15 U.S. Hikes You’ll Need Luck and a Permit to Experience

Some trails are so exclusive in the hiking world that they require both luck and a permit to experience. These 15 hikes across the United States aren’t just outdoor adventures but rare opportunities to witness some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. Ready to jump through hoops for a bit of nature? Let’s go!

The Wave, Arizona

Ever wanted to walk through a Salvador Dalí painting? Well, the Wave in Arizona’s Coyote Buttes North area lets you do just that, minus the melting clocks. This surreal 6-mile round trip trek through swirling sandstone formations is what Instagram dreams are made of. 

But here’s the catch: only 20 lucky souls get permits each day through a lottery system that makes winning the lottery seem easy. If you do manage to snag a permit, prepare to be amazed by the undulating waves of red and orange rock. It’s a photographer’s paradise and a hiker’s dream — assuming you get in.

Half Dome, California

If you fancy entering a lottery for the privilege of torturing yourself on a 14-16 mile round trip hike, welcome to Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Thousands of hopefuls enter each year, dreaming of the moment they’ll clutch those infamous cables and haul themselves up a near-vertical rock face. It’s a brutal climb, but the panoramic views are worth every drop of sweat and tear. You’ll see Yosemite’s sweeping valleys, majestic peaks, and maybe even a sunset if you time it right. Good luck; you’re going to need it.

The Enchantments, Washington

The Enchantments are exactly what they sound like — an alpine wonderland straight out of a Tolkien novel! Nestled in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, this 18-20 mile trek is as grueling as it is gorgeous. Permits are a must, especially for the coveted core zone, where turquoise lakes and granite peaks create a scene so stunning you’ll forget how much your legs hurt. Wildflower meadows, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and dramatic rock formations make this hike a visual feast. It’s tough, it’s beautiful, and it’s totally worth the permit lottery nightmare.

Havasu Falls, Arizona

Deep in the heart of the Havasupai Reservation lies Havasu Falls, a turquoise oasis that awaits you. Getting a permit is harder than finding a needle in a haystack, with reservations opening in February and selling out faster than a Beyoncé concert. The 10-mile hike to the falls is a slog through rugged Grand Canyon terrain, but once you arrive, the stunning blue-green waterfalls will calm your mind and satisfy your soul.

Mount Whitney, California

At 14,505 feet, Mount Whitney is the tallest peak in the contiguous United States, and climbing it is a rite of passage for serious hikers. The 22-mile round trip is a brutal test of endurance, with permits awarded through a lottery system that feels like a game of chance. This trail takes you from dense forests to barren, rocky slopes, and altitude sickness is a common adversary. But if you manage to reach the summit, the panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada will amaze you. Just don’t forget your lucky rabbit’s foot.

Zion Narrows, Utah

Is your idea of a hike through a river? The Zion Narrows lets you do just that, with a unique trek through the Virgin River in a deep slot canyon. Permits are required for the top-down hike starting from Chamberlain’s Ranch — a 16-mile adventure typically done over two days. You’ll wade, and sometimes swim, through the river, surrounded by towering canyon walls. The ever-changing conditions of the river add an element of unpredictability, making this a wet and wild adventure. It’s a hike that offers a perspective on nature’s raw power and beauty, and it’s worth every bit of the hassle.

Kalalau Trail, Hawaii

The Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast is one of the world’s most beautiful — and dangerous — hikes. This 11-mile trek along dramatic coastal cliffs requires permits for camping at Kalalau Beach, which cost $35 per person per day and sell out faster than you can say “aloha.” The trail is treacherous, with steep drop-offs and often muddy paths, but the views are jaw-dropping. You can expect lush tropical scenery and dramatic cliffs on this hike.

Denali, Alaska

There is no doubt that Denali National Park is an adventurer’s dream, but climbing to its summit is at a whole other level of crazy. At 20,310 feet, it’s North America’s highest peak, and it requires serious mountaineering skills, a permit, and a tolerance for extreme cold and unpredictable weather. 

The climb can take several weeks, with physical exhaustion and altitude sickness as constant companions. But those who make it to the top are rewarded with unparalleled views and the satisfaction of conquering one of the toughest climbs in the world.

The Subway, Utah

Imagine a hike that combines rappelling, swimming, and stunning rock formations. This 9-mile round trip requires technical skills and a permit, making it one of the more challenging hikes on this list. The highlight is the famous Subway section, where the canyon narrows into a tunnel-like formation with crystal-clear pools. It’s a hike that demands physical prowess and a sense of adventure, but the surreal beauty of the canyon makes every effort worthwhile. Just don’t forget to pack your courage and a camera.

Mount St. Helens, Washington

A hike to Mount St. Helens’s crater rim offers a front-row seat to nature’s raw power. The 8.2-mile round trip takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush forests to barren pumice plains and steep, rocky slopes. Permits are required to limit the number of visitors and preserve the delicate environment. As you ascend, you’ll witness the stark terrain left by the 1980 eruption. You can peer into the active crater from the rim, a stark reminder of the mountain’s explosive past.

Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim, Arizona

A monumental challenge that few undertake is hiking from one rim of the Grand Canyon to the other. This 24-mile one-way trek requires permits for overnight camping in the canyon and involves extreme temperature changes and significant elevation shifts. Starting from the North Rim, the trail descends into the canyon, crosses the Colorado River, and then ascends to the South Rim. The journey is physically demanding, but the sheer grandeur of the canyon, the diverse ecosystems, and the sense of accomplishment make it an unforgettable experience.

Coyote Gulch, Utah

Coyote Gulch, located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, is a gem that offers a serene escape into nature’s beauty. This 11-mile round-trip hike requires a permit for overnight stays and takes you through towering red rock walls, natural arches, and lush streamside vegetation. 

The hike itself is relatively gentle compared to others on this list, but the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. With its isolation and tranquility, the gulch is perfect for those who want to get close to nature without crowds.

Iceberg Lake, Montana

In Glacier National Park, the hike to the lake is a must for those seeking stunning alpine scenery. Surrounded by towering cliffs, Iceberg Lake offers a tranquil and picturesque setting that feels untouched by time. 

The 9.7-mile round-trip hike requires a permit during peak season and takes you through lush meadows and dense forests to a lake often dotted with floating icebergs, even in summer. While moderately difficult, the breathtaking views and the chance to see icebergs up close make it a unique adventure. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including bears commonly spotted in this area.

Lost Coast Trail, California

The Lost Coast Trail is a remote and rugged 25-mile trek along California’s northern coastline requiring overnight camping permits. This multi-day hike takes you through some of the country’s most isolated and unspoiled coastal wilderness. You’ll traverse sandy beaches, rocky headlands, and only passable sections at low tide. The isolation and wild beauty of the area are captivating, with the constant roar of the ocean as your soundtrack. It’s a challenging hike that requires careful planning, but the reward is an immersive experience in one of California’s last truly wild places.

Wonderland Trail, Washington

Encircling Mount Rainier, the Wonderland Trail is a legendary 93-mile loop that demands serious dedication and preparation. Permits for backcountry camping are required, and completing the entire trail typically takes 10-14 days. 

The trail features significant elevation changes, with climbs and descents through dense forests, alpine meadows, and glacial landscapes. Views of Mount Rainier are spectacular, offering a constantly changing panorama of the iconic peak. There are a variety of ecosystems in the area, and there is a degree of challenge that makes the hike a bucket-list adventure for serious hikers.