Backcountry Permit - Zion National Park

Backcountry
Permit

Zion National Park

Zion Backcountry permits are required for overnight backpacking trips, climbing bivouacs, all through hikes of the Virgin River and tributaries, the Subway (Left Fork of North Creek), Kolob Creek and all technical canyons (any canyon which requires a rope). All areas are subject to a quota system. Permits may be obtained at both the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.

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.

Large groups increase impacts on the backcountry. Maximum allowable group size for Zion Narrows, Subway, Keyhole, Pine Creek and Orderville Gulch is 12. Maximum Group allowable group size for all other slots canyons is six. A group consists of people sharing the same affiliation (school, club, scout troop, family, friends) in the same drainage, route, or backcountry trail on the same day. This is strictly enforced; violators will be cited.

North Fork of the Virgin River flow rate must be at or below 150 cubic feet per second (cfs) before the National Park Service will issue a permit to hike or canyoneer Orderville Gulch, Mystery Canyon or Imlay Canyon.

North Fork of the Virgin River flow rate must be at or below 120 cubic feet per second (cfs) before the National Park Service will issue a permit to hike or canyoneer Zion Narrows from Chamberlain Ranch.

In an average year, the North Fork of the Virgin River exceeds the flow rates above from March through early June. Visit USGS Current Stream flow conditions for the North Fork Virgin River for current conditions. The flow rate must be at the prescribe level for the previous 24 hours before a permit will be issued.

Zion Backcountry Reservation System:
75% of slot canyon permits will be awarded through Calendar Reservations and Advanced Lottery Reservations. Individuals can submit an application for the Last Minute Drawing to obtain any remaining reservations for permits.

Lottery & Reservations

Walk-in Permits:
Walk-in permits for popular slot canyons can be difficult to obtain. Plan ahead and obtain a reservation to avoid any disappointment. Any remaining backcountry permits not taken through the reservation system are available as Walk-in Permits. Any backcountry areas not listed for reservations are only available as Walk-in Permits.

Additional Zion Backcountry Information:
If you require more information it might be available by visiting the Zion Backcountry Website. If all else fails you can always call the Zion Backcountry Desk at (435) 772-0170.

Additional Information