River Permits

Notice of Fee Increase

On March 31, 2011 Canyonlands began charging a flat $20 per person per trip fee for all private river use permits (in addition to existing fees). If group size increases after the initial payment is made, trip leaders must contact the Reservation Office to pay for additional participants. There will be no refunds for decreases in group size.

 

River permits may be obtained in person or by mail from the Reservation Office in Moab, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Permits may also be obtained in person at any Canyonlands National Park visitor center (hours vary).

WHEN TO APPLY

There is no lottery for river permits in Canyonlands. These permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis after the first business day in January for each calendar year. There are no daily launch limits in Canyonlands, so there is no need to submit mulitiple requests for the same date. If you submit a request, you will get a permit...for any date you choose.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for a river permit, please download and complete the River Trip Application Form (33kb PDF file).

FEES

Canyonlands charges fees for all private river permits:

Flat Water: $20 reservation fee + $20 per person
Cataract Canyon: $30 reservation fee + $20 per person

For example, a Cataract Canyon trip with five people would cost $130:
$30 (reservation fee) + $100 (per person fee for five people) = $130.

GROUP SIZE

Group size limit is 40 people for private river trips.

LENGTH OF STAY

Permits can be issued for up to fourteen consecutive nights.

REGULATIONS

Additional regulations apply to all river trips. For more information, please visit the River Use Stipulations Page.

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 [phone]. When workload permits, phones may be answered until 4:00 p.m. Visitors may also email questions.