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.