🏔 Wilderness
Zion Wilderness
About This Permit
Zion has multiple backcountry permit categories — canyoneering, wilderness camping/backpacking, and Narrows top-down day/overnight. Always confirm you are booking the correct Recreation.gov permit for your specific route. This permit covers off-trail routes, technical canyons, and remote mesa adventures. The Subway (Left Fork) is one of Utah's most sought-after canyoneering permits, requiring swimming, rappels, and route-finding through a sculpted sandstone tube.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zion Subway permit?
Left Fork (Subway) always requires a Zion wilderness/canyoneering permit — all trips require one regardless of direction. Permits are managed through Recreation.gov via Zion's canyoneering permit system, which includes a Seasonal Lottery and a Daily Lottery for Left Fork (Subway) and Mystery Canyon. The permit type differs by itinerary (top-down canyoneering vs. bottom-up hike), but neither is permit-free.
What other routes does the Zion Wilderness permit cover?
Beyond the Subway, this permit covers Mystery Canyon, Kolob Canyon overnight routes, the West Rim Trail, and off-trail routes throughout Zion's backcountry. Each route has its own daily quota.
Key Facts
- State
- UT
- Season
- Year-round
- Quota
- Zone-based quotas; technical canyoneering routes most limited
- Trailhead
- West Rim, La Verkin Creek, Kolob Canyons, Left Fork (Subway)
- Entry Point
- Zion Canyon Visitor Center
- Difficulty
- 3/5(Competitive)
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