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Coyote Buttes South Permit

Wilderness Permit

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Overview

Day-use permit for Coyote Buttes South in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument (BLM), Arizona/Utah border. Stunning sandstone formations -- teepees, swirls, and hoodoos -- but not The Wave (that is Coyote Buttes North). No designated trails or facilities. Remote, trailless hiking through deep sand. 4WD high-clearance vehicle required for Cottonwood Cove and Paw Hole trailheads. Single permit area (division 1685101).

Bottom Line

Much easier to get than Coyote Buttes North. 20 permits/day split evenly: 10 online advance + 10 daily lottery. Max group size 6. Advance permits release on the 1st of each month at noon MT for the third month ahead (e.g., May 1 releases August dates). Daily lottery covers same-day/next-day availability. No refunds, no rainchecks, no rescheduling for any reason -- including weather. Permits are year-round but winter and monsoon season (Jul--Sep) bring extreme conditions and impassable roads. Shoulder season (spring/fall) is the sweet spot. Cancellations return to the calendar immediately -- alerts are useful for picking up returned dates.

Reservations

Permit season: year-round (365 days). Two paths to a permit:

  • Advance online: releases 1st of each month, 12:00 noon MT, for the third month ahead. FCFS after release. No reservations accepted for trips starting day-of or next-day.
  • Daily lottery: 10 permits/day available for same-day or next-day use via recreation.gov.
  • Cancellations return to the calendar immediately for FCFS pickup (once printed, permits cannot be cancelled).

Quotas and Fees

  • 20 people/day total (10 advance + 10 daily lottery)
  • Max group size: 6 -- joining separate permits to exceed 6 is prohibited
  • $6 non-refundable reservation fee per permit
  • $5/person non-refundable recreation fee (all ages, including infants and dogs)
  • All fees charged at time of reservation -- no refunds regardless of circumstances

Rules

  • Day use only -- no overnight camping
  • Must print and carry permit (digital copies on phone not accepted). Printable 14 days before trip.
  • Dogs allowed but must be on permit and under control; waste packed out
  • No campfires, no drones, no bikes, no mechanized equipment
  • All group members must stay together
  • If a non-commercial group hires an authorized guide, the guide does not count against group size. If a commercial operator holds the permit, the guide does count.
  • Pack out all trash including toilet paper

Availability