Do I need a permit to float Desolation & Gray Canyons?
Yes. You need a permit to float Desolation & Gray Canyons in Colorado Plateau Rivers, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served.
Lottery permit
What the Desolation & Gray Canyons permit costs and covers
- Fee
- A one-time $6 reservation fee plus a $40 per person recreation fee.
- Group size limit
- 25 people
- Applications open
- December 1
- Applications close
- January 31
- Results
- February 14, 2026; acceptance closes March 14, and unawarded dates release March 15 at 8:00 am MDT
- Season starts
- March 1
- Season ends
- November 30
What the rules require
- A permit is required for all river travel between Sand Wash and Nefertiti during the March to November boating season
- Maximum group size is 25 people, and not greater than the number pre-paid for on the permit
- Minimum trip length is 3 calendar days; maximum is 9
- A washable, leak-proof, reusable toilet system is required; engineered bag systems are acceptable if carried in a leakproof, crushproof, animalproof hard-sided container with a screw-on or ratchet-locking lid
- A durable metal fire pan at least 12 inches wide with a 1.5-inch lip must be carried on all trips, even if stoves are used, and remains required during a fire ban
- Children 12 and under must wear a PFD at all times when boating; all persons must wear one from Jack Creek Rapid to the take-out
- All boaters must complete the Utah Mussel Aware Course
- Pets are prohibited on this section year round
- All activities on Ute Tribal Lands - river left from Sand Wash to Coal Creek - are strictly prohibited
- Do not camp or build fires on public land within half a mile of the mouth of Rock Creek
Published rules for the Desolation & Gray Canyons, quoted as written.
Getting one
Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates go back into the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches Desolation & Gray Canyons and sends you an alert the moment one reappears.
Common questions about the Desolation & Gray Canyons permit
Do I need a permit to float Desolation & Gray Canyons?
Yes. You need a permit to float Desolation & Gray Canyons in Colorado Plateau Rivers, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served.
How much does a Desolation & Gray Canyons permit cost?
A one-time $6 reservation fee plus a $40 per person recreation fee..
When can I apply for a Desolation & Gray Canyons permit?
The application window opens December 1. It closes January 31. Results: February 14, 2026; acceptance closes March 14, and unawarded dates release March 15 at 8:00 am MDT.
How many people can be on one Desolation & Gray Canyons permit?
25 people.
When is the Desolation & Gray Canyons permit season?
Season starts: March 1. Season ends: November 30.
What if I lose the Desolation & Gray Canyons lottery?
Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates return to the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches Desolation & Gray Canyons for those cancellations and sends an alert when one appears.