Lottery10/10
Core Zone
Overnight permits for the legendary Core Zone—one of America's most spectacular ...
View Enchantments Core Zone Permit permit details and availability
LotteryOvernightHigh Demand
Colchuck Zone Permit
Access to Colchuck Lake area.
“A bucket-list destination in Enchantments.”
Get Availability Alerts
Be notified instantly when Colchuck permits become available due to cancellations.
Join 2,000+ permit hunters using PermitSnag
Get Availability Alerts
Be notified instantly when Colchuck permits become available.
Colchuck Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodLottery
Demand LevelHigh8/10
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodLottery
Demand Level8/10
LocationUSFS
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Verify your email and add payment info ahead of time.
2
If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations
Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.
3
Set up PermitSnag alerts
Get instant notifications when cancellations happen. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
When to Go
Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall
Conditions
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand1/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill1/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk1/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment3/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.
Recommended Experience
Basic hiking experience. Start with shorter trails if new to hiking.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Colchuck draws visitors from around the world to Enchantments. The permit system balances access with preservation, ensuring the experience remains worthwhile for those who make the journey.
Lottery Statistics
Competitive
estimated success rate
Get detailed lottery statistics and tips in the PermitSnag app.
Want to see your odds?Get the app →
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Colchuck.
Want to access emergency info offline?Get the app →
🐻
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
Want to check food storage requirements?Get the app →
Colchuck FAQ
How do I get a Colchuck permit?
Colchuck permits are obtained through a lottery system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to visit Colchuck?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Colchuck permit?
This permit has a demand score of 8/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Colchuck permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Golden hour at Colchuck offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.
Best Light
Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.
Beat the Crowds
Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.
Classic Shots
- 📍Classic view of Colchuck
- 📍Enchantments scenery
- 📍Trail or route documentation
Other Enchantments Permits
Consider these alternatives or add them to your tracking list