Arizona Lotteries and Permit Systems

We limit the number of visitors to these areas to protect the landscape and the wildlife, and to ensure a quality experience for everyone. The permit fees you pay are directly deposited to the areas to maintain and improve the services and the resources. Fees may vary, so be sure to read the information for each area.

You can apply for and purchase recreation permits online to visit these three Bureau of Land Management special areas in Arizona:

  • Aravaipa Canyon,
  • Paria Canyon, and
  • Coyote Buttes Wilderness Areas.

Aravaipa Canyon

You must have a permit for recreational use of Aravaipa Canyon. You can get permits only through Recreation.gov.

Learn more about Aravaipa Canyon permits

Coyote Buttes

You must have a permit to visit Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) and Coyote Buttes South. Permits are available for day use only. There is a daily limit on permits. Permits for Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) are offered through a lottery. 

Learn more about permits to visit Coyote Buttes North (The Wave)

Learn more about permits to visit Coyote Buttes South

Paria Canyon

You must have a permit to visit Paria Canyon.

Day use

Day-use permits are available at a self-permitting station at trailheads.

Overnight trips

You must have an advance permit for overnight use of Paria Canyon. Overnight use is limited to 20 people per day. 

Learn more about Paria Canyon permits

Barry M. Goldwater Range

You must have a Barry M. Goldwater Range Permit for these authorized areas of Sonoran desert lands in southwestern Arizona:

  • Barry M. Goldwater Range - East public areas:  Area B, Bender Springs, and the Ajo Air Station 
  • Barry M. Goldwater Range - West public areas
  • Area A of the Sonoran Desert National Monument
  • Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge

The U.S. Air Force has changed the way we issue Barry Goldwater permits. The new system utilizes an online system. Learn more about Barry M. Goldwater Range permits.

You must create an account online, watch the required safety video, acknowledge you agree to the stipulations, and print a permit. 

The Phoenix District Public Room and the Arizona State Office Public Room no longer issue the permits manually at the front desk. We only provide instructions on the system. You will need to use the permit site and print the permit from your home computer.