Wilderness Information

What is Wilderness?

The Zion Wilderness is a spectacular network of colorful canyons, forested mesas, and striking deserts. In 2009, over 124,000 acres of Zion National Park was designated as wilderness. This designation ensures that 84% of the park will continue to be a place where nature and its “community of life are untrammeled by man, a place where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.”

Wilderness is a rare, wild place where one can retreat from civilization, reconnect with nature, 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 about the importance of Wilderness areas, check out these resources:

• Establishment of the Zion Wilderness: Signed into law on March 30, 2009 by President Barack Obama.
• National Park Service - Wilderness: From Alaska to Florida, Wilderness protects some of the most diverse and sensitive habitats in our country.
• Interagency Wilderness Connect: Connecting federal employees, scientists, educators, and the public with their wilderness heritage

 

Wilderness Permits

Permits are required for all overnight backpacking trips, overnight climbing bivouacs, through-hikes of the Virgin River Narrows and its tributaries, trips into Left Fork of North Creek (The Subway), watercraft river trips, and all canyons requiring the use of descending gear or ropes. Visit our Wilderness Permit page for more information on when and how to get a permit.

 

Wilderness Permits

Permits are used to protect resources and ensure a high-quality wilderness experience. Explore your options and apply here.

 

Explore the Wilderness

Visit the pages below to learn more about recreational opportunities within Zion Wilderness. Guides and maps are available at the bottom of this page.

 

Backpacking

Start planning an overnight backpacking trip, discover which trails are best for your group, and reserve permits in advance.

Canyoneering

Technical canyoneering is an adventurous sport that requires ropes, harnesses, and other equipment and skills to safely descend slot canyons

Wilderness Day Hikes

Explore the many trails that access the Zion Wilderness.

The Subway

The Left Fork of North Creek (The Subway) is a strenuous off-trail hike that requires permits to access a popular destination.

The Narrows

Plan your hike into the Virgin River Narrows. Hiking options include day hikes from the bottom-up and top-down, and overnight from top-down.

Rock Climbing

Learn about climbing rules and regulations in Zion, and reserve a permit for overnight climbs.

River Trips

Learn the rules and regulations for float trips down the Virgin River. Find out when the river is floatable.

Stock Use

Horses and other stock animals are allowed on select Wilderness trails. Learn the rules and regulations here.

Wilderness Regulations

Help keep Zion's backcountry beautiful. Follow the rules and regulations of wilderness areas.

Wilderness Safety

The wilderness can be an unforgiving place, and your safety is your responsibility. Learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

Wilderness Transportation

Learn about options for reaching trailheads in Wilderness areas.

Zion Wilderness Guide

View and download a copy of the most recent Zion Wilderness Guide.

Zion Wilderness Map

View and download a copy of the most recent Zion Wilderness Map.

Wilderness Desk Handouts

View and download copies of current Wilderness Desk handouts, such as campsite maps or erosion information.

 

Zion Wilderness Stewardship Plan

Wilderness parameters, including the permit system, are managed according to guidelines established in the Wilderness Stewardship Plan (formerly titled the Backcountry Management Plan, November 2007). From page 33 of the plan:  Wilderness Permit and Reservation System
Zion's Wilderness Permit System allows the park to maintain levels of wilderness use consistent with a high quality visitor experience, safety, and resource protection by: 

• regulating use through a quota system, 
• providing education concerning resource protection and Leave No Trace techniques,
• providing education concerning safety issues,
• providing a means to track visitor use, and
• identifying a starting point for search and rescue efforts.