Wilderness Regulations

You can help preserve and protect the canyons of Zion for future generations by following park regulations and Leave No Trace principles.

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Wilderness Permits

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).

• Permits must be carried with you and shown upon request.
• Permits may be picked up the day before, or the day of your trip at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
• Follow all terms and conditions of your permit. Permits are non-transferable.

Group Size Limits

A group is any number of people sharing the same affiliation (e.g., club, scout troop, colleagues, family, friends, etc.) that enter a canyon or trail on the same day, even if they have multiple permits.

• Group size limits are strictly enforced. Permits will be denied and violators will be cited if limits are exceeded.
• The maximum group size for The Left Fork (Subway), Orderville, Keyhole, Pine Creek, and the Virgin River Narrows is 12 people. The maximum group size for all other canyons is 6 people.
• Groups larger than these limits may divide into groups under the maximum group size, provided they do not occupy the same drainage/route on the same day.
• A minimum group size of 2 people is recommended for all technical canyons involving the use of rope, webbing, or other device for descent or ascent.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Respect other groups and protect the quality of their wilderness experience.

• Prevent bottlenecks. If a faster group catches up to you, allow them to pass.
• Let the natural sounds of the canyon prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

Structured and Guided Activities

Structured and/or formally guided activities facilitated by educational, commercial, or like organizations are authorized to occur only on frontcountry trails. Such activities are not authorized to take place in park Wilderness areas (Primitive and Pristine Zones).

 

Zion is only as beautiful as we keep it. Trash, human waste, and abandoned equipment degrade the visitor experience.

NPS Photo

Wilderness Closures

See 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.

Leave No Trace

While 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.

Protect The Wilderness

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.

 

Travel on Durable Surfaces

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.

Follow Camping Regulations

Throughout the wilderness, no camping is permitted within sight of trails, under rock overhangs, on private land holdings, within 1 mile of roads, within ¼ mile of a spring, or within ¼ mile of the park boundary. Food must also be properly stored to prevent consumption by wild animals. See the Superintendent's Compendium for additional restrictions.

In designated camping areas (Kolob Canyons, West Rim, The Narrows, Southwest Desert), camp only within the previously disturbed area. In "at-large" camping areas (Wildcat Canyon, East Rim), campsites should be 200 feet from all streams and trails. Camping in previously disturbed areas is encouraged.

Do your part to prevent wildfires: Campfires are prohibited in the Zion Wilderness. Gas or liquid-fueled stoves and lanterns may be used, but they should only be lit on bare ground away from vegetation.

Leave What You Find

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.

Avoid Bolting

Bolts should only be placed as a last resort. Only use a bolt if there are no other safe options for creating an anchor.

• Use of power drills or other power equipment is prohibited.
• If bolts are used, they should be placed so that they will last for many years and will avoid scarring on the rock caused by rope pulls.
• Use subdued colors for hangers and slings.

Dispose of Waste Properly

Help prevent water contamination, disease, and unsightly messes: carry out all trash and human waste.

• Properly dispose of all trash, including wrappers, apple cores, fruit peels, nut shells, and toilet paper. Dispose of all waste in a trash can or dumpster. Recycle when possible.
• Human waste, toilet paper, and hygiene products must be carried out of all Wilderness areas and narrow canyons. Wilderness permit groups must carry a minimum of one human waste disposal bag per person while in the wilderness.
• Do not leave ropes in canyons. Please pack out any abandoned ropes that you find, including old and damaged materials.

Respect Wildlife

You will encounter wildlife while in the wilderness. Please keep all animals wild and healthy by viewing from a safe distance.

• Do not feed or touch wildlife. All food must be stored inside a secure, hard-sided container or interlocking wire mesh bag hung out of reach of wildlife. Poor storage can lead to animals becoming aggressive and dependent on human food. These guidelines are meant to protect wildlife, people, and property alike.
• Do not approach or attempt to move sick/injured wildlife. If necessary, report sick, injured, or aggressive animals to a park ranger.

 

Wilderness regulations are necessary to protect environmental and scenic values, natural resources, and public safety.

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Equipment & Animals

Mobility Equipment is Prohibited

Wheelchairs (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 Areas

This does not include Service Animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Stock Use

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.

Want to Learn More?

Visit the Wilderness in National Parks webpage to learn more about wilderness establishment, usage, and protection.

 

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  Wilderness Information

  Planning and permits for backpacking, canyoneering, and other Wilderness trips.

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  Wilderness Safety

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

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  Your Safety

  Your safety is your responsibility.