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Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness
Paria Canyon Permit Area
How to Obtain a Permit


If you are familiar with this information, go to the calendar to apply for a permit.

Do I need a permit?

A permit is required for both day hiking and overnight trips in Paria Canyon and Buckskin Gulch. The fee is $6.00 per person per day for day hiking and $5.00 per person per day for overnight trips. If you take your dog, fee is $6.00 per dog per day for day hiking and $5.00 per dog per day for overnight trips.

How do I obtain a day use permit?

self-pay station and fee tube Permits for day hiking in Paria Canyon and Buckskin Gulch can be obtained at the self-pay stations (see photo) at each trailhead. There is no limit on day use. The Paria Canyon permit area can be accessed using one of four trailheads.

  1. Take an envelope from the self-pay station.
  2. Fill out both sides.
  3. Insert the correct fees.
  4. Tear off the flap and place in a visible location on the dashboard of your vehicle.
  5. Seal the envelope with the fee and drop it in the fee tube (see photo).

How do I obtain an overnight permit?

For overnight trips into Paria Canyon and Buckskin Gulch, you must apply for, obtain, and purchase a permit in advance. Overnight entry into the canyons is limited to 20 people per day (dogs do not count against this total). This is a cumulative total from all four trailheads. This system helps to reduce the potential impacts to the environment and allows visitors to enjoy a true wilderness experience. Overnight permits can be applied for and purchased online, using the calendar option. You can also call the Arizona Strip District Office and apply for the calendar option over the phone. Faxed or e-mailed applications are not accepted.

Applications accepted after 12pm on the 1st of the month for a permit during
January 1 April
February 1 May
March 1 June
April 1 July
May 1 August
June 1 September
July 1 October
August 1 November
September 1 December
October 1 January
November 1 February
December 1 March

If you are unable to access the permit pages, you will need to change your security settings to accommodate BLM secure web page requirements. Click "Tools" on the menu bar, then click "Internet Options", "Advanced" tab and then scroll down to the Security Section and check the box "Use TLS 1.0". Click "OK", then try the permit page again.

Am I limited to one trip per year?

No, however, each trip requires a separate application and payment of fees.

Are there limits on the total number of people per day in the canyon?

Yes. We allow 20 people per day to enter the canyon. This is a cumulative total from all trailheads.

What is the group size limit?

No more than 10 persons per group. If the group is larger than 10 people, the group will need to split into two groups of no more than 10 people and each group is required to enter the area on a separate day and is not permitted to travel with, enter or exit with, or camp with the other group.

How many groups may enter per day?

The number of groups is not limited. However, group size is limited to 10 and the combined trailhead entry is no more than 20 persons per day.

Once I have my permit, can I change dates or group size?

Yes, but you are limited in what you can do. A date change requires a $30 fee and available hiking slots on the current hiking availability calendars. A group size increase is handled by obtaining a new permit for the additional group members, keeping in mind that you cannot exceed the group size limit of 10.

How long will it take to get my permit after I make my purchase?

Between four and six weeks unless the permit date is within the next few weeks.

Is it possible to get an overnight permit without buying it in advance?

Yes. It is possible to get your permit online or in person at the Paria Contact station the same day, provided there is an opening that fits your group's size.

Are commercial guide permits available?

The BLM Arizona Strip and Kanab Field Offices authorize special recreation permits for commercial guide services.

Do the required permits apply to the entire wilderness?

Permit fees are charged for the Coyote Buttes North and South, Buckskin Gulch, Wire Pass and overnight Paria Canyon permit areas only. The surrounding areas are open to use without permits or limits.

Are fees required?

Yes. Fees are payable prior to permit authorization for each visitor.  No fees are charged for children 12 years and under for day-use in Paria Canyon, Buckskin Gulch, and Wire Pass.

What are the fees?

$5.00 per person per day for Paria Canyon overnight trips and $6.00 per person per day for Paria Canyon day-use trips in Wire Pass, Buckskin Gulch and White House.

Does my America the Beautiful Pass give me a discount on fees?

No. America the Beautiful passes are only accepted for entrance fees to areas such as national parks or some national conservation areas. Special Recreation Permits for Coyote Buttes and Paria Canyon are not part of the America the Beautiful Pass program.

Does my Senior and Access Passes give me a discount on fees?

Senior and Access passes are not accepted.

Where do I pay my fees?

Fees for online permits can only be paid by credit card. Fees for permits issued by phone can be paid by credit card or check mailed to the BLM Arizona Strip District Office; checks must be received before a permit number is issued.

What happens if access to trailheads is impossible after I pay my fees?

If weather conditions have made access to the trailhead or access points impossible on your permitted date, you may reschedule another available date within one year of your original permit at no additional cost. Call the Arizona Strip District Office to obtain a raincheck or your new permit.

Are fee refunds made?

No, but if your trip is canceled because of weather conditions and you receive a raincheck, you have one year to reschedule your trip at no additional cost.

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