Desolation Gray - Green River Permit

Overview

River float permit for the Green River through Desolation and Gray Canyons in central Utah, managed by the BLM (Price Field Office). 84 miles from Sand Wash to Swaseys Rapid (Nefertiti). Class II-III whitewater with 60+ rapids -- none severe, but a dozen can challenge the unprepared. Single launch point at Sand Wash (division 282), 6 launches per day. Permit required year-round (March--November typical boating season; river often freezes December--February). The canyon is a National Historic Landmark, part of John Wesley Powell's 1869 expedition route. Ute Tribal Lands (river left, Sand Wash to Coal Creek) are strictly off-limits for all activities.

Bottom Line

Lottery covers May 1 -- September 30 launch dates. Applications open December 1 and close January 31. Results emailed February 15. Winners must accept by March 14 or the reservation is cancelled March 15. Unclaimed lottery dates and all cancelled slots release March 15 at 8:00 AM MST as FCFS. Shoulder season dates (before May 1 and after September 30) open December 1 as FCFS. Post-March 15 cancellations appear randomly at any time. Peak summer weekends are competitive in the lottery; shoulder season and midweek launches are significantly easier. Cancellation alerts are valuable for FCFS pickups after March 15.

Lottery and Reservations

Permit required year-round. Two modes depending on launch date:

• Lottery (May 1 -- Sep 30 launches): Apply Dec 1 -- Jan 31 on recreation.gov. $6 non-refundable application fee. Results Feb 15. Winners must accept by Mar 14. Unaccepted dates cancelled Mar 15. All unclaimed/cancelled dates released Mar 15 at 8:00 AM MST as FCFS.
• FCFS (before May 1 / after Sep 30): Opens Dec 1 for the upcoming float season. Full payment at booking.
• Post-lottery cancellations: appear on recreation.gov randomly at any time after Mar 15.

Fees

• $6 non-refundable reservation/application fee per permit
• $40/person recreation fee (all ages)
• One person must be paid at time of booking/lottery acceptance
• Full payment for all passengers must be completed and permit printed within 2 weeks before launch -- failure to do so cancels the reservation on launch day

Group Size and Trip Length

• Max group size: 25 people (all ages count)
• Permit holder must be 18 or older
• Min trip length: 3 calendar days
• Max trip length: 9 calendar days
• An alternate trip leader can be added at time of reservation only -- cannot be added later
• Permits are for private, non-commercial use only
• No pets

Cancellation Policy

• 30+ days before launch: recreation fees refunded (less $6 reservation fee)
• Within 30 days of launch: no refund for cancellations or decreased group size
• $6 reservation fee is never refunded
• Group size can be modified and additional passengers paid for up until the permit is printed
• No modifications allowed once the permit has been printed

Required Equipment

At launch, each group must have:

• Leak-proof, reusable portable toilet system adequate for group size and trip length (no dumping in vault toilets)
• Metal fire pan (min 12 inches wide, 1.5-inch lip) -- required on ALL trips, even during fire bans
• First aid kit adequate for group size and serious injuries
• Repair kit and air pump for inflatable boats
• Type I, III, or V PFD (paddle/whitewater rated) for every person
• Spare oar, paddle, or motor per raft/dory; 1 spare paddle per 3 kayaks/canoes
• Type IV throwable device or 40-ft rescue rope and whistle for boats 16 ft+
• Motorized boats must have Utah AIS Vessel Enrollment and home-state registration
• All boaters must complete the Utah Mussel Aware Course
• Children 12 and under must wear PFDs at all times; all persons must wear PFDs from Jack Creek Rapid to takeout