If you would like more information concerning Zion's Backcountry areas and Permits, please click on one of the following links:
Subway and Mystery Canyons Reservations
Other Backcountry Reservations
Walk-in Permits
Climbing Permits
General Information
Backcountry permits are required for all overnight trips (including climbing bivouacs), all through hikes of the Virgin River Narrows and tributaries, any trip into the Left Fork of North Creek (the Subway), and all canyons requiring the use of descending gear or ropes.
The person who obtains the permit must be 18 years of age or older, and must participate in the trip. The person named on the permit is held responsible for the actions of the group and for compliance with all permit conditions and backcountry rules and regulations.
Visitors with reservations are required to pick up a backcountry permit. Permits are available at the Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyon Visitors Centers. Permits are available in person, the day before or the day of your trip. The person picking up the permit must be 18 years of age or older and must be participating in the trip. Please bring vehicle information with you, including descriptions and licence plate numbers of all vehicles involved in the trip.
Backcountry permits for areas not listed through the reservation system are available as walk-in permits only.
After looking through our website, if you still have questions, please call our backcountry information line at 435-772-0170 and leave a detailed message. A backcountry ranger will return your call.
The permit fees are based on group size:
1-2 people: $10
3-7 people: $15
8-12 people: $20
2009 Backcountry Desk Hours
March 7 through April 26
Both backcountry desks, 8:00 am to 5:00 PM
April 26 through May 21
Zion Canyon, 7:00 am to 8:00 PM
Kolob Canyons, 8:00 am to 5:00 PM
May 22 through September 7
Zion Canyon, 7:00 am to 8:00 PM
Kolob Canyons, 8:00 am to 5:00 PM
September 8 through October 12
Zion Canyon, 7:00 am to 6:00 PM
Kolob Canyons, 8:00 am to 5:00 PM
October 13 through Spring 2010
Both backcountry desks, 8:00 am to 4:30 PM
Difference Between Permits, Reservations and Lottery
Permits can be obtained a number of different ways. A lottery is run for two of the busiest backcountry areas in the park (Subway and Mystery Canyons ). Many of the reservations for these two areas will be taken through the lottery. If you do not compete in the lottery, reservations will not be available for most weekend and many weekday dates for these areas.
Reservations are available for many backcountry trips in the park. A reservation does not guarantee that you will receive a permit. Reasons that a permit will be denied include high water, flash flood warnings, and wildland fires.
Anyone who is 18 years old and participating in the trip can apply for a reservation either through the lottery or through the calendar reservation process.
Visitors with reservations still need to pick up a backcountry permit. Permits are available in person the day before, or the day of, your trip. They are also available on-line up to three days before your trip. On-line permits are only available to members of the Express Permit Program.
Zion Express Permits
This complimentary program offers the opportunity for Zion 's frequent visitors to obtain a limited number of backcountry permits on-line.
New in 2008: Express permits are available up to three days before your trip. For example; if your trip is on a Saturday, you can obtain an online permit on Wednesday.
To participate in the Zion Express Permit program, interested individuals must come into the Zion Canyon Backcountry permit desk once every three calendar years to complete a backcountry orientation program and program agreement. Participant agreements require original signatures.
Additional program requirements include:
• Individuals must have a personal e-mail account. Program access is password protected through individual e-mail addresses.
• A permit reservation is required.
• A major credit card for on-line payment of reservation fees and permit fees.
Lottery Reservations
Due to the increase in visitation and number of permit requests, a lottery system for permits for the Left Fork of North Creek (Subway) and Mystery Canyon is in effect.
All other backcountry areas area available by a calendar reservation or walk-in permit request.
Lottery applications for Subway and Mystery are limited to one request per individual per month. Lottery entrants will have the opportunity to request three prioritized trip dates.
Lottery results from 2006 showed that 70% of lottery applicants were awarded a reservation from one of the three date choices they requested and lottery success rates improved when holidays and weekend dates were avoided.
The lottery fee is $5.00 and is non-refundable.
Entry into the lottery does not guarantee a reservation.
The lottery does not run from November through March due to a low demand for permits.
Click here to place a Backcountry Reservation
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