Split Mountain Permit: Quota, Dates and Route
Split Mountain permits are booked by advance reservation in Colorado Plateau Rivers. The route covers 9 miles.
This guide covers the Split Mountain permit.
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Daily Permits
$15 reservation fee + $20 permit recreation fee
Permit Cost
1 day
Duration
9 miles
Distance
moderate
Difficulty
About Split Mountain
Nine miles of the Green River from Rainbow Park through Split Mountain Canyon, run in a day. One or two launches a day depending on the season, no lottery.
The Split Mountain route
- Distance
- 9 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- Trip length
- 1 day
- Difficulty
- moderate
Entry points: Rainbow Park put-in, Split Mountain take-out
Uinta Basin. Nearest town: Vernal
Points along the route
- Rainbow Park boat ramp
- Split Mountain Canyon
- Split Mountain boat ramp
- Dinosaur Quarry
Split Mountain permit detailsandAll Colorado Plateau Rivers permits
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Pro Tips
There is no lottery here: the whole year releases on a rolling window and the tight quota is what makes it hard, not a draw
Two launches a day only between May 11 and September 11; the rest of the year is one
Cancellations come back fast: NPS says cancelled permits "will be made available to the public randomly within 24 hours"
You may only hold one Dinosaur permit in your name at a time, which caps how much you can stockpile
Rainbow Park Campground has four sites and no running water, and many groups camp at the launch the night before because of the drive
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 Split Mountain permit?
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Split Mountain permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Split Mountain?
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May 11 to September 11 is the only window with two permits a day rather than one, so it is both the busiest stretch and the one with twice the chance of an opening. Outside it, the single daily permit makes any date a long shot without a cancellation alert.
How long is the Split Mountain route?
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The route is 9 miles, as a point-to-point. Plan on 1 day.
How difficult is the Split Mountain route?
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Boaters with Class III experience who want a Dinosaur canyon without a year of lottery planning, and who can reach a remote put-in the night before.
Where does the Split Mountain route start?
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The permit covers 2 entry points: Rainbow Park put-in, Split Mountain take-out.
What gear do I need for the Split Mountain route?
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Essential gear includes: Class III-capable boats and whitewater rescue gear, Repair kit and general first aid, which NPS requires the trip leader and boatmen to be able to use, All drinking water: there is none at Rainbow Park, The issued permit, carried by the permit holder.
Don't Miss Your Split Mountain Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Split Mountain availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
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