Reservation6/10
Canyonlands Big Spring Canyon permit
Backpacking permit for Big Spring Canyon in the Needles District of Canyonlands....
Canyonlands Needles — Lost Canyon Permit
Canyonlands National Park · Utah
Booked one camp per night, in order
Backpacking permit for Lost Canyon in the Needles District of Canyonlands. 3 designated campsite(s).
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Lost Canyon were gone within 10 minutes.
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Lost Canyon Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelModerate6/10
Lost Canyon Permit Facts
- As of September 2026, Lost Canyon in Canyonlands National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation.
- The Lost Canyon route covers 10 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate.
- Cancelled Lost Canyon permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeBackpacking
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level6/10
LocationUT
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
10 miles
Elevation Gain
600 ft
Route Type
Out & Back
Duration
1-2 nights
Difficulty
ModerateElevation Range
4,800 - 5,300 ft
Highlights
- •5 miles to campsites
- •3 designated campsites
- •Less trafficked than alternatives
- •Route-finding skills helpful
- •True wilderness experience
Best Time to Visit
March-May and September-November.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Flash floods
- !Water scarcity
- !Route-finding challenges
- !Heat in summer
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (4,800 ft)
Today
🌧️
90°
65°
38%
Sun
☁️
89°
68°
Mon
🌧️
87°
65°
Tue
☁️
85°
68°
Wed
🌧️
85°
65°
Thu
🌧️
85°
65°
Fri
☁️
87°
69°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand3/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill2/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk2/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation3/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment3/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Backpackers seeking solitude and route-finding challenges.
Recommended Experience
Desert backpacking experience with navigation skills.
Not Recommended For
Those who need well-marked trails.
About This Permit
Lost Canyon offers true wilderness camping with 3 designated sites (LC1-LC3). Less trafficked than neighboring canyons, it rewards those seeking solitude.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Lost Canyon sees fewer visitors than Chesler Park or Elephant Canyon. The three campsites here offer exceptional solitude for those willing to navigate less-traveled terrain.
The Feeling
The canyon twists and turns, each bend revealing new formations. You pass ancient pothole water sources and scramble over slickrock obstacles. The campsite appears suddenly, tucked in an alcove you might have walked past. This is what 'lost' means in the best sense.
Rules & Regulations
- •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 Checklist
Required
- 4L water capacity
- Bear canister
- GPS or detailed map
- Water filter for potholes
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Lost Canyon
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
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Guide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
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Key Landmarks
↑600 ft gain
High:5,300 ft
Low:4,800 ft
Full interactive trail profile with key landmarks. Sign up to track this permit.
Lost Canyon FAQ
How do I get a Lost Canyon permit?
Lost Canyon permits use a reservation system. PermitSnag sends lottery open, deadline, and results reminders; you can also enable cancellation alerts if spots open later.
When is the best time to visit Lost Canyon?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Lost Canyon permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Lost Canyon permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Trip Reports
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Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Lost Canyon trip
Very HardIn Demand26 sitesCanyonlands National Park Needles District Campground
Canyonlands National Park
Book campsite
Very HardIn Demand3 sitesCanyonlands National Park Needles District Group Campsites
Canyonlands National Park
Book campsite
Very HardIn Demand57 sitesDevils Garden Campground
Arches National Park
Book campsite
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