Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) Permit: Route
Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) permits are drawn by lottery in Zion National Park. The route covers 1.5 miles.
Descend through the shaded canyon above Walter's Wiggles where temperatures drop 20 degrees and technical challenges await.
This guide covers the Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) permit.
3-4 hours
Duration
1.5 miles
Distance
150'
Elevation Gain
moderate
Difficulty
About Refrigerator Canyon (Upper)
Upper Refrigerator Canyon accesses the drainage above the famous shaded section on the Angels Landing trail. Cool temperatures and moderate technical challenge.
Upper Refrigerator Canyon sits above the famous cooling section on the Angels Landing trail. Technical canyoneering through the drainage that gave Refrigerator Canyon its name.
The Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) route
- Distance
- 1.5 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- Elevation gain
- 150 ft
- High point
- 5,400 ft
- Low point
- 5,000 ft
- Trip length
- 3-4 hours
- Difficulty
- moderate
Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) permit detailsandAll Zion National Park permits
What to Expect
4 rappels up to 45 feet
Cool temperatures in shade
3-4 hours typical
Connection to famous trail section
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Permit Requirements
Wilderness permit required
Group size limit of 6 people — only Orderville, Keyhole, Pine Creek, the Left Fork (Subway) and the Narrows top-down are allowed 12
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •80-foot rope
- •Harness
- •Rappel device
- •Helmet
Hazards & Safety
Flash floods
Cool temperatures (bring layers)
Slippery when wet
Best Time to Visit
Summer when cooling shade is welcome.
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 Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) permit?
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Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) permits are distributed through a lottery system. Apply during the lottery window, and if you're not selected, check for cancellations as they become available.
When is the best time to visit Refrigerator Canyon (Upper)?
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Summer when cooling shade is welcome.
How long is the Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) route?
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The route is 1.5 miles, as a point-to-point. Plan on 3-4 hours.
How difficult is the Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) route?
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Intermediate canyoneers seeking shorter objectives.
What if I don't win the Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) lottery?
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Cancellations happen regularly. Use PermitSnag to monitor availability and get alerts when spots open up. You can also check for walk-up permits or consider similar alternatives in the area.
What gear do I need for the Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) route?
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Essential gear includes: 80-foot rope, Harness, Rappel device, Helmet.
Don't Miss Your Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
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