American Fork Creek

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Backcountry use restricted in Zion Park

New use restrictions are in effect to protect some of the more popular backcountry routes in Zion National Park. The popularity of canyoneering in Zion has risen dramatically in the last few years. In 1998, the park issued 1,039 canyon day use permits. In 2002, 3,812 permits were issued, an increase of 267%. To meet desired zone conditions, park managers need to reduce visitor numbers to a level that limits overcrowding and resource damage, while enhancing visitor experience.

Canyons zoned primitive in the General Management Plan will be limited to 50 people per day. That includes Pine Creek, Orderville, Keyhole, and the Subway (Left Fork of North Creek). Canyons zoned pristine in the plan will be limited to 12 people per day. This will include Mystery, Imlay, Kolob, Behunin, Heaps, Echo, Spry, Englstead, Bulloch, Ice Box, and the Upper Right Fork of North Creek, to name a few. Check with the Rangers at the backcountry permits desk for details on any other canyons not listed here.

Reservations can be made for the Subway and Mystery Canyon. Reservations are made through a lottery system, with an application deadline of three months prior to the trip date. First come/first served walk-in spaces are also available for the Subway and Mystery Canyon, as well as other trips in the park's backcountry. These are available the day before an intended trip. Visitors who wish to obtain these walk-in permits for the Subway and Mystery Canyon will have greater success if they can arrive at the Zion Canyon Backcountry Window early, the day before their intended trip. More information concerning reservations can be found on the park's website at Backcountry News or by calling 435 772-0170.

All backcountry permits are available at the backcountry desks at Zion Canyon or Kolob Canyon Visitor Centers. From April 19 through October 5, the Zion Canyon Backcountry Desk will open at 6:30 a.m. and Kolob Canyon Backcountry Desk at 7 a.m.

Backcountry use restricted in Zion Park

Listen to the Utah Outdoors radio show, Saturdays from 6-8 a.m. on KSL.