Cf Map Info Feedback Search
Login

San Juan River Permit

Wilderness Permit

Notify on Availability Reserve

Overview

River float permit for the San Juan River in southeastern Utah, managed by the BLM (Bears Ears National Monument / Monticello Field Office). 102-mile permitted section from Montezuma Creek to Clay Hills Crossing through spectacular red rock canyons, Goosenecks, and the Monument Upwarp. Class II-III rapids. 3 segments: Sand Island to Mexican Hat (~27 mi, 2-3 days), Mexican Hat to Clay Hills (~57 mi, 4-5 days), and Sand Island to Clay Hills (~84 mi, 6-7 days). Permits required year-round. Navajo Dam controls flows; May/June are peak due to higher water.

Bottom Line

Lottery covers April 15 -- July 15 launch dates only. Applications open December 1 and close January 31 at 11:59 PM MT. Results emailed February 14. Winners must accept and pay by March 15 at 11:59 PM MT or the reservation is cancelled. Unclaimed lottery dates and all other dates are FCFS -- Jan 1 through Apr 14 launches open Dec 1 at 8 AM MT; Jul 16 through Dec 31 launches open Mar 16 at 8 AM MT. Cancellations return to availability within 24 hours. Peak season (May/Jun) is competitive in the lottery; shoulder months and fall dates are much easier. Midweek launches improve odds. The Mexican Hat to Clay Hills segment is the most popular. Cancellation alerts are valuable for FCFS dates and post-lottery leftovers starting March 16.

Lottery and Reservations

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

  • Lottery (Apr 15 -- Jul 15 launches): Apply Dec 1 -- Jan 31 on recreation.gov. $6 non-refundable application fee. Results on Feb 14. Winners must accept/pay by Mar 15. Unclaimed dates released Mar 16 at 8 AM MT as FCFS.
  • FCFS (Jan 1 -- Apr 14): Opens Dec 1 at 8:00 AM MT. Full payment at booking.
  • FCFS (Jul 16 -- Dec 31): Opens Mar 16 at 8:00 AM MT. Full payment at booking.
  • Last-minute permits (5 days or less before launch): must call BLM Monticello Field Office at 435-587-1544.
  • Montezuma Creek to Sand Island segment (~17 mi): phone-only permit through BLM office, not available on recreation.gov.

Fees

  • $6 non-refundable reservation/application fee per permit
  • Sand Island to Mexican Hat: $10/person
  • Mexican Hat to Clay Hills: $20/person
  • Sand Island to Clay Hills: $30/person
  • Montezuma Creek to Sand Island: no fee
  • Nov 1 -- Feb 28 launches: no per-person fee ($6 reservation fee still applies)
  • Fees apply to all ages (everyone counts toward group size and fees)
  • Full payment required at time of booking or lottery acceptance

Group Size and Rules

  • Max group size: 25 people (all ages included)
  • Permit holder must be 18 or older
  • No pets between Sand Island and Clay Hills (ADA service animals require preauthorization from BLM)
  • Alternate permit holder can only be added at time of lottery application or initial booking -- cannot be added later
  • Permits are for private, non-commercial use only
  • Navajo Nation requires separate permits for camping/hiking on river left (contact Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park at 435-727-5871)
  • Trips taking out at Clay Hills must have at least one reserved campsite below Government Rapid (river mile 64) -- 9 designated sites only. Submit campsite preferences when booking.
  • Permits printable 14 days before launch date; no changes after printing

Cancellation Policy

  • 15+ days before entry: recreation fees refunded (per-person fees)
  • 14 days or less: no refund under any circumstances
  • $6 reservation fee is never refunded
  • Date and segment changes require cancelling and rebooking (fees are non-transferable)
  • Group size changes allowed up to 5 days before launch and before printing permit

Availability