All overnight trips in the backcountry require a permit. In addition, permits are required for horseback riding and four-wheel-drive day use in Horse and Lavender canyons in the Needles District.

If you're planning a river trip, please visit the river permits page.

HOW TO OBTAIN A PERMIT

Backcountry permits are issued seven days a week at district visitor centers. Permits can be reserved in advance (see below). Walk-in permits are only available the day before or the day of a trip. Permits are issued up to one hour before the close of business each day.

RESERVATIONS

Are reservations necessary?

Reservations are recommended, but not required. Currently, competition is greatest for White Rim trips during the spring and fall and Needles backpacking trips during spring. For these activities, visitors should apply as early as possible. Campsites and permits not reserved in advance are available on a first-come, first-served basis at district visitor centers.

How to Apply

To apply for a backcountry permit, please download and complete the standard Reservation Form (48kb PDF file).

When to Apply

Reservation requests must be made at least two weeks in advance of a trip. The earliest date to apply varies by activity. Reservation requests for backpacking, four-wheel drive/mountain bike and day use trips are accepted (postmarked or faxed) no earlier than the second Monday in July for the following calendar year.

Activity	During	Apply on or after
Backpacking 4WD/Mtn Bike Trips Day use	2011	July 12, 2010
Backpacking 4WD/Mtn Bike Trips Day use	2012	July 11, 2011
Backpacking 4WD/Mtn Bike Trips Day use	2013	July 9, 2012

FEES

Canyonlands charges a nonrefundable reservation fee for each permit. These fees are paid by both walk-ins and visitors making advance reservations.

Activity	Fee	Group Size Limit Per Permit
		Island	Needles	Maze
Backpacking	$15	7p	7p	5p
4WD/Mtn. Bike	$30	15p/3v	10p/3v	9p/3v
4WD Day Use (Needles)	$5	1 vehicle per permit

Length of Stay

Permits (except day use) can be issued for up to fourteen consecutive nights. Backpackers may stay up to seven consecutive nights in any one site or zone. Visitors using the designated vehicle camps may stay a maximum of three consecutive nights at a camping area before having to relocate.

Questions?

Reservation Office staff are available by phone to answer questions and assist with trip planning Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Mountain Time), at (435) 259-4351. When workload permits, phones may be answered until 4:00 p.m. Visitors may also email questions.