Coyote Buttes South Permit wilderness permit area in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument - backcountry hiking destination
LotteryDay UseModerate Demand

Coyote Buttes South Permit

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Equally stunning but easier to get than The Wave.

Experience Coyote Buttes South in Vermilion Cliffs.

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Be notified instantly when Coyote Buttes South permits become available.

Demand
Moderate
6/10
Method
Lottery

Coyote Buttes South Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodLottery
Demand LevelModerate6/10

Key Information

Permit Details

TypeDay Use
Booking MethodLottery
Demand Level6/10
LocationUT

How to Get This Permit

1

Create a Recreation.gov account

Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Verify your email and add payment info ahead of time.

2

If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations

Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.

3

Set up PermitSnag alerts

Get instant notifications when cancellations happen. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.

When to Go

Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall

Conditions

Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.

Crowd Level

Moderate

Advantages

  • +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

Commitment2/5

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

Coyote Buttes South in Vermilion Cliffs offers a wilderness experience protected by the permit system. Quotas help maintain trail conditions and ensure visitors can enjoy the natural setting without overcrowding.

Lottery Statistics

Competitive

estimated success rate

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Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Coyote Buttes South.

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🐻

Food Storage

Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.

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Coyote Buttes South FAQ

How do I get a Coyote Buttes South permit?

Coyote Buttes South permits are obtained through a lottery system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.

When is the best time to visit Coyote Buttes South?

Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Coyote Buttes South permit?

This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.

What if I can't get a Coyote Buttes South 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

Coyote Buttes South is most photogenic during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset when the light is warm and soft.

Best Light

Morning light is typically best, with clearer air and softer shadows. Afternoon can bring haze in summer.

Beat the Crowds

Arrive before 7am for the best chance at crowd-free photos. The hour after sunrise is magical.

Classic Shots

  • 📍The iconic view of Coyote Buttes South
  • 📍Trail perspective shots
  • 📍Detail shots of unique features
  • 📍Vermilion Cliffs landscape