Snow Zone Permit wilderness permit area in The Enchantments - backcountry hiking destination
LotteryOvernightModerate Demand

Snow Zone Permit

The Enchantments

Lower elevation zone.

Experience Snow Zone in Enchantments.

Get Availability Alerts

Be notified instantly when Snow Zone permits become available.

Demand
Moderate
6/10
Method
Lottery

Snow Zone Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodLottery
Demand LevelModerate6/10

Key Information

Permit Details

TypeOvernight
Booking MethodLottery
Demand Level6/10
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

Moderate

Advantages

  • +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

Snow Zone in Enchantments offers a wilderness experience protected by the permit system. Quotas help maintain trail conditions and ensure visitors can enjoy the natural setting without overcrowding.

Lottery Statistics

Competitive

estimated success rate

Get detailed lottery statistics and tips in the PermitSnag app.

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Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Snow Zone.

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🐻

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 →

Snow Zone FAQ

How do I get a Snow Zone permit?

Snow Zone 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 Snow Zone?

Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Snow Zone permit?

This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.

What if I can't get a Snow Zone 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 Snow Zone 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 Snow Zone
  • 📍Enchantments scenery
  • 📍Trail or route documentation