ST. GEORGE — Beginning Dec. 1, overnight visitors to Bryce Canyon National Park’s backcountry areas will be able to reserve permits for peak season trips up to three months in advance.
Use of this website will replace the old system, by which permits were only issued in person, up to 48 hours in advance. This change will help standardize Bryce Canyon’s reservation processes and add convenience and predictability to visitors’ permitting experience, according to a news release issued by the National Park Service on Tuesday.
Effective Tuesday, visitors can view the permits that will be available for reservation on Recreation.gov by searching “Bryce Canyon National Park Backcountry Permits” or at this link.
Permits for peak season trips occurring March through November will be available online up to three months in advance, as well as on a walk-in basis at the Visitor Center. The first online permits for March 2023 will become available on Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Permits for winter trips occurring December through February will remain on a walk-in basis, issued up to 48 hours in advance.
“This change aligns our backcountry permits with the developed campground reservations and digital pass options already available on Recreation.gov,” park spokesperson Peter Densmore said in the news release.
The new system also provides visitors greater control for planning a trip, he added.
“Under the walk-in system we’ve consistently heard from people concerned about backcountry permit availability during the park’s peak season,” he said. “We hope that this new system will give them greater peace of mind knowing that their permit is secure.”
Online permit holders will still be required to check in at the Visitor Center before departing on their overnight trip to review backcountry regulations, rent a free bear canister or have theirs inspected. This change will not affect permit costs, which remain $10 per permit plus $5 per person.
For more information about backcountry hiking and camping at Bryce Canyon, visit the park’s backcountry information page, contact the park via social media or call the main information line at 435-834-5322.