Wilderness Permit Descriptions

Permits are used to preserve the wilderness experience for current and future generations.

NPS Photo

 

 

When Do You Need a Permit?

Wilderness Permits 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).

Depending on the type of activity that you are participating in, and the location of your trip, there are various ways to obtain a reservation prior to your trip date. Click the links below to learn more about each permit and how to apply.

 

Permit Information

• Left Fork of North Creek (Subway)
• Virgin River Narrows - 16 Miles
• Backpacking Permits
• Canyoneering Permits
• Overnight Climbing Permits

First-Come, First-Served Permits

Walk-in spaces are available for Wilderness trips not already filled by Advance Reservation or Lotteries.

• Permits must be obtained at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Desk the day before or the day of your trip.
• Come prepared with your trip itinerary and vehicle(s) information: Make and model, color, state, and license plate number.

Obtain Your Wilderness Permit

Plan your trip itinerary to allow sufficient time to obtain your permit the day of or the day before your trip during our Hours of Operation.

• Allow for at least 20 minutes to obtain a permit. Come prepared with all vehicle(s) information: make, model, and license plate(s).
• All Wilderness permits must be obtained in-person at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Desk.
• The individual listed as the reservation holder must be the one to obtain the permit, please plan accordingly.

 

Wilderness Permit Fees

Fees help cover the costs of issuing permits, Wilderness patrols, resource monitoring, and trail repairs.

Day Use / Canyoneering Permit Fees

• Lottery Application Fee or Advanced Reservation Fee: $6 lottery application / reservation fee (non-refundable)
• Per Person Fee: $10 per person (refundable)
• The reservation fee (in lieu of the lottery application fee) and per person fee are also charged for first-come, first-served permits that are issued in person.

Overnight Permit Fees

• Permit Fee: $20 per permit (non-refundable)
• Per Person Fee: $7 per person per night (refundable)
• The same fees are charged for reservations as well as first-come, first-served permits that are issued in person.

Wilderness Permits are Non-Transferable

Traveling in the Zion Wilderness requires careful planning and preparation. Permit holders assume the responsibility of ensuring that their group is aware of the risks involved, is self-reliant, has developed a back-up plan, and will follow park regulations. Because these are such important aspects of trip planning and resource protection, permits for trips into the Zion Wilderness are non-transferable.

If you cannot participate in your trip, please cancel your reservation to provide opportunities for others. If other members of your group still wish to participate in a planned trip, you may coordinate with a new prospective permit holder for them to immediately reserve the available spaces or sites, as soon as your reservation has been cancelled. You may cancel your reservation online by logging in to your recreation.gov account. As soon as your reservation is cancelled, those spaces or sites will immediately be available for someone else to obtain through the calendar reservations page. New permit holders will need a recreation.gov account prior to creating a calendar reservation.

 

 

Zion Express Membership

Zion Express Membership allows visitors who regularly visit the park, and are familiar with the park resources, to obtain express access to create online reservations and convert them into Wilderness Permits from home.

• To become a member, applicants must watch three orientation films at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Desk. (Membership cannot be obtained in the Kolob Canyons.)

• After watching the films, applicants will sign a Zion Express Program Agreement form. Their express access will be linked to their recreation.gov account.

• There is no cost for enrollment. Membership is valid for three years from the date they signed up. Memberships may be cancelled if any regulations are violated.