Big Spring Canyon Permit: Route
Big Spring Canyon permits are booked by advance reservation in Canyonlands National Park. The route covers 8 miles.
Camp in a district where water is the whole planning problem, where 2 designated sites offer strategic positioning for exploring the surrounding canyon network.
This guide covers the Big Spring Canyon permit.
1-2 nights
Duration
8 miles
Distance
400'
Elevation Gain
moderate
Difficulty
About Big Spring Canyon
Big Spring Canyon offers camping near water that is present more often than elsewhere in the Needles, and is still not something to plan a trip around. Two designated sites (BS1-BS2) provide bases for exploring the broader Needles backcountry.
Big Spring Canyon holds water more often than most of the Needles, but the NPS position on the district is that springs are an emergency source and not a primary one - carry everything you need. The 2 campsites here make it a strategic base for multi-day explorations of the surrounding terrain.
The Big Spring Canyon route
- Distance
- 8 miles
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Elevation gain
- 400 ft
- High point
- 5,200 ft
- Low point
- 4,900 ft
- Trip length
- 1-2 nights
- Difficulty
- moderate
Big Spring Canyon permit detailsandAll Canyonlands National Park permits
The Experience
The spring bubbles from the rock, creating a rare green oasis in the desert red. Your campsite sits within earshot of flowing water. In a land where water is precious, this feels like finding treasure.
What to Expect
4 miles to campsites
2 designated campsites (BS1-BS2)
Relatively reliable spring water
Good base for day exploration
Quieter than main zones
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Permit Requirements
Backcountry permit required
Specific site assigned
Maximum 7 people per backpacking site — the 10-person figure belongs to the Needles 4WD vehicle campsites, which are a different permit
No fires
Pack out all waste
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •Water filter (spring water)
- •Bear canister
- •Sun protection
- •Map of surrounding trails
Hazards & Safety
Flash floods
Spring may be dry in drought
Heat in summer
Route-finding
Best Time to Visit
March-May and September-November. Check spring status before relying on water.
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 Big Spring Canyon permit?
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Big Spring Canyon permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Big Spring Canyon?
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March-May and September-November. Check spring status before relying on water.
How long is the Big Spring Canyon route?
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The route is 8 miles, as an out-and-back. Plan on 1-2 nights.
How difficult is the Big Spring Canyon route?
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Backpackers seeking water access and a base for day explorations.
What gear do I need for the Big Spring Canyon route?
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Essential gear includes: Water filter (spring water), Bear canister, Sun protection, Map of surrounding trails.
Don't Miss Your Big Spring Canyon Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Big Spring Canyon availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
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