Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness
Paria Canyon Permit Area
Before highways and railways, before pioneers....the land we know as the United States was truly a vast wilderness. To protect these last remaining areas, in 1984 Congress created the Paria Canyon - Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Paria Canyon's outstanding scenery, desert wildlife, colorful history, and opportunities for primitive recreation will remain free from the influence of man and are protected in this condition for future generations. Its 112,500 acres beckon adventurers who yearn for solitude, scenic splendor, and the chance to explore one of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world.
Things you should know before starting your hike:
- Advance permits are required for overnight use. There is a limit on overnight use in the canyon to 20 persons per day.
- Paria Canyon day use permits are available via self-serve envelopes at each trailhead. There are no visitor use limits for day use for the Paria Canyon. This does not include Coyote Buttes North or Coyote Buttes South day use areas.
- Day users must display the permit on their vehicle windshield. Overnight users must display the permit on the outside of their backpack, and on the dashboard of their vehicle.
- Campfires are prohibited.
- Dogs are allowed. They must be kept under control at all times.
- Human waste bags will be provided free of charge at the Paria Ranger Station, Kanab Field Office and Arizona Strip District Office. Their use is not mandatory, but helps to preserve the pristine canyon environment. Their use will be mandatory in 2010.
- Use existing campsites at least 200 feet from a water source.
- No camping on or adjacent to any archaeological site.
- Wrather Canyon is closed to camping.
- Group size cannot exceed ten in the same permit area on the same day.
- All trash must be packed out, including toilet paper and human waste bags.
- Use of public land for business or financial gain requires a special permit.
- Wilderness is closed to motor vehicles, mechanical transport, and motorized equipment.
- If during your hike, your permit is inspected by BLM representatives, you may be asked to present a government issued I.D. for permit verification.
- Permits are non-transferable.
This web site can only process transactions that use a credit card for payment.
For more information, for answers to permit questions or if you do not want to use the Internet to get your permit, you can call the Paria Canyon Project Permits Desk at (435) 688-3246.
(Please note that voice messages received from international phone numbers cannot be returned.)
Frequently Asked Questions
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?
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. Permits for Coyote Buttes North and South are available on-line or through a walk-in lottery.
- Take an envelope from the self-pay station.
- Fill out both sides.
- Insert the correct fees.
- Tear off the flap and place in a visible location on the dashboard of your vehicle.
- 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.
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.
- Permits are non-transferable.
- If you need to cancel your trip, you can cancel the permit by mailing it back to the St. George, Utah office at: 345 E. Riverside Drive, St. George, Utah 84790. Once the permit is received, the trip will be canceled and the permit returned to the calendar.
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 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.
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.
$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.
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.
Can I get a “raincheck” after I pay my fees?
No. Permits are nonrefundable and non-transferable. “Rainchecks” cannot be issued for any reason. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Fees are nonrefundable.