According to IUCN guidelines and for temporal and spatial differentiation of planned and possible measures, "Wilderness Dürrenstein" is divided into different zones. Zoning is based on results of a survey of the status, of development capabilities, of necessary measures and planned types of land-use. Consequently "Wilderness Dürrenstein" comprises the following zones:

Natural zone:

Within the "natural zone" no measures are implemented (exception: game regulation). Visitors may enter certain parts of this zone when participating in guided tours. Approximately 85 % of the area of "Wilderness Dürrenstein" are part of the zone.

Natural zone with silvicultural management:

For a limited period of time, secondary spruce forests are transformed into mixed forests with a high amount of deciduous trees by silvicultural management. Less than 5 % of the total area of "Wilderness Dürrenstein" have to be attended.

Management zone of alpine pastures:

For reasons of nature conservation cattle grazing is carried out/allowed here to the same extent as previously. Alpine pastures are habitats for a large number of rare species of plants and insects, as well as for black grouse and ptarmigan. Appropriately, the management zone "limestone grassland" serves the same purpose. About 10 % of the area of "Wilderness Dürrenstein" are under significant anthropogenic influence.

Wildlife management zone:

Large predators like brown bear, lynx or golden eagle appear only occasionally in the area. To safeguard the natural, interdependent ratio of trees and game, the number of ungulates (red deer, roe deer and chamois) has to be regulated according to ecological points of view. For this reason there is a "wildlife management zone", which comprises 25 % of the total area of "Wilderness Dürrenstein".