|
Wilderness areas are special places. Permit requirements, group size limits, and other rules are implemented to protect park resources and the wilderness experience for all visitors. Wilderness PermitsPermits are required for all overnight backpacking trips, overnight climbing bivouacs, all through-hikes of The Virgin River Narrows and its tributaries, all canyons requiring the use of descending gear or ropes, and all trips into Left Fork of North Creek (The Subway).
Group Size LimitsA group is any number of people sharing the same affiliation (e.g., club, scout troop, colleagues, family, friends, etc.) that enter the same drainage or trail on the same day, even if they have multiple permits.
Canyoneering Group Size LimitsFor canyoneering, the maximum group size for The Left Fork (Subway), Orderville, Keyhole, Pine Creek, and the Virgin River Narrows is also 12 people.
Be Considerate of Other GroupsRespect other visitors to protect the quality of their wilderness experience.
NPS Photo Restricted Areas & ActivitiesWilderness ClosuresSee the Superintendent's Compendium for a list of closed areas. Research Natural Areas, nesting and breeding areas, and other locations are closed to protect natural and cultural resources. Structured and Guided ActivitiesStructured and/or guided activities facilitated by educational, commercial, or other organizations are prohibited within Wilderness areas. These activities are only authorized to occur on frontcountry trails. Equipment & AnimalsMobility Equipment is ProhibitedWheelchairs (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act) may be used by persons with disabilities. All other bicycles, e-bikes, Segways™, carts, game carriers, canoe dollies, wheelbarrows, wagons, ski kites, hang gliders, paragliders, and mobility devices are prohibited in wilderness areas. Pets are Prohibited from Wilderness AreasThis does not include Service Animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. Leave No TraceWhile canyoneering and hiking through Zion, please show respect for your national park and your fellow visitors by following each of the Leave No Trace principles. Wilderness is a rare place where one can retreat from civilization, reconnect with the earth, and find healing, meaning, and significance. Knowledge, respect, and understanding for these wild and undeveloped places will ensure that they remain spectacular for years to come. To learn more, visit the National Park Service Wilderness page and Wilderness Connect. Permits are required for all overnight backpacking trips, overnight climbing bivouacs, and any other wilderness camping activity. Check out wilderness camping regulations on the park's Camping Regulations page. Travel on well-established trails. Hike in canyon drainages and on slickrock whenever possible. If you must leave the trail, avoid stepping on Biological Soil Crusts. These organisms can be destroyed by a single step and may take decades to regrow. Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them. Protect the canyon walls, trees, and rocks from graffiti and vandalism. Do not build or destroy rock cairns that are used to mark trails and routes. If placed incorrectly, they can mislead others, cause unnecessary damage, and lead to potential injuries. Help prevent water contamination, disease, and unsightly messes: carry out all trash and human waste.
You will encounter wildlife while in the wilderness. Please keep all animals wild and healthy by viewing from a safe distance.
NPS Photo/Abi Farish Climbing RegulationsWhile permits are not required for day climbs, climbers must follow all general regulations, including those related to guided activities, human waste, and Leave No Trace policies. A few common issues are emphasized below: Bolts should only be placed as a last resort. Only use a bolt if there are no other safe options for creating an anchor.
It is illegal to camp at the base of the wall or in a vehicle inside the park, unless the vehicle is in an established campground with a valid campground reservation. Tube, bag, or otherwise pack human waste and carry it out with you. Do not drop waste or leave it behind. All climbs in Zion National Park are located in wilderness areas. As such, guided climbs are not allowed within the park. The National Park Service does not inspect, maintain, or repair bolts or other climbing equipment anywhere in the park. Make sure your climb is adequately protected by visually inspecting any pre-existing bolts or fixed pins. Your safety is your responsibility. Zion National Park is world-renowned for big wall and traditional climbing. Most routes in the park offer adventurous climbing utilizing traditionally placed protection such as cams, nuts, etc. Bolted routes (also known as sport climbs) are rare in Zion National Park, prohibited in the Zion Wilderness, and are often sparsely protected. A fixed anchor is defined as any piece of climbing equipment that is left in place to facilitate a safe ascent or rappel. Examples include (but are not limited to) bolts, pitons, and webbing. Only place fixed anchors as a last resort. Before placing fixed anchors on a route, think seriously about whether the route warrants them. All bolts must be placed using a hand drill only. Power drills are not allowed in Zion Wilderness. Per the Superintendent's Compendium, "the placement of fixed climbing anchors, including climbing bolts, for the creation of bolt intensive face climbs, also called sport climbs, within the Zion Wilderness is prohibited." Climbers should seek to develop routes which can be primarily protected by traditional climbing equipment, with bolts being used only when necessary. "The establishment of bolt intensive face climbs is considered incompatible with wilderness preservation and management due to the concentration of human activity which they support and the types and levels of impacts associated with such routes." - NPS Director's Order 41 Stock Use RegulationsWhile permits are not required for day trips, stock users must follow all general regulations in addition to stock-specific regulations. A summary of stock use regulations can be found below, with additional details available in the Superintendent's Compendium. The use of saddle stock or pack animals is prohibited except in the areas listed below.
Off-trail use of horses or pack animals is permitted only in the following locations:
Be respectful of the resource and other riders/hikers.
Saddle stock or pack animal use on wilderness trails is prohibited during spring thaws, during unusually wet periods, and at other times when, at the Superintendent’s discretion, use would cause undue trail damage. A maximum of 6 saddle stock or pack animals are allowed in any single party traveling in Zion National Park. Unlike other wilderness groups, these groups may not be split up as referenced in the Group Size Limits section. Stock animals that are allowed in Zion include horses, mules, and burros. Animals that are not allowed include (but are not limited to) llamas, dogs, goats, and camels. The only overnight stock camp in Zion is Hop Valley Site A and your stay is limited to one night. A wilderness permit is required to stay overnight. Stock must be hobbled or tethered to reduce damage to vegetation. Saddle stock and/or pack animals will be hobbled or tethered on a high line (6-7 feet) between trees, or otherwise restrained in a manner preventing damage to trees. Saddle stock and/or pack animals must be fed only certified weed-free feed 24 hours prior to entering the wilderness. Grazing of saddle stock or pack animals within park boundaries is prohibited. Saddle stock and/or pack animals will be kept more than 200 feet from any spring, stream, or other water source unless in the act of watering, riding or leading the animal near or across the water as a necessary function of wilderness travel. River Trip RegulationsAll watercraft use requires a wilderness permit. Watercraft users must follow all general regulations as well as river trip-specific regulations. A summary can be found below, with additional details available in the Superintendent's Compendium. The types of watercraft used for river trips must be specifically designed and manufactured for whitewater use. Operators must be equipped with USCG-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs). Operators will not board a shuttle bus with their watercraft. This restriction includes the attempt to secure the watercraft to the shuttle bus bicycle rack. Recreational inflatable tubes are not allowed on any watercourses within park boundaries. When boating The Narrows, the maximum group size is 6 people. See the general regulations section for an explanation of what constitutes a group. Watercraft will be allowed by permit only on the North Fork of the Virgin River during periods of the year when the flow in the river exceeds 150 cubic feet per second. 
Explore Zion WildernessLearn how to plan and obtain permits for backpacking, canyoneering, and other Wilderness trips. 
Wilderness SafetyThe wilderness can be an unforgiving place, and your safety is your responsibility. Learn how to prepare for a safe trip. 
|
Last updated: September 16, 2026