Backcountry & River Permits
How do I get a backcountry permit?
You can get backcountry permits online or at visitor centers. You can reserve permits in advance.
What kind of permit do I need?
You need a backcountry permit for:
When can I make a reservation?
You can make a reservation no more than four months, and no less than two days, prior to your start date. Please visit the backcountry trip planner for more information.
How do I make a reservation?
You can make reservations online at canypermits.nps.gov.
Can I make a reservation by mail, email, or fax?
Yes, but you may not get the sites you want. We will process your request when we receive it. Your requested sites may not be available if someone reserved the same site online before we process your printed reservation. The quickest way to ensure your preferred sites and dates are held for you is to make the reservation online.
Can I reserve a permit over the phone?
No. We do not accept reservations by phone.
Can I walk into a visitor center to get a permit?
Yes. If there are unreserved permits, you can get one at the visitor center the day your trip begins, or one day before.
Is there a list for cancellations?
No. We do not maintain a waiting list for cancelled reservations. All cancelled reservations are available on a first-come, first-served on the reservations website canypermits.nps.gov.
Where can I get a good map?
We offer several on our maps page. You can get full-size, printed maps from the Canyonlands Natural History Association.
What are the requirements for a backcountry trip?
Read the backcountry regulations.
How do I get a river permit?
The reservation office in Moab issues river permits, and you may reserve these in advance online at canypermits.nps.gov.
Is there a lottery for river permits?
No. Essentially, river permits are available first-come, first-served after the first business day in January for each calendar year. There are no daily launch limits in Canyonlands, so there is no need to submit mulitiple requests for the same date. If you submit a request, you will get a permit for any date you choose.
What is the river flow?
The posts river flow information.
What companies offer shuttle services?
For a list of shuttle services to destinations throughout the area, visit www.discovermoab.com/shuttle.htm.
What are the requirements for a river trip?
Read river regulations.
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