Canyonlands National Park Overnight River Permits
Canyonlands National Park is a wilderness of countless canyons and fantastically formed buttes carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Rivers divide the park into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves. The park preserves the natural beauty and human history throughout its four districts. While they share a primitive desert atmosphere, each offers different opportunities for wildness and solitude.
The Colorado and Green Rivers have played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Canyonlands. Seeing the park from the bottom up affords a unique perspective. Above their confluence at the heart of Canyonlands, the rivers offer miles of flatwater perfect for canoes, sea kayaks and other shallow-water boats. A commercial upriver shuttle is necessary for non-motorized boats. Below the confluence, the combined flow of both rivers spills down Cataract Canyon with remarkable speed and power, creating a fourteen-mile stretch of Class III to V whitewater. It is a particularly hazardous and isolated section of the Colorado River, subject to extreme water level fluctuations, for experienced river runners only.
There are numerous options for responsible camping prior to your Canyonlands National Park river trip. Visit Discover Moab for options in the Moab area.
Permit & Season Information
Permits are required year-round for all overnight river trips up to 14 consecutive nights. A permit allows the launch of one group (max. 40 people) on the start date selected on either Green or Colorado Rivers flatwater sections or the Colorado River's Cataract Canyon.
- Permits go on sale on Recreation.gov 4 months in advance of the start of each season at 8:00 a.m. MT (see "Important Dates")
- Non-motorized flatwater boaters (both rivers) must book a commercial upriver shuttle before you book the permit (see "How Does the Quota Work for this Permit?")
- You may print (or download) a permit starting 7 days prior to the trip.
- An alternate trip leader may be entered and cannot be changed after the reservation is made.
- Once a permit is printed, no changes are allowed but you may cancel and rebook the permit.
- Advanced permit reservations online close two days prior to a launch date but walk-in permits may be available in person at the Backcountry Office in Moab during Operating Hours & Seasons.
Need to Know
Who needs an overnight river permit? A river permit is required for all noncommercial boat trips on the Green and Colorado Rivers.
- This permit is valid for noncommercial groups only. You must have a Commercial Use Authorization in order to lead commercial trips.
- Academic institutions require a Special Use Permit for river trips. Please visit the Academic River Trips web page for instructions.
- River permits are only for experienced boaters familiar with the rivers in Canyonlands National Park. Visitors who lack boating experience may wish to review the park's list of authorized Commercial Guides.
BEFORE YOU RESERVE YOUR PERMIT:
1. Review the Canyonlands Boating Information Guide and River Regulations which specify mandatory equipment, requirements for human waste disposal, PFDs, Food/Trash Storage and disposal, campfires and more.
2. Review the information on the web pages listed below and watch the mandatory video(s). If you plan to boat through Cataract Canyon, also read the Flatwater web page and watch the Flatwater video since you cannot bypass the flatwater sections on your way to Cataract Canyon.
- Flatwater.
- Cataract Canyon. is a challenging stretch of river at all water levels and is only recommended for experienced boaters. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Backcountry Permit Office. Trips through Cataract Canyon must cross a portion of Lake Powell to reach the takeout. The location where the river ends and the lake begins varies throughout the year. Given the distances involved and the frequency of strong, up-canyon winds, motors are recommended. Read more about takeouts in the park’s Boating Information Guide.
For more trip planning information, visit the Boating page or contact the Backcountry Permit Office (email canyres@nps.gov or call (435) 259-4351).
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK A RESERVATION:
- These permits are only valid within Canyonlands National Park* (below Potash or Mineral Bottom Boat Ramps). If you are launching upstream (e.g., Ruby Ranch), the start date for your Canyonlands permit should be the day you will pass Mineral Bottom or Potash Boat Ramp. *Note: You will need a separate BLM permit for the Green River above Mineral Bottom boat ramp. River maps are available from the Canyonlands Park Store. Read more about launch points in the park’s Boating Information Guide.
During checkout, complete the “Comments” field:
- if your full trip starts somewhere above Potash or Mineral Bottom Boat Ramps (e.g., Green River State Park), enter the launch date and location.
- if you select a flatwater trip with the Exit Point "Spanish Bottom Upriver Shuttle," then enter the name of the jet boat shuttle company,
- if you select a a flatwater trip and you plan to exit other than via jet boat shuttle (e.g., hike out, personal motorboat), enter the explanation.
You may not change a trip start date once you book a reservation. However, you may cancel and rebook the reservation. You may also transfer a permit to an alternate trip leader if you identify one when you book.
You may book a reservation up to 2 days before the launch date. There are no daily launch limits. The park hasn’t exceeded use limits in the last 10 years. Permits are also available in person at the Backcountry Office, 2282 Resource Blvd, Moab, UT 84532
Jet-Boat Shuttle. Non-motorized flatwater trips on the Green or Colorado River must obtain a commercial upriver jet-boat shuttle from Spanish Bottom prior to making a reservation. Park authorized shuttle operators:
Motorized Boat Requirements. Motorized boats must be registered, including those from out-of-state. Motorized boats must have valid state registration, decals, placards, and a serviceable fire extinguisher. Boats with out-of-state registration may boat on Utah waters for 60 days per calendar year (boats must have hull numbers).
- Before launching your boat for Cataract Canyon, be aware of Utah state law for Aquatic Invasive Species in Utah (such as Quagga mussels).
- Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) must be worn below North Wash and Hite.
Camping along the rivers. Rivers usually reach peak flows in early May to late June. Water flows recede throughout the summer and reach low flows in the fall months. Sandbars make great campsites at low flows while campsites can be difficult to find at high flows. Some rapids are most difficult at higher flows, while other become more difficult at lower flows.
- Camping below the confluence. Camping areas are first-come, first-served. However, on the east bank of the Colorado below the confluence (mile 214.3) look for the sign warning of rapids ahead. At the base of the sign is a campsite registration box. Groups camping below the confluence are urged to indicate which campsites they intend to use so that other boaters may plan their stops in advance. This applies to both flatwater groups meeting their jet-boat shuttle as well as groups continuing down Cataract Canyon. This system is simply a courtesy to others and does not guarantee a campsite. Please do not sign up groups other than your own.
- Camping on the upper reaches of Lake Powell (below Imperial Canyon and above Hite Marina) are limited, unreliable, and constantly changing with the water levels.
Fee Policy
Reservation Fee: There is a non-refundable $36.00 reservation fee for all permit reservations for Canyonlands National Park.
Recreation Fee: $25 per person
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy: Once you book the permit reservation, it is non-refundable. Do not pay for more than the number of people confirmed to be on the trip.
Change Policy: You may change group size or trip length up until 8:00 AM MT of the launch date. Additional fees apply. You may list one alternate trip leader to which the permit may be transferred. You may NOT change the trip start date at any time or make any changes once you print the permit. However, you may cancel and rebook.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
2282 SW Resource Blvd. Moab UT 84532
canyres@nps.gov
Phone Number
Email is the best option for a quick response, canyres@nps.gov. 435-259-4351
