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Paria Canyon Overnight Permit

Wilderness Permit

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Overview

Overnight permit for Paria Canyon in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, straddling the Arizona/Utah border. BLM managed (Vermilion Cliffs National Monument / Grand Staircase-Escalante NM). One of the longest slot canyon systems in the US -- the classic route runs White House Trailhead to Lee's Ferry (~38 miles, 4-6 days). Towering narrows, desert varnish walls, hanging gardens. Single division covering the entire canyon system including Buckskin Gulch and Wire Pass.

Bottom Line

Not a lottery -- rolling FCFS with permits releasing 3 months ahead on the 1st of the month at noon Mountain Time. Popular spring dates (Mar-May) sell out fast on release day, especially weekends. Fall (Oct-Nov) is the second-most popular window. Permits are completely non-refundable and non-reschedulable, so cancellation returns are rare compared to refundable systems. When cancellations do happen, they return to availability immediately -- alerts are still worth setting for prime dates. Midweek and summer dates (hot, flash flood risk) are significantly easier to get.

Quotas and Reservations

Permits required year-round for overnight camping. FCFS release schedule:

  • Permits open at 12:00 noon Mountain Time on the 1st of each month, 3 months ahead (e.g., Aug permits open May 1)
  • 20 groups per day quota (single division for entire canyon)
  • Reservations not accepted for same-day or next-day entry
  • Cancellations return to availability immediately

Fees

  • $6 non-refundable reservation fee per permit
  • $5/person/day recreation fee (all ages, including infants)
  • Dogs count as a person: $5/dog/day
  • Fee is per day in the canyon, not per night (3 days / 2 nights = 3 days charged)
  • All fees are non-refundable -- no exceptions for weather, illness, or any other reason

Group Size and Rules

  • Max group size: 10 people sharing the same affiliation on the same entry date
  • Groups larger than 10 must split and enter on separate days (min 2 miles apart, may not rejoin)
  • Max trip length: 14 days
  • Permits must be picked up in person (valid ID required), no earlier than 10 days before entry
  • Pickup locations: Vermilion Cliffs NM office (St. George, UT year-round), Paria Contact Station or BLM Kanab Field Office (seasonal)
  • No campfires anywhere in the canyon system
  • Human waste bags required -- provided at permit pickup, must pack out all solid waste
  • Dogs allowed but must be on leash in Glen Canyon NRA and included on permit
  • Camp in existing sites only, 200+ ft from springs and archaeological sites
  • Wrather Canyon closed to camping

Cancellation Policy

  • No refunds, no rescheduling, no rainchecks -- entry date cannot be changed
  • Allowed changes (no fee): trailhead, group members, vehicles, pickup location
  • Allowed changes (fee): adding days, members, or dogs at $5/person/dog/day if quota available
  • No changes within 2 weeks of entry date
  • Alternate permit holder can be designated during booking (cannot be added later) -- alternate must accept email invite within 3 days

Availability