Matador Network's Blog, page 75
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.
More like thisTravelThe 7 Most Competitive Hiking Permits in the US to Apply for in 2025
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.
More like thisTravelThe 7 Most Competitive Hiking Permits in the US to Apply for in 2025
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.
More like thisTravelThe 7 Most Competitive Hiking Permits in the US to Apply for in 2025
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.
More like thisTravelThe 7 Most Competitive Hiking Permits in the US to Apply for in 2025
The Most Competitive US Hiking Permits: Angels Landing, Utah
See the full list of the most competitive hiking permits in the United States
Angels Landing is probably the most well-known hike in a Utah National Park, and attracts hikers each year drawn to both the jaw-dropping views, and the fear factor of making the final push to the summit up a narrow ridgeline. In 2022, the permit system was introduced to address the growing demand, and the sucess rate varies wildly. According to the park, only about 8 percent of people win the day-before lottery on Memorial Day Weekend, though up to 100 percent win on “random mid-week days throughout the year.”
Angels Landing quick facts:
Distance: 5.4 miles round tripElevation gain/loss: 1,488 feetNumber of applications in 2023: Not availableSuccess rate: 8-100 percent, depending on dateApplication window: Four times per yearApply here
Permits for Angels Landing are distributed through two systems: a seasonal lottery and a day-before lottery. The seasonal lottery does four draws a year. In 2025, you’ll want to apply between January 1 to 20 for spring dates, between April 1 to 20 for summer dates, between July 1 to 20 for fall dates, and between October 1 to 20 for winter dates. In your application, you can list up to seven date options and select one of three starting times: before 9 AM, between 9 AM and 12 PM, or after 12 PM.
If you’re unsuccessful in that lottery, you can try the online day-before lottery. You’ll need to enter by 4 PM local time the day before you want to hike, and will find out by late afternoon if you won a spot.
A maximum of 800 hikers per day are allowed to ascend the chains section of Angels Landing, ensuring a safer and less crowded experience. But the exact number of permits changes daily, based on factors like weather, sunrise and sunset, and park shuttle hours. The hike itself is 5.4 miles round trip, with a steep elevation gain of approximately 1,500 feet. Near the top, there are drop offs that run all the way to the Zion Canyon floor, so it may not be the best choice in the park for anyone with a fear of heights.
Photo: Filip Fuxa/Shutterstock
Without a permit, you can still do most of the Angels Landing hike. From the West Rim Trail, you can hike up to Scout Lookout, getting similar views without the need for a permit (as the Angels Landing permit is only for the final section of trail). Hiking to Scout Lookout is shorter, at around four miles round-trip, which may leave you extra time to do another nearby hike, such as the Emerald Pool Trails.
In the summer, no personal cars are allowed in Zion Canyon, so you’ll need to take the free Zion National Park Shuttle. Both Angels Landing and the Emerald Pool trails are stop #6 (The Grotto), which is just one stop away from Zion Lodge. So you could always swing by for a cold drink or decadent lunch once you finish hiking, too.
Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock
As Zion is one of the most popular parks in the US, the lodging options are almost endless. There’s only one developed campground in the park (Watchman Campground), but you can walk to the Zion Canyon Entrance from the town of Springdale. It has lots of hotels both in town and a little further out in the Utah desert. The area around Springdale and Zion also has pretty Airbnbs good for larger groups, plus dozens of desert cabins that offer access to both Zion and other nearby trails in southern Utah.
January 17, 2025
These Were the 10 Bumpiest Flight Routes in the US in 2024
It seems like turbulence was one of the most-talked about issues related to flying in 2024. There were flights so bumpy that airlines had to stop serving fan-favorite ramen, endless conversations on why wearing your seatbelt at all times is a must-do, and even an announcement that a major US airline would start landing procedures earlier to help reduce the number of injuries caused by bumpy landings.
Flight turbulence is something discussed to no end — and also studied to no end. And with 2024 in our collective rear-view mirror, one expert analyzed global flight data throughout the year, and found the top 10 bumpiest flights in the US. The data comes from Turbli.com, created by Ignacio Gallego-Marcos, a working engineer with a Ph.D in Computational Fluid Dynamics. Gallego-Marcos’ goal is to make Turbli the best turbulence-forecasting tool on the internet, especially for fearful fliers. “Turbli is a lifesaver that helps them calm down by setting the right expectations,” he says. Of course, he notes it goes both ways. “For others, it creates an additional anxiety that makes things worse.”
Knowing that a flight is always bumpy may help some flyers stay a little calmer when turbulence hits. Photo: H_Ko/Shutterstock
Turbli’s forecasting and reporting is based on several metrics, including data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the UK Met Office, capturing snapshots every six hours across 18 pressure levels (elevations). That data is compiled monthly and annually to calculate average turbulence levels. Those numbers are then analyzed on the eddy dissipation rate (EDR), with Turbli’s scale defining 0-20 as light, 20-40 as moderate, 40-60 as strong, 60-80 as severe, and 80-100 as extreme turbulence. EDR ratings are analyzed without regard to aircraft size, so riding in a small plane may feel much bumpier than being in a large 777 on some of these routes.
It’s no surprise why flights around Salt Lake City can be so bumpy. Photo: Brandon Jenner/Shutterstock
Anyone with a loose sense of US geography probably noticed a theme: flights in the US Mountain West are generally the bumpiest in North America, due to both geographical and meteorological factors. The Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, and other high-altitude ranges generate turbulence. As wind flows over mountain ranges, it encounters abrupt changes in elevation, causing it to move up and down — up to get over the mountains, and down when gravity grabs it on the other side. That creates the equivalent of waves in the air, which planes feel as turbulence.
Mountains also act as barriers, causing wind to get stronger as it funnels through passes and lower-elevation points in mountain ranges. Increased wind speed and pressure also means more turbulence. When different air temperatures mix, it creates turbulence, and airports in valleys (like Jackson’s or Boise’s) often feel strong winds as gusts come ripping down the mountainsides.
That’s true no matter where in the world you are, as exemplified by the bumpiest flight routes in the world, all over the Andes Mountains: Mendoza, Argentina, to Santiago, Chile; Córdoba, Argentina, to Santiago, Chile; and Mendoza, Argentina, to Salta, Argentina.
But there’s good news for travelers who hate turbulence and often fly between western airports: it’s still not very bad. Turbli’s turbulence scale runs from 0 (no turbulence) to 100 (extreme turbulence), and even the “worst” flights in the US are still under 20. Flights from Albuquerque to Denver — supposedly the bumpiest flight in the US in 2024 — only rate as a 17.751 out of 100.
The Top Kissimmee Airbnbs for a Multi-Generational Family Vacation to Disney
Kissimmee, FLORIDA, sounds like an obscure choice for a family vacation, until you take a close look at a state map. Thirty minutes south of Orlando, the city is located in the heart of Florida’s amusement-park circuit, with easy access to the Walt Disney World complex and Universal Studios. To pull off a stress-free trip to The Most Magical Place on Earth, you’ll need lodging that’s comfortable, convenient, and budget-friendly. Here are six spectacular Kissimmee Airbnbs that fit the bill.
Traveling to Orlando, Universal Studios, or Disney World? Check out Matador’s guides to the best places to stay in the area: 8 of the coolest Airbnbs near Disney World, Florida 15 beautiful Florida Airbnbs for every type of traveler Bookend your Disney trip at these beautiful Orlando airport hotels The best 11 Airbnbs near Universal Studios 10 family-friendly Orlando resorts minutes from all major theme parks These downtown Orlando hotels put you near the best of the city center Top Orlando Airbnbs with a pool for the ultimate Florida getaway These Airbnbs put you a stone’s throw from Peppa Pig Theme Park
We hope you love the Kissimmee Airbnbs we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Top Airbnbs in KissimmeeHow far is Kissimmee from Disney World?Are there restaurants and entertainment in Kissimmee?Why should I stay in Kissimmee instead of Orlando?Bella Vida villa
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With enough space for 10 guests, this four-bedroom villa is the ultimate crash pad for a Disney-filled family reunion. It has bunk beds for the kids, two tastefully decorated bedrooms for the adults, and a game room, barbecue, swimming pool, and spa for all ages. Even more perks await at the on-site clubhouse, including a cyber cafe, lounge, and gym. Between the numerous shops and restaurants in the neighborhood and the myriad wonders of Disney’s nearby parks, guests are never more than 15 minutes away making their vacation dreams come true.
10 guests, four bedrooms
Price: $154 per night
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Don’t let the immaculate white interior fool you: This four-bedroom townhouse is perfect for families, with kid-friendly amenities like a pack and play crib, high chair, and strollers available on request. Guests also have access to communal facilities including a pool and gym. Complimentary parking is a boon for road-trippers, who’re just a few minutes from the Disney parks and 25 minutes from the Orlando International Airport if they’re only driving locally.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $109 per night
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Outdoor luxuriance is the name of the game at this three-bedroom townhouse, from the botanical-inspired interior to the palm-tree-view patio and private hot tub. The gated community surrounding the townhouse is almost like a mini amusement park, with its very own water slides, swimming pool, bar and grill, gym, and beautiful lakeside location. Like the majority of the entries on this list, this Airbnb is equipped for young kids, outfitted with all the essential amenities and a fun collection of children’s books and toys.
Seven guests, three bedrooms
Price: $188 per night
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This stylish condo’s open layout naturally facilitates quality time, whether that means cooking together in the well-equipped kitchen, playing board games at the dining room table, snuggling up on the sofa to plan the next day’s adventures, or doing a little bit of everything all at once. Alone time is also guaranteed in the three well-appointed bedrooms, each of which comes with a smart TV — not something you always find in Kissimmee Airbnbs. On leisurely afternoons, take advantage of the resort’s pool and Hideaway Club.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $135 per night
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This three-bedroom townhouse is decked out in beachy decor that makes having access to a private pool, shared hot tub, and cute backyard all the more appealing. In addition to kid-friendly amenities like a travel crib and high chair, parents will appreciate the on-site concierge, clubhouse, and 24-hour security. The townhouse even comes with room-darkening shades to make sure everyone is rested for long days at Disney, which is located just four miles away.
Seven guests, three bedrooms
Price: $104 per night
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With its modern and spacious accommodations, including giant building blocks and plenty of games for the kiddos, this Kissimmee Airbnb is ideal for a large family reunion. Inside you’ll find nine bedrooms with five bathrooms, along with plenty of space for everyone to spread out. The living room has plenty of seating and a flat-screen TV with streaming services like Netflix. You’ll also have access to a fully equipped kitchen, high-speed Wi-Fi, and an outdoor patio area that’s great for relaxing after a long day of fun. And of course, there’s access to a pool.
Sixteen guests, nine bedrooms
Price: $489 per night
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This Kissimmee Airbnb is the perfect spot for a fun and relaxing getaway. With two bedrooms, a full bathroom, living room, and fully equipped kitchen, it offers plenty of space for the whole family. You’ll also have access to high-speed Wi-Fi and streaming services like Netflix. But that’s not all – this Airbnb has a Jurassic Park-themed indoor playground and a pool table for some extra entertainment. The outdoor patio area is great for enjoying the Florida sun and there’s easy access to many nearby attractions and theme parks.
Sixteen guests, nine bedrooms
Price: $430 per night
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You’ll have access to two full bathrooms and an open-concept living area with plenty of seating. The fully equipped kitchen has all the amenities you need to cook up delicious meals. But that’s not all – this Airbnb also features an indoor arcade paradise, complete with the latest video games and consoles, plus a pool table, Skee-Ball. The bed setup for kids is sure to leave a lasting impression, as they’ll be crashing in Star Wars-themed pods that make them feel as though they’re oni the Millennium Falcon. When you’re ready to relax, take a dip in the outdoor pool or lounge on the patio area.
Sixteen guests, 10 bedrooms
Price: $428 per night
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This large family reunion Airbnb in Kissimmee, Florida is the perfect spot for a large-group getaway. With seven bedrooms, three bathrooms, an open-concept living area, and a fully equipped kitchen, you’ll have plenty of room to spread out. You’ll also love the outdoor pool and hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a day spent exploring all that Florida has to offer. There are so many attractions and theme parks nearby that you won’t run out of activities to enjoy.
Sixteen guests, eight bedrooms
Price: $418 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosTwenty minutes from Disney Florida, this townhome at Storey Lake Resort fuses sophistication and fun in equal measure. Kids will love the themed bedrooms whereas adults can find harmony in the two plush suites. There’s a screened-in private pool at the rear of the property and the clubhouse is a five-minute walk for when you’re feeling social.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $232 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis massive Kissimmee Airbnb has even more potential than Disney! All of the kids’ bedrooms are individually themed and one even has a slide. Meanwhile, the master bedroom keeps things classy with a touch of Art Deco. The porch is screened, as per the Floridian way, and has a private pool overlooking the paddock. Use of Bella Vida Resort’s amenities is included.
Sixteen+ guests, eight bedrooms
Price: $499 per night
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Gather in your private movie theater to rewatch all the classics before a fun-filled day at Walt Disney World. This five-bedroom Kissimmee rental for families also has a private pool looking out over the lake, a game room, and two themed bedrooms to draw straws on. During your stay, you’ll have access to the community facilities at the Bella Vida Resort.
Ten guests, five bedrooms
Price: $235 per night
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This beautifully-appointed vacation home is part of a peaceful neighborhood on the edge of downtown Kissimmee. It’s ideal for smaller families with older children and teenagers seeking a comfortable and practical base close to Florida’s amusement parks but who intend to spend more time out and about. There is ample parking and a large backyard with a private swimming pool.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $184 per night
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This townhouse rental in Kissimmee has five cozy bedrooms and a private hot tub on the patio. Part of the Coral Cay Resort, you will have free reign of the shared swimming pool, gym, and children’s playground. As such, this is one of the best vacation rentals for families with a social attitude. Most attractions are a 20-minute drive away and the host has strollers available for rent.
Eleven guests, five bedrooms
Price: $121 per night
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One of the largest Airbnbs for families in Kissimmee, this nine-bedroom rental has a movie theater, game room, and private pool. Shared spaces are kept neutral and the kitchen has a six-person breakfast bar for informal dining. Kids will sleep in the Jurassic Park and Harry Potter-inspired bunkrooms. Disney World and Universal Studios are a short drive away and there’s a free shuttle for exploring the resort.
Sixteen+ guests, nine bedrooms
Price: $373 per night
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This family Airbnb in Kissimmee has a bedroom modeled on Frozen and a pool oasis inspired by Moana. Out here, you’ll find loungers, a grill, and a hot tub below a string of fairy lights. There’s also a security fence for the swimming pool for peace of mind. The lounge features chunky settees primed for movie binges and retro Disney artworks. There’s a stack of games for wholesome bonding.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $139 per night
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This family-friendly rental in Kissimmee with themed bedrooms will keep the boredom at bay in between outings to amusement parks. The game room offers hours of fun over table tennis, basketball, and foosball while the pool and tub will fill any gaps. All bedrooms and communal areas are spacious and the house is ultimately designed to feel like a home away from home.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $189 per night
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This four-bedroom family home is drenched in sunshine around the clock and turned out with state-of-the-art appliances and furnishings. It has all the charm of home plus the benefit of a swimming pool, hot tub, and game den. Kids will appreciate the Mickey Mouse-themed bedrooms and being able to compare Disney experiences in the community playground with new buddies.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $107 per night
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This Guest Favorite Airbnb in Kissimmee sits in the top 5 percent of rentals on the marketplace. It comprises a family-friendly townhome with a screened porch, a private jacuzzi, and three restful bedrooms. Located within the Bella Vida Resort with clubhouse facilities, you can enjoy the outdoor pool, volleyball and basketball courts, and movie room. Grocery stores and other amenities are within walking distance.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $149 per night
Kissimmee is located just 16 miles from Disney World. There are several easy ways to get from Kissimmee to Disney World. You can take a taxi or Uber, or you can use public transportation such as the Lynx bus system or SunRail service. If you’re driving from Kissimmee, it’s a quick and easy 16-mile drive along Interstate 4.
Are there restaurants and entertainment in Kissimmee?Yes, there are plenty of restaurants and entertainment options to be found in Kissimmee. Visitors can choose from a variety of cuisines such as Japanese, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, and more. There are also several pubs and bars to relax at after a day at Disney World. In addition to this, Kissimmee offers a range of festivals, events, and recreational activities that appeal to all ages. The town is rich with activities for families as well as top-tier nightlife and culture. The local tourism authority maintains a list of local events and happenings.
Why should I stay in Kissimmee instead of Orlando?Kissimmee is a great choice for those looking to stay close to Disney World while still having access to all the amenities of a bustling city. Kissimmee offers more affordable lodging options — particularly for large groups, along with an array of restaurants and other entertainment options, as well as easy access to outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Plus, there are plenty of nearby attractions like Old Town Kissimmee and Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards for a cultural experience.
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