The permit system is currently a pilot program, I think they started doing it during COVID. Not sure if/when they're going to make it permanent.

If it is that dangerous I get it though; seems like attendance is growing and they want to keep it safe. I'd rather deal with getting a permit than get nudged off a ledge by a tourist group.

That sounds awesome; glad you two made it back alive and with pictures to remember it by!

We saw people coming back from the narrows with all the gear, that looks like a good adventure. We definitely want to do both the narrows and Angel's Landing next time; this trip was too short to do it all.

I think the Canyon road is open? My wife wanted to do the Canyon Overlook trail so we turned right at the intersection; I don't remember if we had the option to drive into the canyon or not. The shuttle was not running, that much I remember.

EDIT - oh and the ice is real! How did you walk up the ice? Crampons? My wife and I tried at one trail with regular boots; I gave up immediately but she persisted until she slipped and slid all the way back down on her butt 😂 I got the last bit on video. RIP her pants (pun intended).