Zion National Park Overnight Climbing Permits
This page is for making reservations for overnight climbing trips in Zion National Park. Overnight climbing is defined as bivying overnight on a wall. Day climbs, as well as "fix and fire" climbs that take more than a day but do not include sleeping on a wall do not require permits. Bivying at the base or summit of a wall is not allowed.
Overnight backpacking permits, canyoneering permits, and Angels Landing hiking permits can be found on different pages within the Zion Recreation.gov gateway menu.
Some climbing areas close every year beginning March 1 to protect raptors that nest on Zion's cliff faces. Please make sure to check the seasonal climbing closure page on the park website to confirm the route you are interested in is open.
Permit & Season Information
A permit is required for all overnight climbing bivys in Zion National Park. All persons who intend to sleep overnight, camp, or bivouac in the Wilderness, or who are in possession of equipment designed for overnight use in the backcountry, must obtain a Wilderness permit and carry it with them.
- To minimize the impact on park resources, Wilderness permits are limited.
- One Wilderness permit allows for up to 14 consecutive nights of stay on Zion big walls.
- The permit is valid only for the number of people, dates and locations indicated.
- Overnight bivy permits are required for all overnight climbs in the park, year round. Bivying at the base of a route is not allowed.
- Typical climbing season is March-May and September-November. Winter can be cold and wet, while summer is usually very hot. Zion climbing routes are all on sandstone. Please do not climb on wet sandstone, as the fragile rock is likely to break under pressure when wet.
Need to Know
When planning your trip, please keep in mind:
- This page is to book reservations for an overnight climbing bivy. It does not guarantee that the resource will be open or accessible. Climbing routes, trails, campsites, and even the entire park may be closed due to fires, floods, rock falls, or other reasons.
- Many climbing routes are closed during the year due to nesting birds on or near the route. Check the Seasonal Climbing Closure page for more information.
- A Wilderness permit is required year-round for any overnight stay in the Zion Wilderness or on a climbing route.
- Changes to your itinerary may be made in advance through “My Reservations” or at a Zion Wilderness Permit Station, subject to availability. It is not possible to change your entry date. Increasing group size will incur additional fees.
- Permit fees are non-refundable.
- Wilderness camping and travel is subject to Wilderness regulations. All trip participants are responsible for knowing and obeying Wilderness permit conditions.
- Your Reservation Confirmation email is not a Wilderness permit and cannot be used for Wilderness travel. Bring your Reservation Confirmation email and proof of identity to pick up your Wilderness permit at a Zion Wilderness Permit Station.
- You must pick up your permit in person during open hours at any Zion Wilderness Permit Station the day before, or day of permit entry date.
Fee Policy
Permit Fee: $20 per permit (non-refundable)
Per Person Fee: $7 per person per night (refundable)
The same fees are charged for for first-come, first-served permits that are issued in person. This fee supports the permit and reservation management system.
Cancellation Policy
Per person fee are refundable if the permit is cancelled or modified to a smaller group size before 5pm the day of the trip. The $20 permit fee is non-refundable in all circumstances.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
1 Zion Park Blvd Springdale UT 84767
Phone Number
435-772-0170
