A backcountry permit is required for all overnight trips in the backcountry, Narrows thru-hikes, Narrows day-hikes beyond Orderville Canyon, and all canyon trips requiring descending gear or ropes (including the Subway). Permits can be obtained at Zion Canyon Visitor Center’s Backcountry Desk or Kolob Canyons Visitor Center. They can be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis online from the park’s website for a $5 non-refundable fee per reservation. At least 25 percent of all permits are set aside for day-before/same-day walk-in visitors. If you attempt to secure a walk-in permit you should arrive the day before your trip when the backcountry desk opens. Permits to the park’s two most popular backcountry areas, the Subway and Mystery Canyon, are distributed via an online lottery. Hopeful hikers must enter the lottery at least three months prior to their planned trip. A non-refundable $5 fee is charged for each lottery entry. If you won the lottery, secured a reservation, or obtained a permit the day of your trip, you will have to pay an additional backcountry permit fee. Fees are based on group size: $10 for 1 – 2 people, $15 for 3 – 7 people and $20 for 8 – 12 people. Maximum group size is 12 people.