they’re highly exclusive and are tough to get in:
The Wave, Coyote Buttes North, Arizona/Utah
Straddling the border between Arizona and Utah, the Wave is a popular hiking route boasting undulating rocky cliffs streaked with multiple hues. However, the Coyote Buttes North route is typically under-shadowed by most of the trail, mainly because this specific route only gives out 64 permits per day, obtained through a competitive lottery system. To win, tourists must apply months in advance but can try their luck at walk-in permits a day before.
Havasupai and Havasu Falls, Arizona
A stunning sheen of turquoise cascading below, the Havasupai and Havasu Falls hiking trail in Arizona is one of the most majestic you’ll ever see. Although it makes for a stunning hike, the area is closed off for the safety of the local Havusupai tribe, which lives nearby. To hike the area, tourists must make reservations months in advance and secure a permit to visit. Once secured, hikers can make their way to a 10-mile-long journey, which offers a stunning view.
Half Dome, Yosemite
One of the most thrilling hikes in the U.S., Half Dome stands out amid the heart of Yosemite National Park and witnesses an incredible crowd eager to reach it. The climb requires access to the Half Dome cables, which have a strict limit of 300 hikers daily. This number didn’t materialize out of thin air; it was purposely constructed to preserve the area and ensure it remained secure. Tourists must enter a lottery months in advance to acquire permits to explore the area.
Mount Whitney Trail, California
Yet another hiking trail requiring permits to allow access, Mount Whitney Trail in California, boasts some of the finest alpine views. Its stunning beauty and extreme elevation make it one of the most sought-after and yet challenging hikes, which is why it remains exclusive, and hikers prefer to pair up with a hiking guide. The hike is popular during fall, so most hikers apply in early spring, hoping to be nominated. Once allowed, tourists are graced by breathtaking sights.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
A rim-to-rim journey across the infamous Grand Canyon is tougher than it sounds; the epic trek requires hikers to scale jagged paths and carefully reach their destination. This challenging nature amps its popularity, which limits tourists visiting the day to avoid overcrowding. Tourists require permits for overnight stays but are encouraged to apply for day passes to ensure they won’t encounter any problems. You might need to clear a day hike depending on your visit time.
Angels Landing, Utah
With a narrow spine leading to a high destination and terrifying drops on each side, Angel’s Landing is one of the toughest hikes and isn’t for the faint of heart. Its ferocious nature makes it exclusive enough, and although tourists don’t require permits, they must enter into a raffle to determine who gets to visit. Since it’s located in the Zion National Park, tourists are encouraged to apply for permits for easier access.
John Muir Trail, California
A long-distance trail stretching nearly 210 miles and passing Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks, the John Muir Trail is a dream come true for nature-loving adventure seekers. Naturally, the trail takes a few days, so tourists must apply for overnight passes and day-hiking permits. The trail is exclusive, with permit systems starting in late winter and only revealing participants in late spring.
The Enchantments, Washington
Home to an extensive larch forest, alpine lakes, and jagged peaks, Enchantments is Washington’s mystical land. Its beauty is incredibly fragile, so tourists are rarely allowed access until they go through a winning system to decide on permits and overnight passes. Before sharing permits, tourists are vetted and given multiple precautionary advice to proceed.
Denali Road, Alaska
The Denali National Park boasts Denali, North America’s highest peak, making it one of the most sought-after destinations. Its crippling routes, winding trails, and close encounters with local wildlife amp up its exclusivity, so tourists must enter into a lottery system to gain access. Even after winning, tourists are highly encouraged to visit with tour guides to avoid problems.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Although Grand Teton National Park doesn’t have a lottery system and doesn’t even require permits for day hikes, its majestic nature and countless bounties make it one of the most popular destinations. Due to a natural increase in demand, tourists are encouraged to apply for a permit months in advance so they aren’t turned back due to overcrowding.
The Narrows, Utah
A deep gorge carved by the Virgin Rivers in the heart of Zion National Park, the Narrows allows hikers to explore carved riverbeds and towering canyons, which naturally require a careful trek. The area is also prone to seasonal flash flooding and harsh weather conditions; although tourists don’t necessarily need day hike permits, they must clear their entrance early to avoid accidents.
Subway, Utah
Yet another stunning route in Zion National Park, Subway is a tunnel-like canyon forged by centuries of water erosion. The road is understandably narrow with challenging terrain, coupled with its delicate ecosystem, and it becomes one of the most exclusive hikes in the U.S. The route is so fragile that it only allows tourists with a raffle-distributed permit and sends them back should they lack it.
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
A delicate trail spanning close to 11 miles and bordering the Na Pali coast, the Kalalau trail in Hawaii takes tourists from the typical beach destination onto rugged terrain. The trail stands out for its sharp inclines and intense river crossings, and although it has a rewarding view, it creates a lot of room for permits. Tourists must apply months in advance to get the permit, allowing them access to Hanakāpīʻai beach.
Culebra Peak, Colorado
Culebra Peak can only be accessed with a paid permit from the landowner. It’s best to discuss your plan weeks in advance because the landowner limits the number of hikers, allowing only a few to pass through. Climbers eventually make their way to a tough hike, which leads to bird’ s-eye views from the peak.
The Wonderland Trail, Mount Rainier
Although tourists don’t necessarily require a permit to hike during the day, they are highly encouraged to apply for a wilderness one to stay secure. The same wilderness permit becomes a necessity for all overnight passes, mainly because of the park’s sensitive ecosystem and to ensure campers’ security, who might run into native animals. Additionally, all hikers are encouraged to go with a tour guide because of the park’s sensitive weather conditions.
16 Beginner-Friendly Hikes Around the World with Views That’ll Etch into Your Memory
16 Beginner-Friendly Hikes Around the World with Views That’ll Etch into Your Memory
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.