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Zion Left Fork North Creek (Subway) Permits

Wilderness Permit

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Overview

Day-use permit for the Left Fork of North Creek (Subway) in Zion National Park, Utah. One of Zion's most iconic canyon routes with two approaches: top-down (technical canyoneering -- rappelling, rope work, cold swims, usually requires wetsuits) and bottom-up (strenuous 9-mile round-trip off-trail hike -- no ropes, but ankle-to-knee-deep wading, boulder scrambling, 6-10 hours). Both approaches require the same permit. Single division covering all Left Fork access. Overnight camping is not allowed. Both trailheads are on the Kolob Terrace Road. Max group size 12 people. Guiding is not permitted in the Zion Wilderness. Separate from Zion Wilderness overnight permits, Narrows overnight permits, general canyoneering permits, and climbing bivouac permits.

Bottom Line

~60 people per day, split roughly 75% seasonal lottery / 25% daily walkup. The seasonal lottery is the primary path -- applications accepted 1st-25th of the month, four months ahead, with results on the 27th. You get up to four date choices per application, one application per person per canyon per season. Unclaimed lottery spots become reservable FCFS on the 15th of the following month at 10:00 AM MT. If you miss the seasonal lottery, the daily lottery (on a separate rec.gov page) accepts applications 2 days before your trip date from 12:00 AM to 3:00 PM MT, with results by 4:00 PM MT. Any remaining spots after both lotteries become walk-in permits at the Wilderness Desk the day before or day of. Peak demand is spring (Mar-May) and fall (Sep-Oct) -- summer is hot and winter is cold/icy. Cancellations return per-person fees and free up the slot immediately, so alerts are worth setting for prime dates.

Seasonal Lottery Schedule

Applications open the 1st through the 25th of the month, four months ahead. Results emailed on the 27th. Winners must claim on rec.gov within two weeks. Unclaimed spots open at 10:00 AM MT on the 15th of the following month.

| Trip Month(s) | Application Window | Unclaimed Spots Reservable | |----------------------|------------------------|----------------------------| | Jan, Feb, Mar | Nov 1 -- Nov 25 | Dec 15 at 10 AM MT | | Apr, May, Jun | Feb 1 -- Feb 25 | Mar 15 at 10 AM MT | | Jul, Aug, Sep | May 1 -- May 25 | Jun 15 at 10 AM MT | | Oct, Nov, Dec | Aug 1 -- Aug 25 | Sep 15 at 10 AM MT |

  • One application per person, per canyon, per season
  • Up to four prioritized date choices per application
  • Choose dates carefully -- changes to submitted applications are limited

Daily Lottery (2 Days Before)

Operated on a separate rec.gov page (Zion National Park Canyoneering Daily Lottery). Fills remaining spots not taken by the seasonal lottery.

  • Apply 2 days before your trip date, between 12:00 AM and 3:00 PM MT
  • Drawing at 3:00 PM MT, results emailed by 4:00 PM MT
  • One application per person per canyon
  • $6 non-refundable application fee
  • Any spots still remaining after the daily lottery become walk-in permits

Fees

  • $6 non-refundable lottery application / reservation fee
  • $10/person recreation fee (refundable if cancelled before 5:00 PM day of trip)
  • Same fees apply to walk-in permits issued in person
  • Zion entrance fee charged separately (America the Beautiful passes accepted)

Group Size and Rules

  • Max group size: 12 people (Left Fork / Subway)
  • A "group" is all people sharing the same affiliation entering the same canyon on the same day, even across multiple permits
  • Groups may not split into multiple permits to exceed the daily limit -- violators will be cited
  • Min 2 people recommended for the top-down technical route
  • Day use only -- no overnight camping in the Left Fork
  • Permits required year-round
  • Permit holder must pick up the Wilderness Permit in person at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Desk, the day before or day of the trip
  • Reservation confirmation email is not a permit
  • Allow 20 minutes for pickup; bring vehicle info (make, model, license plate)
  • Permits are non-transferable -- if holder cannot go, cancel and let a new person rebook
  • All canyoneering regulations apply; no paid guiding allowed in Zion Wilderness

Cancellation Policy

  • Per-person $10 fee refundable if cancelled or group size reduced before 5:00 PM on the day of the trip
  • $6 application/reservation fee is non-refundable in all circumstances
  • Cancelled slots return to availability immediately

Availability