Orderville Canyon Permit: Route
Orderville Canyon permits are booked by advance reservation in Zion National Park. The route covers 6.5 miles.
Descend through a technical slot canyon that deposits you directly into the heart of The Narrows, where you emerge from a side drainage to gasps from day hikers.
This guide covers the Orderville Canyon permit.
8-10 hours
Duration
6.5 miles
Distance
200'
Elevation Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
About Orderville Canyon
Orderville Canyon is a technical slot canyon entering The Narrows from the east. The route includes 6+ rappels up to 50 feet, keeper pools requiring swimming, and a memorable exit into Zion's most famous canyon. This is an excellent progression canyon after completing beginner routes like Keyhole or Pine Creek. Expect 8-10 hours including the Narrows exit.
Orderville Canyon bridges the gap between introductory and advanced Zion canyoneering. Multiple rappels, keeper pools, and a dramatic Narrows exit make it a complete canyon experience. The contrast between the tight slot and the massive Narrows is stunning.
The Orderville Canyon route
- Distance
- 6.5 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- Elevation gain
- 200 ft
- High point
- 6,400 ft
- Low point
- 4,411 ft
- Trip length
- 8-10 hours
- Difficulty
- strenuous
Points along the route
- Orderville TrailheadMile 0, 6,400 ft
- Upper DrainageMile 2, 5,800 ft
- First RappelMile 2.5, 5,500 ft
- Keeper Pool SequenceMile 3, 5,200 ft
- Tight SlotMile 3.5, 4,800 ft
- Final RappelMile 4, 4,500 ft
- Narrows ExitMile 4.5, 4,480 ft
- Temple of SinawavaMile 6.5, 4,411 ft
Orderville Canyon permit detailsandAll Zion National Park permits
The Experience
The slot squeezes tight enough to touch both walls. Cold water floods your boots. Then a final rappel drops you into a side canyon, and suddenly you're walking into The Narrows from an angle no day hiker can reach. They stare, wondering where you came from. You know.
Access begins from the East Rim via Observation Point Trail. The drainage drops gently before the first technical section begins. Multiple rappels and swims through a tight slot lead to the famous final section where Orderville joins The Narrows.
The exit walk through the Narrows adds 2+ miles of river wading before reaching the Riverside Walk and Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop.
What to Expect
6+ rappels up to 50 feet
Multiple keeper pools
6.5 miles including Narrows exit
8-10 hours typical completion
Tight slot sections (shoulder-width)
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Permit Requirements
Wilderness permit required
Group size limit of 12 people — one of the five Zion canyons NPS allows 12 in, alongside Orderville, Keyhole, Pine Creek, the Left Fork (Subway) and the Narrows top-down; every other technical canyon is 6
Narrows exit adds day-use requirements
Check Narrows flow conditions
Shuttle or two-car required
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •100-foot rope
- •Canyoneering harness
- •Rappel device
- •Helmet
- •Wetsuit (water is cold)
Recommended Gear
- •Neoprene socks
- •Pull cord for rope retrieval
- •Dry bag for camera
- •Walking stick for Narrows exit
- •Extra food for long day
Hazards & Safety
Flash floods in both Orderville and The Narrows
Hypothermia from extended cold water
Tight sections may challenge larger individuals
Long exit through busy Narrows
Narrows flow affects exit difficulty
Best Time to Visit
June-September for warmest water. Check Narrows flow conditions before committing.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Orderville Canyon permit?
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Orderville Canyon permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Orderville Canyon?
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June-September for warmest water. Check Narrows flow conditions before committing.
How long is the Orderville Canyon route?
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The route is 6.5 miles, as a point-to-point. Plan on 8-10 hours.
How difficult is the Orderville Canyon route?
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Intermediate canyoneers ready to step up from beginner routes. Strong swimmers.
What gear do I need for the Orderville Canyon route?
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Essential gear includes: 100-foot rope, Canyoneering harness, Rappel device, Helmet, Wetsuit (water is cold).
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