Reservation7/10
Butte East
Primitive campground east of the valley....
View Behind the Butte East Primitive permit details and availability
ReservationOvernightHigh Demand
Behind the Butte West Primitive
Primitive campground west of the valley.
“A bucket-list destination in Goblin Valley.”
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Butte West Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh7/10
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level7/10
LocationUT SP
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
When to Go
Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall
Conditions
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand1/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill1/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk1/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment3/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.
Recommended Experience
Basic hiking experience. Start with shorter trails if new to hiking.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Butte West draws visitors from around the world to Goblin Valley. The permit system balances access with preservation, ensuring the experience remains worthwhile for those who make the journey.
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Butte West.
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🐻
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
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Butte West FAQ
How do I get a Butte West permit?
Butte West permits are obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to visit Butte West?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Butte West permit?
This permit has a demand score of 7/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Butte West permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Golden hour at Butte West offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.
Best Light
Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.
Beat the Crowds
Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.
Classic Shots
- 📍Classic view of Butte West
- 📍Goblin Valley scenery
- 📍Trail or route documentation
Other Goblin Valley Permits
Consider these alternatives or add them to your tracking list
Reservation6/10
Butte North
Small primitive camping area north of the valley....
View Behind the Butte North Primitive permit details and availabilityWalk-Up5/10
Wild Horse Road
Dispersed camping along Little Wild Horse Canyon Road....
View Little Wild Horse Road Dispersed permit details and availabilityWalk-Up5/10
Temple Mountain
Dispersed camping along Temple Mountain Road....
View Temple Mountain Road Dispersed permit details and availabilityReservation9/10
Yurts
Two heated yurts in the main campground. Extremely limited....
View Goblin Valley Yurts permit details and availability