Matador Network's Blog, page 67
January 21, 2025
This Tropical Island Has Some of the Most Unique Food in Africa
Most travelers landing in Zanzibar grab their bags and head straight for the white sand beaches and warm waters of Paje, Jambiani, or Nungwi. It makes sense — the tropical island in East Africa, located just off the coast of mainland Tanzania, is best known for its miles and miles of gorgeous coastline.
Resorts and hotels line those beaches with sunset views, infinity pools, and stylish restaurants every few steps. It’s easy to spend a week there without leaving the shoreline (or even your lounge chair).
But skipping Zanzibar’s cultural capital, Stone Town, means missing out on something special. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town is a living museum of Swahili culture with Arab, Indian, and European influences reflected in its winding alleyways, vibrant markets, and historic architecture.
And as with most destinations, its historical influences have shaped its food. From fragrant spices to fresh seafood and fruits plucked straight from trees, the island’s dishes tell the story of its history. And in the last few years, a handful of culinary tours, cooking classes, and farm-to-table experiences have made it easier than ever to gain a deep understanding of Zanzibar’s food culture.
Fresh seafood is a staple of Zanzibari cuisine. Photo: Denys R/Shutterstock
Zanzibar’s food culture is a reflection of its history as a key trading hub in the Indian Ocean.
For centuries, the island’s strategic location attracted merchants, settlers, and travelers from Africa, the Middle East, India, and Europe. Each left their culinary mark.
“We have all these different cultures that have influenced us. Our history is so rich. This is what makes Zanzibari cuisine different from the rest of Swahili cuisine,” says Maskat Shineni, founder of Mamas of Zanzibar, a Swahili cooking class that teaches visitors how to prepare traditional Zanzibari dishes. Swahili cuisine spans East Africa’s coastal regions, including Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania, and is known for its slow-cooked coastal dishes with bright flavors and fragrant spices.
At its core, Zanzibari food is defined by what the island provides. Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and staples like cassava, plantains, and sweet potatoes form the foundation of many of its dishes. Coconut is a key ingredient thanks to the island’s plentiful palm trees, and is used in cooking far more often than in Tanzania’s mainland cities, such as Dar Es Salaam.
Urojo is a popular dish in Zanzibari cuisine. Photo: CapturedNouns/Shutterstock
Spices are another hallmark. Originally brought by Arab traders for commerce, spices have become deeply ingrained in Zanzibari food. But what sets it apart is how these spices are layered to create bolder, more complex flavors. “Our main spice is the clove—this is the karafuu,” Shineni notes. Cloves, grown abundantly in Zanzibar, impart a sweet warmth that defines many of the island’s dishes, like pilau rice. “We also use cardamom, black pepper, turmeric, and ginger,” she adds, explaining that the way Zanzibaris blend these spices is what makes them distinct. For example, cloves are paired with coconut milk in curries to create a rich, fragrant base.
Zanzibar’s cuisine highlights its history in other ways, too. Omani traders introduced pilau spices. Indian settlers brought curries, chapati, and samosas. Portuguese traders added citrus fruits to the mix, and British colonists helped shape tea culture.
Even with these layers of influence, Zanzibari cuisine keeps its own distinctive identity. One local favorite is kisamvu — cassava leaves that are pounded with garlic, onion, chili, and salt, before being boiled and finished with coconut milk. “When you’re pounding the leaves, the smell is so delicious,” says Shineni.
Seafood stews, like samaki wa kupaka (whole fish cooked in coconut milk with turmeric), are also staples, especially in coastal and rural areas. Breakfasts are typically hearty, boiled dishes like cassava and fish soup, and for celebrations, biryani takes center stage. It’s a tradition introduced through the island’s Indian populations. “Every Friday, you’ll find biryani and pilau on the menu in most homes. The spices give it a wonderful aroma,” explains Shineni.
The night market in Stone Town is popular with both locals and tourists. Photo: damn12/Shutterstock
Zanzibar is also home to tasty street foods, like urojo, also known as Zanzibar mix. This tangy, soup-like dish is made with a turmeric-infused mango broth and is typically served with a mix of fritters, boiled potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and spiced meat or seafood. Coconut chutney, chili, and tamarind sauce are added as toppings.
Another popular street food is Zanzibar pizza, a savory and slightly sweet flatbread dish that’s pan-fried to golden perfection and stuffed with ingredients like minced meat, vegetables, egg, and cheese. You’ll find both dishes at a handful of busy booths at the Forodhani Gardens Night Market in Stone Town.
A fresh spread during a Mamas of Zanzibar cooking class. Photo: Riley Chervinski
One of the best ways to experience Zanzibar’s traditional food culture is through a cooking class, like the ones run by Mamas of Zanzibar. Located just outside Stone Town, this half-day experience introduces you to some of the island’s time-honored dishes while connecting you to the women who keep them alive.
Founder Shineni hosts the classes in her own home, giving guests a chance to cook the way locals do, rather than being in a hotel setting or commercial kitchen.
In her classes, guests start at the local market, where they shop alongside the Mamas, helping pick fresh ingredients for their dishes. Back at the open-air kitchen, you’ll roll up your sleeves and learn to make dishes like the aforementioned kisamvu and samaki wa kupaka, or ndizi tamu (plantains in coconut milk). Students use traditional tools like the mbuzi (coconut grater) and cook over clay charcoal stoves called seredani – two everyday staples of Zanzibar food preparation.
Shineni worked in hotels on the island for more than 15 years, during which time she realized that typical tours and activities were leaving guests feeling disconnected from the local culture.
She notes that guests would come to her wanting authentic experiences, which was difficult, as “most of the activities we had were touristy, so cliche, so advertised, and not really traditional,” she says. So, she started Mamas of Zanzibar to fill that gap in the tourist market and give guests a glimpse into local life.
Visitors to Zanzibar can also learn to cook straight from the source at Msonge Organic Family Farm, about 20 minutes outside Stone Town. The farm’s cooking classes give visitors hands-on experience with traditional Swahili dishes, using fresh ingredients harvested directly from the surrounding fields. The farm also offers farm tours to learn about Zanzibar’s native and introduced crops, see (and taste) what’s in season, and see how the small farm is using modern organic farming techniques.
Lunch dishes at Msonge Farm. Photo: Riley Chervinski
In Zanzibari culture, dining is seen as a way to build community and celebrate life. Meals are traditionally shared, and sitting on the floor to eat, a common practice in Swahili households, creates an intimate atmosphere.
Even today, this communal style of dining remains especially strong in rural areas and during special occasions, where meals are served on majamvi (Swahili straw mats) and shared from large platters.
You can experience this traditional approach to dining firsthand at Msonge Organic Family Farm. Every Sunday, the farm hosts a farm-to-table lunch, where guests are seated on majamvi in lush gardens surrounded by fruit trees and vegetable fields. The buffet-style meal showcases traditional Swahili dishes made entirely from ingredients grown or raised on the farm, along with freshly pressed juices from seasonal fruits like mango and tamarind.
More information on Msonge Farm’s cooking classes and farm-to-table lunches is available on its Facebook and Instagram pages. Reservations can be made via WhatsApp (+255 778 778 760 or +255 754 536 630).
Photo: Steffen Boerner/Shutterstock
Chumbe Island Coral Park, Zanzibar’s first marine conservation area, is best known for its thriving coral reefs and dense, biodiverse forests, as well as being a critically important sanctuary for endangered sea turtles and rare coconut crabs. It’s also a great place for a delicious, eco-conscious dining experience.
Visitors can book a day trip or stay overnight at the Chumbe Island Eco-Lodge, a small, award-winning eco-resort that operates sustainably and offers immersive experiences for its guests.
Included in a day trip to the island is a Swahili-inspired lunch featuring daily catches like grilled fish in coconut curry and octopus stew. Everything on the menu is prepared with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, and the island’s staff actively follow sustainable fishing guidelines, avoiding ecologically sensitive fish species and promoting alternatives that support their conservation efforts.
Day trips cost $110 USD per person and include boat transport to and from the island, guided activities, and snorkelling equipment. Day trips are limited to ensure minimal environmental impact and can only be booked up to four days in advance. Note that the island is closed for annual maintenance for a month, usually beginning in mid-April.
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Taarab music is the signature sound of Zanzibari culture and is heard especially often during special occasions and evening gatherings on the island.
Originating in the late 19th century, Taarab became a defining musical style in Zanzibar under the patronage of Sultan Barghash bin Said. Its soulful melodies are a fusion of Swahili, Arab, and Indian sounds, performed with instruments like the oud and qanun and accompanied by poetic Swahili lyrics that tell stories of love, longing, and life on the islands.
To experience an evening of tasty Zanzibari food and taarab music, travelers should visit the Emerson on Hurumzi Rooftop Tea House. There, guests sit on colorful Persian rugs, Swahili-style, and can sample a three-course menu of seasonal ingredients sourced from local markets and nearby organic farms. The evening is set to the soulful tunes of traditional taarab music by musicians from the Dhow Countries Music Academy, the only professional music school in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is so much more than just its beaches, and its food scene invites you to connect with its culture, history, and people. Exploring it should be on every traveler’s list. 
How the Royal Observatory Greenwich Became the Center of Time
In 2025, London’s Royal Observatory in Greenwich is celebrating 350 years of interpreting the stars and measuring time around the world.
The science of astronomy has always been an alchemy of observation, calculation, and exploration. For centuries, mariners relied on the stars, and travelers in the Islamic world used astrolabes (handheld navigation tools) to ensure they were facing eastward and the time for daily prayers. But as trading routes developed and maritime power across the world increased, there developed an urgent need for more accurate navigation methods.
The Royal Observatory Greenwich was founded in 1675 by King Charles II and played a crucial role in the development of astronomy and navigation. King Charles II appointed John Flamsteed as the first official government astronomer, known as the “Astronomer Royal,” on March 4 of that year. His instructions were simple: The role of the Astronomer Royal was to study the stars and astronomical movements to calculate longitudes, making navigation safer. Knowing your longitude (an east-west position) and latitude (a north-south position) at sea allowed sailors to know their precise locations, avoid getting blown off course by winds and currents, and map safer routes for fewer shipwrecks.x
The observatory is most famous for defining the Prime Meridian, which divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, and for establishing Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). As the hub of many scientific measurements and discoveries, Greenwich is one of the finest places in the world to appreciate the history behind navigation, time, and space.
The Clipper in front of Greenwich Park. Photo: Aerial-motion/Shutterstock
The best way to get to Greenwich is via the Thames Clipper, a boat on the River Thames, where you’ll have some of the finest views of London. It’s a historic route taken by kings and queens, astronomers, and traders for centuries. (It’s also the route by which Henry VIII’s wife Anne Boleyn left Greenwich in 1536 on her way to be executed at the Tower of London.) Today, a section of this waterway and surrounding buildings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Maritime Greenwich.
Maritime Greenwich has an incredible collection of historic sites, including the National Maritime Museum, the Old Royal Naval College, the Cutty Sark (a nearly 200-year old trading ship) moored in the harbor area, and the Royal Observatory. It’s centered in Greenwich Park, where a walkway winds through the trees up the hill to the Royal Observatory — and one of the finest views of downtown London in the area.
Tickets are 24 pounds ($29.50) for adults and 12 pounds ($14.75) for kids. It includes a self-guided audio tour, but extra activities (like planetarium shows) are extra. You can buy your tickets and choose your admission time in advance online.
Sites of the Royal Observatory GreenwichFlamsteed House
Guests can go inside the original Flamsteed House. Photo: Royal Museums Greenwich/National Maritime Museum, London
Entering Flamsteed House in the Royal Observatory is like stepping back in time. It’s a unique building equipped with powerful telescopes on the upper levels. It’s where Flamsteed and future successors lived with their families (and was probably the ultimate in 17th-century work-from-home setups).
The Royal Astronomers viewed the stars from the “Octagonal Room” above the living quarters, timing and charting their movements, known as transits. From here, Flamsteed also mapped a “transit quadrant,” which became known as the “Greenwich Meridian.” Eventually this became the Prime Meridian (or Zero Degrees Longitude), and is the point from which all points east and west can be measured.
Over the years, as instruments became more sophisticated, successive Astronomers Royal were able to refine the measurements even more, slightly moving the lines. Then, in 1850, a new telescope known as the Airy Transit Circle (named after the seventh Astronomer Royal, George Biddell Airy) was designed for the Royal Observatory. The following year, this became the official instrument measuring time zones around the world.
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A visit to the Royal Observatory wouldn’t be complete without a look at the stars in the adjacent Peter Harrison Planetarium. Led by expert astronomers, the shows provide excellent insights into planetary activities in one of the world’s most famous scientific centers. Multiple shows run every week on themes ranging from exploring the solar system to kids shows, Chinese Astronomy, astronomy and Islam, and special shows in foreign languages and for people with ASD and other sensitivities. Tickets are 12 pounds for adults and 6 pounds for children, or about $14 and $17, respectively.
Photo: Igor Paszkiewicz/Shutterstock
Today, visitors to the Royal Observatory Greenwich can stand on the Prime Meridian, with one foot in the East and one in the West – literally. The Prime Meridian divides the Western and Eastern hemispheres and is the epicenter of the UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) time standard. It’s the single consistent reference point used for setting every other time zone (but is not a time zone in itself) and is used by global and international industries. The aviation sector relies on it for precise flight schedules and air traffic control, finance agencies use for global timestamps, and scientists working around the world use it to ensure observations and measurements are recorded with precise accuracy.
Nearby is the first-ever clock to show the official Greenwich mean time to the public, still standing at the Shepherd Gate entrance near the Prime Meridian line. The next time you have to set your watch for traveling, remember that the origins of why that is begin right here.
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There’s more to see inside the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, including the Great Equatorial Telescope. It’s the world’s eight-largest telescope, still used for astrophotography and mapping double stars (stars that are so close together, they appear to be one). Housed in an onion-domed building, it’s a highlight of any visit to the Royal Observatory. The telescope is rotational and aligned to the earth’s axis, moving parallel to the equator.
Also within the Royal Observatory are fascinating displays of astronomical and navigational interest, including early chronometers used to measure longitude at sea during the 18th century. The famous clocks enabled sailors to both calculate longitude and know the time at sea, preventing marine marine accidents and making trade and commerce safer and more robust.
But it’s not the only innovation developed by Royal Astronomers. In 1767, Astronomer Royal Nevil Maskeline developed a Nautical Almanac. Using the Nautical Almanac involved some mathematical calculations, but was generally less complex than maintaining and operating a highly precise chronometer. Each year, this book of astronomical data was updated by astronomers across the globe, all sending information to Greenwich. It became a critically important tool for navigators around the world, and without it, we may not have the cultural exchanges, knowledge, and bonds the world has today.
There are also changing exhibitions, ranging from displays on pirates and astronauts to deep space phenomenon, night sky photography, naval fashion, and more.
Photo: TheBreadLoaf/Shutterstock
The National Maritime Museum is also in Greenwich Park and has several highly professional and extremely fascinating displays relating to navigation and time. You’ll find exhibits on historical polar exploration, maritime instruments, and clever artifacts relating to astronomical photography. Displays reflect the genius and creativity of the astronomers who worked in Greenwich and across the globe to further science by observing the stars.
Photo: david muscroft/Shutterstock
The Old Royal Naval College dates from 1660 and is rich in history. It was originally planned as a palace for King Charles II, but instead became a hospital for mariners before becoming a Navy college. One of the highlights is the Painted Hall, completed in 1726 to commemorate the “Glorious Revolution:” the accession of King William III and Queen Mary in 1683. The entire ceiling celebrates Britain’s power as a maritime nation and is one of the most important pieces of art from the 18th century, occasionally referred to as “Britain’s Sistine Chapel.”
If you visit, note one corner of the ceiling on which artist James Thornhill painted his friend John Flamsteed predicting a total solar eclipse that fell on April 22, 1715. In his lifetime, Flamsteed correctly mapped more than 3,000 stars, and an atlas he wrote was published posthumously by Thornhill. Also in the painting are references to Nicholas Copernicus and his contribution to science and astronomy.
View of the Royal Observatory Greenwich, after 1774, by John Charnoch. Photo: Royal Museums Greenwich/National Maritime Museum, London
The Royal Observatory will celebrate 350 years in 2025 and is holding several special events, including specialist talks and exhibitions. Organizers are planning special shows throughout the year depicting what the night sky looked like in 1675, as well as presentations on the history and founding of London’s only observatory.
Though the anniversary will be celebrated all year, there are three specific dates that are especially important: March 4, when Flamsteed became the first Astronomer Royal; June 22, when the observatory was formally created; and August 10, when the first stone of the observatory was put in place.
More details are available here and will be added throughout the year.
This Cozy Winter Escape Is a Train Ride Away From NYC
It’s cold outside, it gets dark too quickly, and with every drop in temperature and daylight, I became further convinced that winter is the worst time of year. But just as I started to bemoan the loss of those warm summer days, I found myself hopping a train to the Adirondacks and getting cozy at The Lodge at Schroon Lake, where my perspective began to shift.
Schroon Lake is a hamlet in New York’s Adirondack Park that’s less name-recognizable than neighbors like Lake Placid and Lake George but has nonetheless garnered a reputation for all-season recreation and all-around pleasantness. It’s long been a popular summer destination for New York City residents (and some East Coast Canadians) who head north (or south) to lounge lakeside, hike the nearby trails, and generally enjoy the warm weather.
I visited Schroon Lake just ahead of the winter holidays. Turns out, the popular summer resort has just as many opportunities for cold-weather recreation, and The Lodge at Schroon Lake makes for the perfect base camp during the frosty season.
A lakeside lodge that’s magical in the winter
Photo: Angelique Herring
The stumps of the snow-capped mountains surrounding Schroon Lake were dotted with the warm yellow glow of homes and cabins when I got to The Lodge at Schroon Lake. It was growing darker by the minute as dusk turned to night, but the lights from Christmas decorations lit my path as I slowed down to enjoy a snowy walk over to the lodge’s tavern, The Brown Swan, for a welcome meal. In an instant, Schroon Lake made me fall in love with winter.
The property’s two-bedroom chalets have some of the best views of the lodge’s namesake lake. From the first of two balconies in my spacious cabin-style lodging, I peered beyond the Christmas tree on my porch at the water body below. Adventure-themed accents, like a map of the Adirondacks with miniature metal mountaineers climbing the face of the mountains, helped to set the outdoorsy scene in my room. But the chalets are also outfitted with all of the amenities you need to enjoy a restful stay, including a kitchenette (with a Keurig machine).
Photo: Angelique Herring
Other accommodation options at the Lodge at Schroon Lake include the two-bedroom Owl’s Nest House, rooms and suites in the main lodge, and suites in the separate Longhouse. In the summer, the property also has glamping tents.
Amenities outside of the rooms are largely centered on recreation. There’s a marina that’s open seasonally with kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoon boats for rentals or tours. But even if you’re visiting in winter when the marina is closed, you’ll want to know where it is as a reference point for strolls to the lake. From the top of the marina, just downhill from the lodge, you’ll find one of the best spots on the property to take in a quiet sunrise over the lake. From there, it’s a short walk to the town dock, and you can walk along the ice taking in the scenery.
Photo: Angelique Herring
For a year-round water activity, head to the lodge’s pool. Swimming through warm water in the dead of winter has an irresistible luxury to it. Looking out onto pines and chalets framed by icicles and snow, I floated around the heated pool before hopping into the hot tub for good measure. For an extra dose of grandeur, I took a few minutes to sit in the sauna. There, in a little wood-paneled room with the heat set to 200ºF, I felt every possible worry steam away.
Beforehand, I stopped by the game room next door and was soon greeted by a friendly pair of brothers looking to play a game of billiards. We had our pick of foosball, air hockey, and tick tac toe for round two, but I wasn’t looking for a rematch — after all, the pool was calling.
A slew of holiday-themed activities
Photo: Angelique Herring
At The Lodge at Schroon Lake, chilly winter nights are an invitation to step outside and immerse yourself in a snowy wonderland with the Sugar Plum Express Wagon. When I visited, the big red Christmas-light-adorned wagon picked me and some others up outside of The Brown Swan and whisked us away on a short ride through the lodge’s holiday light display. But that’s just the beginning of the winter offerings.
Winter Friday nights see the lodge’s ballroom transformed into a theater where guests can watch holiday classics on the big screen. I stopped in for a few minutes of Will Ferrell’s familiar antics in Elf, appreciating both the warm laughter that filled the room and the beautiful white lights that were wrapped around the wooden banister.
Photo: Angelique Herring
At The Bevy, the outdoors-themed lounge in the main lobby, there are themed social events. When I was there, the space was transformed into a flannel-lined dance floor during an ugly sweater party. Both guests and locals made merry as bejeweled cowboys and bartenders dressed as elves grooved to covers of Americana classics while sipping on sugar-cookie cocktails and voting on the ugliest sweater of them all.
The Bevy was also where I got to update my wish list over pancakes and parfait with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Jolly as ever, the pair posed for photos with lodge visitors as they stopped in for the buffet breakfast and pancake station.
A final activity that added a pleasant, holiday-themed flair to my stay was a crafting exercise. Before checking out, I sat down to make a Christmas ornament at the arts and crafts table in The Bevy — 20 minutes later, I walked out with a handsome pair of wooden art pieces to remember my trip by and adorn next year’s Christmas tree.
Where to eat and drink in Schroon LakeThe Brown Swan and The Tavern
Photo: Angelique Herring
Open to both guests and the public, The Brown Swan is the go-to lunch and dinner restaurant at The Lodge at Schroon Lake. The menu features a wide variety classic orders (think filet mignon, French onion soup, fish and chips, and wedge salad) alongside some more creative plates like the “fuhgeddaboudit” flat bread with Italian sausage, peppers, onions, mozzarella, and red sauce. The extensive cocktail menu meant there was always a drink to pair with my meal, too.
Just on the other side of The Brown Swan there’s another drinking and snacking spot called The Tavern. It serves bar-style eats like mozzarella sticks and Bavarian pretzels in an old-fashioned wooden tavern that was tastefully lined with tinsel during holiday season. I had the short rib poutine and would recommend the traditional Canadian dish to anyone looking for comfort food.
The Brown Swan and The Tavern: 210 Registration Way, Schroon Lake, NY 12870
The BevyWinter breakfasts at The Bevy, which are included with your stay at The Lodge at Schroon Lake, include made-to-order pancakes and a traditional buffet with all of the usual American fixing. Breakfast is served from 7 AM to 10:00 AM and is the perfect start to a day exploring Schroon Lake.
The Bevy: 210 Registration Way, Schroon Lake, NY 12870
9 Mile Coffee
Photo: Angelique Herring
Every town has its go-to coffee spot. For Schroon Lake, that spot is 9 Mile Coffee. Just a short walk from the lodge, 9 Mile Coffee serves quick eats like bacon, egg, and cheese croissant sandwiches along with hot coffees and chai. Make sure to grab a cozy cup of joe at 9 Mile Coffee to warm you up after your morning walk around the lake from the lodge.
9 Mile Coffee: 1077 US-9, Schroon Lake, NY 12870
Paradox Brewery
Photo: Angelique Herring
Paradox Brewery in North Hudson (about 15 minutes from the lodge by car) has all manner of local beer and classic pub grub. Pizza is a popular order there, but it was the stromboli that came highly recommended by a local seated at the table behind me — generously stuffed with meat, cheese, and veggies, it paired perfect with the Paradox German Helles ale I ordered.
In winter, Paradox Brewery also hosts a holiday market. When I visited, I wandered around and perused jewerly made from local Adirondacks rocks and stones while passionate artisans shared their longstanding family connections to the region. After souvenir shopping, take your treasures next door to the main brewery for live music and a bite to eat. On the way over, stop to take in the view of the nearby mountains — a perfect backdrop to this Hudson Valley staple.
Paradox Brewery: 2781 US-9, North Hudson, NY 12855
How to get to and around Schroon Lake
Photo: Angelique Herring
There are many ways to get to Schroon Lake. One of the most scenic options is to go by train. The nearest train station is 45 minutes from the lodge at Fort Ticonderoga. From New York City, the ride is just under six hours along the Hudson River, and you can arrange for the lodge to pick you up in a shuttle at the train station.
Once at the lodge, on-property activities are all a walk away. Downtown Schroon Lake is easy to access from the lodge (just a 10-minute walk from the lobby) and explore on foot, as well. Schroon Lake is also within driving distance of skiing and snowboarding areas like White Face and Gore Mountain. Since rideshares are a rare find in this part of the Hudson Valley, I’d recommend checking with the lodge about its shuttle service if you’re interested in those drives.
January 20, 2025
The Most Competitive US Hiking Permits: Half Dome
See the full list of the most competitive hiking permits in the United States
As one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic landmarks, Half Dome attracts tens of thousands of hikers each year. Rising nearly 5,000 feet above the Yosemite Valley, its dramatic granite formation and challenging ascent make it a bucket-list hike for outdoor enthusiasts.
Half Dome quick facts:
Distance: 17 miles round tripElevation gain/loss: +/-4,900 feetNumber of applications in 2023: 55,581 (pre-season and day-of)Success rate: 20 percentApplication window: March 1-31, 2025Apply here
Because Half Dome is so iconic, a permit is required to hike to the summit every day, and the demand far exceeds availability. In 2023, 24,100 applications were submitted for the preseason lottery, which issues 225 permits per day. Only about 19 percent of applicants were successful in winning one of their requested dates.
The majority of Half Dome permits are distributed through the preseason lottery, held each March on Recreation.gov. Applicants can select up to seven preferred dates and list up to six people in their group. Results are announced in mid-April, and successful applicants must pay a reservation fee to confirm their permits. Your name can only appear once on an application, so if you’re an alternate leader on permit application one, you can’t be the primary leader on permit application two. Permits are required only for the cable-assisted section of the hike beyond the sub-dome. So if you can’t get a permit, you can always hike to the base of the cabled section, and wait to see if anyone who does have a permit decides they don’t have the energy (or bravery) to make the final exposed push.
If you miss out on the preseason lottery, daily lotteries are held each day during the hiking season, typically between late May and mid-October. (The exact dates the cables go up and down depends on the weather.) Theoretically, all permits could be assigned during the pre-season lottery, so the only permits available via this method are cancelled or unclaimed ones. To participate in the daily lottery, you’ll need to submit an application two days before your preferred date — so you’d apply on a Tuesday to hike Half Dome on the following Thursday. Applications need to be submitted by 4 PM local time, and you’ll find out late that night if you won.
Half Dome is a long, difficult day hike, often considered one of the hardest in California. It gains about 5,000 feet of elevation and is about 17 miles long, and that’s only if you’re able to park close to the trailhead; you may have to walk a few extra miles if you park farther away. You’ll need to start early and prepare for a long day. Proper gear, including gloves for gripping the cables, is strongly recommended. Don’t ever attempt the hike if there’s bad weather in the area, which can move in quickly in the higher elevation areas of the park.
If you want to do Half Dome as an overnight trip, don’t get a day-use permit: get a Yosemite Wilderness Permit. It’s an entirely different application process.
Alternative to Half Dome
Photo: Pugventure Photo/Shutterstock
If you’re unsuccessful in getting a Half Dome permit, consider hiking Clouds Rest. At 9,926 feet above sea level, Clouds Rest provides one of the best panoramic vistas in Yosemite, including unobstructed views of Half Dome itself. The hike is challenging but slightly less strenuous than Half Dome, with a round-trip distance of about 12 miles and roughly 3,000 feet of elevation gain if you start from the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead. The final stretch includes a thrilling, narrow ridgeline that leads to the summit, making it a favorite among adventurous hikers.
Unlike Half Dome, you won’t have to deal with cables or large crowds, and the trail sees significantly fewer visitors, too. You can also do it as a point-to-point hike into the Yosemite Valley, but you’ll need to figure out transportation back to the starting point off Tioga Pass Road.
Where to stay near Half Dome
Arch Rock is the closest entrance to the Yosemite Valley, near the town of El Portal. Photo: N8Allen/Shutterstock
Yosemite has more than a dozen campgrounds, as well as multiple hotels within the park. Since the Half Dome trailhead is in the Yosemite Valley, you’ll want to stay in a hotel near Yosemite by one of the park entrances closest to the valley: either the Arch Rock entrance near El Portal, or the South Entrance near Oakhurst. Arch Rock is the closer of the two.
An Airbnb near Yosemite National Park may be better for larger groups or anyone planning on visiting for more than a day or two. And if you decide to do Cloud’s Rest instead, you’ll probably want to stay near the East Entrance, in Lee Vining or near Mono Lake.
The 7 Most Competitive Hiking Permits in the US to Apply for in 2025
The 7 Most Competitive US Hiking Permits To Apply For in 2025By Suzie Dundas
#wedge-0 { background-image: url('https://cdn1.matadornetwork.com/blogs...') }@media(min-width:560px){ #wedge-0 { background-image: url('https://cdn1.matadornetwork.com/blogs...') } }@media(min-width:1200px){ #wedge-0 { background-image: url('https://cdn1.matadornetwork.com/blogs...') } }Every year, millions of hikers venture into America’s most iconic wilderness areas. While 2024 numbers haven’t yet been released, in 2023, national parks alone saw 325,498,646 visitors. With some of the most beautiful (and varied) landscapes in North America, it’s no surprise that both domestic and international travelers are drawn to the country’s natural wonders.
But as outdoor recreation grows more popular, some of the country’s most spectacular trails and destinations are suffering from the effects of too many people. That’s why many parks, campgrounds, and even specific trails now require hiking permits — and securing one is often no easy feat when it comes to the most coveted passes. From the vertigo-inducing chains of Angels Landing in Zion National Park to the surreal sandstone swirls of The Wave in Arizona, the demand for permits far exceeds supply, with organizations like the National Park Service (NPS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and US Forest Service (USFS) running hiking permit lotteries, designed to both protect fragile environments and give everyone an equitable shot at winning.
Navigating these competitive systems can be daunting, especially since each permit system operates differently. Some rely on once-a-year lotteries, while others have monthly or quarterly draws. Some may have last-minute passes available in person, while others use high-tech mobile systems to distribute remaining passes.
And like the elevations, the stakes are also high: Arizona’s The Wave, for instance, sees less than three percent of applicants win a spot. But that challenge is what makes the effort so rewarding, especially if you’re one of the lucky few to get a winning email, and can start planning the bucket-list hiking trip you’ve been dreaming of.
Angels Landing | Mount Whitney | Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim | Half Dome | Havasu Falls | The Wave | The Core EnchantmentsHow to win a competitive hiking permit
New-ish features on the Recreation.gov app can notify you of cancellations and last-minute permit availability. Photo: Suzie Dundas
Every application is different, so strategies that may work for some of the most competitive hiking permits won’t work for others. But there are a few general principles you can follow to maximize your chances of winning. However, there’s one thing that doesn’t matter: what time you enter. Unless a permit website says specifically otherwise, as long as you enter during the lottery window, you have the same chance of winning, whether you submitted your application on the first day or last day.
1. Assume you’ll need to try for a last-minute permit: While you should definitely enter the early lotteries, if you know you’re going to be visiting the destination whether or not you win, budget enough time into your trip to try for a last-minute permit. For example, if you didn’t win an early lottery permit for The Wave, plan to spend at least three days in the area. That will give you time to enter the last-chance lottery, just in case you don’t win the advanced lottery. And on the lucky chance you do win an early permit, that’ll give you a few extra days to explore other area hikes, like some in Zion National Park.
2. Avoid weekends: Since most people work Monday to Friday, weekends are the most in-demand dates for nearly all permits on this list. In many cases, the odds of winning one of the most competitive hiking permits are much better if you prioritize Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday dates. For permits that allow you to list multiple dates, listing midweek dates as first choices is better than starting with weekend dates.
3. Keep your group small: Each permit application can represent multiple people, but the number of permits distributed is by person, not group. That means it’s easier to accommodate a three-person group on a trail than it is a 10-person group. We’re not saying to cut people from your team, but make sure you only list the group size you need. Leaving blank spaces for extra people who may decide later if they want to come sounds like a good idea, but it’ll make it harder to win a permit.
4. Choose early- and late-season dates: Choosing dates on the fringes of the popular seasons will give you a better shot at winning. Keep in mind that for some trails, it can slightly increase your chances of weather issues. For example, the Half Dome cables in Yosemite are usually up from late May until mid-October. Choosing October dates will ensure less competition, but slightly increase your chances of snow or winter weather causing the cables to come down early, thus closing the trail. That said, the date range for each trail is based on years of experience and weather patterns, so if the National Park Service or USFS thinks a hike will be accessible during certain dates, they’re probably correct.
5. Submit multiple applications (if allowed): For permit systems that allow it, have everyone in your group submit an application with themselves listed as the group leader to maximize the chance of someone winning. Note that most applications will not allow the same person to be a group leader and alternate group leader, so be careful to use each person only once, regardless of what role they fill on the application.
6. Obsessively monitor Recreation.gov: If you didn’t get a permit, bookmark the trail page on Recreation.gov and check it obsessively (we’re talking several times a day). Many hikes that have permit lotteries make unclaimed permits and campsites available online after the lottery on a first-come, first-served basis. Checking the page first thing in the morning and just before going to bed can be some of the best times to snag a permit someone else cancelled. You can also have the Recreation.gov app send you a notification if the permit you want becomes available on a certain date.
Angels Landing in Zion National Park doesn’t publish full stats on how many permit applications it gets each year. But it’s safe to say it’s quite a lot, since the permit program (instituted in 2022), was a solution to solve the trail’s overtourism problem. Depending on the date you want to hike, your odds of winning a permit could be as high as 100 percent (midweek winter) or as low as eight percent (holiday summer weekends).
The hike isn’t particularly difficult compared to others on this list, with a distance of about 5.4 miles and an elevation gain of less than 1,500 feet. But the steep and narrow section at the top can be intimidating for anyone with a fear of heights, especially with dozens of other hikers attempting the same route at the same time.
Mount Whitney in California’s eastern Sierra Nevada has an unbeatable claim to fame, as the highest point in the mainland United States. To find taller peaks in the US, you’d have to go to Alaska. That draws a plethora of experienced hikers each year who are anxious to say they completed the grueling hike. Whether you want to camp halfway up the mountain or do it as an incredibly long day hike, you’ll need a permit. In 2023, more than 100,000 people applied for permits, but only a small fraction actually won.
The Rim-to-Rim hike in Grand Canyon National Park is no joke, coming in at roughly 24 miles long. It drops more than 6,000 feet if you start at the North Rim and crosses the Colorado River before climbing back up the other side. While the hike’s distance and elevation changes are formidable, the true challenge lies in the environmental extremes, like searing summer heat in the canyon’s depths and freezing conditions at higher elevations, not to mention extreme dryness.
For most people to finish the hike, they’ll need to camp in the canyon, and there’s only one campground in the middle of the trek: Bright Angel Campground. More than 30,000 applications are received each year for a site, but only about a quarter of people are lucky enough to snag one.
Half Dome, CaliforniaPhoto: Suzie DundasDistance: 17 miles Elevation gain/loss: +/- 4,800 feet Annual permit success rate: 20 percent
Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is one of the most famous hikes in California, and the recognizable shape of the summit has become a defacto symbol for both Yosemite National Park and California outdoor recreation in general. It’s a long hike, most famous for its 500-foot-long section up a granite slope so steep that hikers have to use steel cables to pull themselves along (and avoid slipping and falling thousands of feet). Even with permits, many people decide to turn around when they reach the sub-dome — a steep, exposed section of granite that comes before the cabled section.
It’s one of the most competitive hiking permits in California, as the National Park Service limits access to 225 hikers per day. With a success rate of only about one in five, many would-be hikers have to enter multiple years in a row before they score a pre-season Half Dome permit.
Havasu Falls, ArizonaPhoto: Evan Halleck/ShutterstockDistance: 16 miles Elevation gain/loss: +/- 2,400 feet Annual permit success rate: Low
The Havasupai People own the land where you’ll find Havasu Falls, which is partially surrounded by Grand Canyon National Park. Havasupai means “people of the blue-green waters,” reflecting the beauty of Havasu Falls and other streams and rivers on their land. Many members live in Supai Village, located in a remote canyon within the Havasupai Indian Reservation. It’s one of the most isolated communities in the United States and accessible only by foot or horseback.
That means you’ll have to hike in on foot to see Havasu Falls. And you’ll also need to plan far in advance, since the only way to see it is by scoring a three-night reservation at Supai Village’s campground or mid-range hotel. Access is off-limits for everyone else. The Havasupai Tribe doesn’t make reservation application statistics available, but based on accounts from people who have tried to score a reservation, it’s one of the most competitive hiking permits in the US, with hundreds of reports online of people waiting for years to finally win.
The Wave, Utah/ArizonaPhoto: Life and My Lens/Shutterstock Distance: 6.7 miles Elevation gain/loss: +/- 1,200 feet Annual permit success rate: 3 percent
The Wave is in Arizona, though the trailhead is in southern Utah. It’s a one-of-a-kind geological formation of mesmerizing sandstone swirls and vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues that resemble undulating waves frozen in stone. The sandstone stripes, formed over millions of years, are extremely susceptible to erosion, which is why the Bureau of Land Management limits access to only 64 people per day. The combination of its surreal beauty and restricted entry makes it one of the most competitive hiking permits in the country, with the vast majority of applicants going home empty handed at the end of each lottery.
The Core Enchantments, WashingtonPhoto: Kimberly Shavender/ShutterstockDistance: 18.5 miles Elevation gain/loss: +/- 4,500 feet Annual permit success rate: 1.9 percent
The Core Enchantments Zone in central Washington state is the postcard-perfect version of a high-elevation alpine wilderness: blue lakes, snow-capped peaks, and shimmering granite slabs, dotted with the occasional hopping mountain goat. There are five zones within the Enchantments, some of which have shorter trails that allow for day hikes. But the Core Enchantments Zone smack in the middle is arguably the prettiest, as well as the hardest to reach. That means most people visiting choose to camp in the Core Zone, and with a ridiculously small amount of people allowed each day, the right to camp in the Core Enchantments has made it one of the — if not the — most competitive hiking permit in the entire US.
The Most Competitive US Hiking Permits: The Wave, Arizona and Utah
See the full list of the most competitive hiking permits in the United States
The Wave, on the Arizona-Utah border, is a surreal sandstone formation beloved by hikers for its wave-like patterns and vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. It’s incredibly popular, and requires some basic wayfinding skills as there’s no official trail.
The Wave quick facts:
Distance: 6.7 miles round tripElevation gain/loss: 1,200 feetNumber of applications in 2023: More than 300,000Success rate: 3 percentApplication window: MonthlyApply here
Stretching across a stunning sandstone formation in the Coyote Buttes North area of Arizona, The Wave’s terrain appeals to hundreds of thousands of hopeful hikers each year. However, due to the fragility of the landscape and potential for erosion, permits are required year-round, managed via a strict lottery system. It’s one of the most competitive hiking permit in the entire United States.
Permits to hike The Wave are distributed via two lottery processes: an online advanced lottery and a last-minute lottery held 48 hours ahead of time.
The online lottery opens on the first day of each month and runs until the last day. The drawing is held on the first day of the next month, and winners are notified via email. Each lottery is for permits four months in advance. So for example, if you enter the lottery in March, the drawing will be held April 1, and the permits will be for a date in July. The requirements are very strict: Everyone has to be listed on the permit (including dogs and carried infants), and if you enter more than once, you’ll be disqualified. A maximum of 48 people or 12 groups will receive daily permits via this method.
The second method for getting a permit is the daily lottery, which awards a maximum of 12 permits or four groups, whichever comes first. This lottery has even stricter requirements; primarily, that you can only apply from within a certain geographic area. That means you can only apply via a mobile device with location services turned on, and need to have the most updated version of the Recreation.gov app.
The last-minute lottery distributes permits two days in advance (you’ll apply on Wednesday for a Friday permit, for example), and is open from 6 AM to 6 PM, Utah time (which isn’t always the same as Arizona time). Winners are notified that day by 7:30 PM. If you win, you’ll have to attend a safety briefing at the designated visitor center the next day at 8:30 AM, where you’ll also be given your permit. If you fail to attend this, your permit will be cancelled. Your permit is valid the day after that.
The hike to The Wave is not particularly long, but there’s no cell service, and no defined trail. When you receive your permit, you’ll be given route guidance, a map, and GPS coordinates. While it’s not exactly navigating through dense forest, it’s still much harder than your average national park trail. Do your research before you begin the application process, and make sure you have at least one person experienced with wayfinding in your group.
Photo: Madeleine Deaton/Shutterstock
If you can’t secure a permit for The Wave, consider hiking the nearby Wire Pass Trail to Buckskin Gulch, an incredible alternative with similar patterns and a stunning slot canyon. The trailhead is a short drive from the starting point of The Wave (the Wire Pass Trailhead). You do need a permit, which you can get online in advance or pay for with $6 in cash when you arrive. The hike is suitable for average hikers and takes you through narrow sandstone corridors with towering walls, vibrant colors, and unique rock formations. Note that you may get your feet wet year-round, and you’ll want to avoid it during peak monsoon season (July and August).Where to stay near The Wave
Photo: mariakray/Shutterstock
The two towns closet to the trailhead are either Kanab, UT (about an hour west) and Page, AZ (about an hour east). Drive a little past Kanab, and you’re at Zion National Park, which has no shortage of gorgeous desert cabins available to rent. Drive 90 minutes south of Kanab, and you’re at the Grand Canyon, also loaded with cool places to stay. So if you want to do The Wave as part of a longer southwestern parks trip, you have lots of options.
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The Most Competitive Hiking Permits in the US: The Enchantments, Washington
See the full list of the most competitive hiking permits in the United States
The hike into the Core Enchantments Zone in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a grueling but rewarding distance hike through pristine alpine landscapes, past crystal-clear lakes, along jagged granite peaks, and under vibrant larch trees (in the fall). Permits are highly sought after, and with an extremely small number of people allowed each day, the odds of scoring a coveted pass are pretty low. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.
Core Enchantments quick facts:
Distance: 18 miles point-to-pointElevation gain/loss: 4,800 feetNumber of applications in 2023: 27,872Success rate: 1.9 percentApplication window: Feb 15-March 1, 2025Apply here
The Enchantments Core Zone in Washington state’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness is one of the most sought-after backcountry destinations in the United States. Permits are required for overnight camping between May 15 and October 15, which is about the only time you can backpack in the region due to snow and winter weather. In recent years, demand has skyrocketed, with the permit lottery becoming increasingly competitive. There are five zones in the Enchantments, which had a combined success rate of about 10 percent in 2023. But the Core Zone is the most competitive, with a success rate of around 2 percent.
Permits are distributed primarily through an advanced lottery system on Recreation.gov. Only 24 people per day are allowed into the core zone, 16 of which are designated in the advanced lottery. Your group can include up to eight people with one leader and one alternate leader; these are the only two people allowed to claim the permit. So pick someone who will definitely be able to go if you win. If someone is an alternate on an application, they cannot submit a separate application that season.
Any unclaimed permits or permits for dates that weren’t taken in the lottery are released on a first-come, first-served basis, starting April 1, 2025 on Recreation.gov at 7 AM PT. (But that availability is usually extremely limited, or potentially non-existent for the Core Zone).
The third method for getting a permit is a new mobile-based system. Like with The Wave, you can apply only from a mobile device, and will need to be within a one-mile radius of the Leavenworth Ranger Station. You’ll need to apply between 7 AM and 10 AM the day before you want to hike. Winners are announced by 11 AM, and you’ll have until 4 PM that same day to pick up your permit from the ranger station. Note that the ranger station is closed on weekends, which means you can’t pick up permits on Saturdays or Sundays. Therefore, all permits for hikes starting on Sundays and Mondays are issued via the advanced lottery system only.
If you don’t get a backpacking permit, you can day-hike the Enchantments without a permit. (Well, you do need a permit, but it’s self-issued at the trailhead). However, the shortest day hike into the Core Zone is at least 16 miles round-trip from the Colchuck Lake/Stuart Lake Trailhead, and it’s a challenging hike with steep sections that often go through snow. So while it’s doable for extremely experienced hikers in excellent shape, it’s probably out of range for your average casual hiking enthusiast.
Alternative to the Core Enchantments
Photo: Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock
If you don’t feel like dealing with the difficulty of getting a Core Enchantments permit (or don’t want to backpack), consider instead the roughly 8.5-mile round-trip hike to Colchuck Lake. It doesn’t have quite the same physical demands as reaching the Core Zone, skipping the challenging Aasgard Pass section.
Colchuck Lake has crystal-clear, turquoise water surrounded by rugged peaks, including Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak. It’s one of the most picturesque alpine lakes in the Pacific Northwest, and while it’s a tough hike, it’s doable for most hikers as long as you start early and move slowly. Note that on busy days, you may have to park on the side of the road (FS Road 7601), which can add some extra distance to the hike to reach the starting point.
Where to stay near the Enchantments
Photo: Kirk Fisher/Shutterstock
The closest town to the Enchantments is Leavenworth, Washington, a town very reminiscent of a Bavarian village and a tourist destination in its own right. Because of that, it’s loaded with plenty of roomy Airbnbs, from cute cottages to modern, luxury homes.
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The Most Competitive US Hiking Permits: Mount Whitney
See the full list of the most competitive hiking permits in the United States
Standing as the tallest peak in the contiguous United States at 14,505 feet above sea level, Mount Whitney attracts numerous hikers each year. It’s a roughly 24-mile hike round-trip with dramatic alpine scenery, panoramic views from its summit, and the infamous “99 switchbacks” that can test even the most experienced of athletes. Day hikers need to start no later than 1 or 2 AM to complete the hike in a single day.
Mount Whitney quick facts:
Distance: 24 miles round tripElevation gain/loss: +/- 6,100 feetNumber of applications in 2023: 26,219 Success rate: 27.3 percent Application window: Feb 1-March 1, 2025Apply here
Permits are required for both day hikes and overnight trips year-round, with a quota system in place from May 1 to November 1. It’s a highly competitive, as well as an extremely difficult (albeit non-technical) hike. The majority of permits are distributed through a lottery system, which opens on February 1 and runs through March 1 each year on Recreation.gov. Your group can be up to 15 people and you can submit up to 10 preferred dates. Results are announced in mid-March, and successful applicants are notified via email, at which point you’ll have to pay a small reservation fee.
Any unclaimed permits are made available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning in May on Recreation.gov. A maximum of 150 people per day are allowed to hike Mount Whitney, split between day hikers (100 people) and overnight campers sleeping at Outpost Camp or Trail Camp, both roughly halfway up the route (50 people). In 2023, only a quarter of applications were successful, with more than 26,000 permits submitted, representing a combined 110,000 people. The overnight permits are slightly more competitive, as there are fewer of them and doing it as a two-day trek is generally considered the easier method. You can see all the data on 2023’s permit applications here.
Mount Whitney in August 2023. Photo: Suzie Dundas
Remember that Mount Whitney is the highest point in the Lower 48 and one of the most difficult hikes in the entire country. If you do it as a day hike, you’ll need to start hiking around 1 or 2 AM to leave yourself time to summit and back it back to the Whitney Portal campground (which requires a separate reservation) before dark. You should expect snow near the summit year-round and should be familiar with using snow traction devices and ice axes to self-arrest.
Mount Whitney is on the 211-mile-long John Muir Trail, called the JMT. It starts in Yosemite National Park near Half Dome and ends at Whitney Portal, crossing the summit of Mount Whitney in the last few miles. National forests and parks in this area do not require permits for every managed area thru-hikers cross into – just the place where they start. So if you hike the JMT starting in Yosemite, you can summit Mount Whitney on your last day without the need for an additional Whitney permit.
Photo: Eric Poulen/Shutterstock
If you can’t score a permit for Mount Whitney, consider hiking White Mountain Peak, which has a similar high-altitude experience but doesn’t require a permit. It’s 14,252 feet above sea level, making it the third-highest peak in the state. It’s still difficult, at about 14 miles round trip with 3,500 feet of elevation gain, but that still makes it quite a bit shorter than Mount Whitney. Like Whitney, it has stunning panoramic views — in this case, of the Sierra Nevada, Owens Valley, and ancient bristlecone pine forests. But unlike Whitney, it sees only a small amount of hikers and tourists.
The trail begins around 11,000 feet above sea level, so make sure to take at least a few days to acclimatize if you’re coming from lower elevations. (It goes without saying that you should do that if you’re hiking Mount Whitney, too.)
Lone Pine is a small town with a few tourists shops, affordable hotels, and restaurants and diners. Photo: 4kClips/Shutterstock
Many hikers stay at the Whitney Portal Campground, at least on their first night, as you can walk to the Mount Whitney trailhead from the campground. The Lone Pine Campground and Tuttle Creek Campground are also close, though not within walking distance. The closest actual town to Mount Whitney is Lone Pine, about 15 miles away. Bishop is about an hour north, and Mammoth Lakes is about two hours north, if you want to combine your hike into a larger Eastern Sierra trip.
The Most Competitive US Hiking Permits: Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim
See the full list of the most competitive hiking permits in the United States
The Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike traverses 24 miles of awe-inspiring terrain, descending from either the North or South Rim, crossing the Colorado River, and climbing back up the opposite side. It’s almost always done as an overnight hike, though incredibly ambitious hikers have been known to attempt it in a single day.
Rim-to-Rim hike quick facts:
Distance: 24 miles round trip (from North Rim)Elevation gain/loss: -6,000, + 4,500 (from North Rim)Number of applications in 2023: More than 30,000Success rate: 25 percentApplication window: MonthlyApply here
The Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike is a bucket-list adventure with nearly 6,000 feet of descent and 4,500 of ascent, if you start at the North Rim. Unless you’re doing it as a day hike (which is discouraged, but technically allowed), you’ll need an overnight camping permit to complete the route. Permits are required for overnight camping at the three campgrounds along the trail, with Bright Angel being the most central (and most competitive) of the three.
Camping permits are issued through a rolling lottery system 4.5 months in advance. For example, if you plan to hike in May, your application should be submitted on between December 15 and January 1. You can request multiple sites to increase your chances of success. The three campgrounds along the Rim-to-Rim hike are Bright Angel Campground near the Colorado River, Havasupai Gardens (formerly Indian Garden), and Cottonwood Campground. Permits are typically awarded within three weeks of submission, and successful applicants will need to pay a small fee to confirm their space. Any unclaimed permits are made available on a first-come, first-served basis on Recreation.gov.
If you can’t get a permit via that method, you can apply for a day-of walk-up permit. They’re one-night permits, available for Havasupai Gardens or Cottonwood campgrounds only. To get one, you’ll need to go to a backcountry office and ask for a waitlist number, then return the next morning at 8 AM, when any unclaimed sites are given out based on numerical order, starting with #1.
Both the North and South Rim Visitor Centers have a backcountry office. They usually open at 8 AM, and it’s not uncommon for people to line up well before that in order to get one of the first waitlist numbers. On rare occasions, you may be able to walk in and just ask for a permit for the next day, if for some reason there are unclaimed spots.
If your waitlist number doesn’t come up, you’re not totally out of luck — you can exchange your number for a new one for the next day. So for example, if you are #6 on Wednesday, but they only have five sites open, you can use your turn to ask for a waitlist number for the next day. Since the permits are distributed as soon as the backcountry offices open, there’s a good chance you’ll get one of the first waitlist numbers (and therefore a campsite) for the next day.
Note that the day-of permits are not intended to be used for rim-to-rim hikes, though technically, you could. That’s because the North Rim office has priority for issuing permits on the north side of the canyon (Cottonwood Campground) and the South Rim has priority for Havasupai Gardens Campground, near the South Rim. Neither issues permits for Bright Angel Campground, which is 9.5 miles from the South Rim and 14 miles from the North Rim. So while you can make a rim-to-rim push using a walk-up permit, the campground won’t be very central, you’ll end up doing the vast majority of your hiking on the second day.
Alternative to the Rim-to-Rim hike
Photo: Roman Khomlyak/Shutterstock
If you don’t want to camp in the Grand Canyon, you can still do a section of the trail as a day hike. The most popular alternative is the Bright Angel Trail to Havasupai Gardens. It starts at the South Rim and has stunning canyon views, but is less demanding than the full Rim-to-Rim hike. It’s about nine miles round trip if you turn around at Havasupai Gardens, with about 3,000 feet of elevation change. You can also continue another 1.5 miles to Plateau Point, which offers breathtaking views of the Colorado River below. If you choose this option, start early to avoid the midday heat and bring plenty of water. You can check this page to see when and where drinking water is available in the park.Where to stay near the North and South Rims
Awesome options abound, such as the domes at the Grand Canyon Glamping Resort. Photo: Grand Canyon Glamping Resort
Grand Canyon National Park has fantastic hotels and rental homes nearby for extended trips, including glamping and stargazing hotels, Airbnbs inside geodesic domes and vintage trailers, and both an Under Canvas and Backland resort. If you’re just planning on doing a day trip to the Grand Canyon, you may want to base yourself in one of these affordable Airbnbs near Flagstaff, Arizona, about 80 miles from the South Rim.
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The Most Competitive US Hiking Permits: Havasu Falls, Arizona
See the full list of the most competitive hiking permits in the United States
Havasu Falls is a bucket-list hike through the Havasupai Reservation abutting Grand Canyon National Park. It leads to a stunning turquoise waterfall cascading over red rock cliffs and is one of the most competitive permits in North America, with an access program that varies from year to year — and completely closes some years.
Havasu Falls quick facts:
Distance: 16 miles round trip from the trailhead (4 miles RT from lodge)Elevation gain/loss: +/- 2,400 feet from the trailhead (-150 feet from lodge)Number of applications in 2023: Not availableSuccess rate: LowApplication window: Varies, likely late December 2025 to very early January 2026Apply here
Havasu Falls is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the United States, attracting thousands of visitors every year who want to feel the mist off the turquoise waterfalls and stand among its red-rock canyons. A permit is required year-round for all visits, with permits selling out almost instantly due to the high demand. Every year, tens of thousands of hopefuls attempt to get permission to visit the falls, which is only allowed if you have a campground or lodge reservation issued by the Havasupai Tribe.
Access to the falls was closed for three years during the pandemic, and the tribe introduced a new reservation system in 2024 that is continuing until further notice. Reservations for both the campground and lodge open for pre-sale applications at the end of each year. You can submit up to three three-night date windows. Each application can have up to 12 people, and you can apply for one of two options: a campground reservation for three nights ($455), or lodge reservations for three nights ($2,277). It costs $20 per person to enter, and if you win, you have about a week to pay for the whole cost of the stay. If you don’t pay for it, your reservation will be cancelled.
If you miss the initial lottery, there is no official waitlist or secondary lottery system. Occasionally, cancellations and availabilities may arise on the reservation website, but these spots are rare. No day-use permits or day hikers are allowed, and you’ll need to hike to reach both the campground and the lodge. The hike starts at the Havasupai Trailhead and continues for around six miles before reaching Supai Village. The falls are another two miles past that. You can reserve mules to carry your bags in advance online.
Alternative to Havasu Falls
Photo: Cole Smith/Shutterstock
If Havasu isn’t in the cards, consider hiking Kanarra Falls in southern Utah. It’s different, with an adventurous slot canyon experience dotted with cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear water, making it a fantastic alternative for those who love unique desert hikes. It’s outside Zion National Park near Kanarraville, Utah, and is about 4.4 miles round trip. It only gains about 700 feet of elevation, making it accessible to most hikers. The trail does require a permit, which is limited to 150 hikers per day and can be reserved online for $15 per person.Where to stay near Havasu Falls
Photo: Grand Canyon Glamping Resort”
The only places to stay if you want to see Havasu Falls are the lodge or the campground in Supai Village. But Grand Canyon National Park itself has fantastic hotels and rental homes for extended trips, including glamping and stargazing hotels, Airbnbs inside geodesic domes and vintage trailers, and both an Under Canvas and Backland resort.
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