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ST. GEORGE, Utah — On November 1, 2022, the Bureau of Land Management will implement a new mobile based geofence system for obtaining daily lottery permits to hike in the stunning recreation area known as Coyote Buttes South, within the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. The BLM is implementing this technology to provide a more convenient lottery experience, following the same successful approach that the agency began using in March for “The Wave” within Coyote Buttes North.

“BLM Arizona is excited to offer this convenient system to the public,” said Arizona Strip Field Manager Lorraine Christian. “Over the last two years, BLM Arizona has worked with Recreation.gov to improve the efficiency for visitors and the agency in the way daily permits to Coyote Buttes North and South are applied, paid for, and distributed. This transition to the geofence permit system for Coyote Buttes South is another important step in providing improved customer-service to public lands visitors.”

The mobile geofence system, hosted by Recreation.gov, allows for applicants to use the location-based service to apply for a permit to hike Coyote Buttes South, a recreation area located south of The Wave and an area of formations that are just as stunning. Visitors can apply from their cell phone or other location-enabled mobile devices while traveling in the area. Permits will only be available to those persons using the system within intentionally set geographic boundaries. This new system will provide a safer and more convenient process than the in-person lottery system, where hundreds of hopeful lottery applicants would wait in a designated facility. The current advanced online lottery system, which requires applicants to apply four months in advance, will continue to provide another application process for those who do advanced planning before traveling to the area.

“The BLM recognizes that local economies are closely tied to public lands, and are committed to promoting opportunities for economic development, recreation access, and conservation stewardship,” said Arizona Strip District Manager Michael Herder.

“Additional gateway communities will benefit economically as this system expands the permit application area and provides visitors with additional options to pick-up permits and enjoy overnight stays for the next day’s trip in several communities,” said Herder. “Likewise, the current advanced online lottery system will still be available for applicants who do not own a smartphone.”

It is important for visitors to install the Recreation.gov mobile app in an area where they have service coverage, so they can then be ready to apply for the lottery when it is available. Upon successful submission of an application for a permit within the designated geofence area, applicants are then free to explore in the communities and on public lands and will continue to receive notifications (service allowing).

Applicants do not need to remain inside the geofence perimeter to receive notifications. However, successful applicants will be required to pick up permits within an allotted time at either of the permitting offices located in Kanab, Utah and Page, Arizona, at which time applicants will receive a required safety brief.

The BLM collaborated with the City of Page and Coconino County, Arizona, as well as with Kanab City and Kane County, Utah, regarding the locations of the geofence boundary. The geofence area will include the following towns or communities in Arizona: Page, Greenhaven, Marble Canyon, Vermilion Cliffs, Jacob Lake, White Sage, Fredonia, Moccasin, and the Kaibab Paiute Indian Reservation. The geofence area will include the following towns or communities in Utah: Big Water, Paria, Johnson Canyon, Kanab, Mt. Carmel, Orderville, Glendale, and East Zion.

For additional information, please visit the BLM webpage: https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-passes/lotteries-and-permit-systems/arizona/coyote-buttes-south.