Zion Backcountry Permit System
Permits are required for technical canyon adventures, Narrows through-hikes, and all overnight outings in Zion. Permits allow the Park staff to make contact with visitors, steer you to adventures appropriate for your skills and desires, and monitor usage in the backcountry canyons. The rangers in Zion are really helpful; be sure to use them as a source of information. They can relay recent conditions reports in your canyon of interest, though, surprisingly, the Park does not patrol every canyon every day. A weather report is posted at the Wilderness Desk; use this, plus common sense, before adventuring in Zion.
Quotas and Group Size Limits
Limits (quotas) vary from canyon to canyon. It is fair to say that ALL Zion canyons are popular and can be difficult to obtain a permit for during busy times of the year (especially summer and holiday weekends). Make reservations early, obtain your permit as early as possible, and have alternate plans at hand. Fridays and Saturdays are the most popular days. To see current quota information, see page 7 of the Zion Wilderness Guide.
How to Get a Permit
There are four ways to get a Wilderness Permit in Zion, as explained below. The option(s) you choose will be determined by:
Where you want to go. The Use Limit Chart (above) details how many permits can be issued per canyon, per day. Choose a canyon with no limit (i.e. not on the list), and your odds are a lot better than a canyon with a 12-person daily limit.
When you want to go there. Weekend are busy, and so are summer months. Summer weekends are REALLY busy. If you want to increase your odds, plan on weekday descents in the shoulder seasons, where we often see nobody in the canyon.
How far ahead you plan. With permits, the early bird catches the worm. Know your plan three months ahead of time, and you can score your permit online fairly easily.
Your luck. If you enter one of the two lottery options, fate decides your descents. Feeling lucky?
Once You Secure Your Permit Reservation
You're almost legal, but you still must physically obtain your permit IN PERSON at the Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk. This helps Zion Rangers update you on current weather conditions and possible closures. Know the Wilderness Desk hours and permit prices before you go. Once you have the physical permit, you must carry it with you on your adventure, as Park Rangers may ask to see it at any time.
POLITE NOTE: The Wilderness Desk staff are not responsible for the inconvenient rules and regulations that manage use of the backcountry canyons. Please grant them respect and civility. If you have frustrations to take out, write a letter to the Park Superintendent.