Reservation7/10
Grand Gulch
Premier canyon with abundant archaeology. Permit required....
View Grand Gulch Permit permit details and availabilityGet alerted when this permit opens
We watch this permit around the clock. When a cancellation posts, we send you an alert so you can book before the spot is gone. Pro and $12 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute. Free accounts are checked hourly.
Pro scans every minute · free hourlyPRO
SMS and push (Pro)PRO
Fast Lane booking linkPRO
ReservationDay UseHigh Demand
Moon House Day Hiking Permit
Day permit to visit Moon House, the Ancestral Puebloan structure in McLoyd Canyon known for the painted band running through its interior rooms.
“A bucket-list destination in Cedar Mesa.”
Watch the dates you'd take— one alert covers all of them
Moon House Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh7/10
Daily Quota20 people
Max Group Size12 people
Moon House Permit Facts
- As of August 2026, Moon House in Cedar Mesa / Bears Ears, Utah & BLM requires a permit issued via reservation.
- Moon House is a high-demand permit, rating 7/10 on PermitSnag's demand index.
- Cancelled Moon House permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeDay Use
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level7/10
LocationBears Ears / Cedar Mesa
Pro Tips
- •Stop at Kane Gulch Ranger Station for road and route conditions when it is open. The drive is the part that surprises people.
- •This is a permit for a fragile archaeological site. Read BLM's Visit With Respect guidance before you go.
- •Commercial and organized groups need a separate special recreation permit from the Monticello Field Office.
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.
When to Go
Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall
Conditions
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand1/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill1/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment2/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.
Recommended Experience
Basic hiking experience. Start with shorter trails if new to hiking.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Moon House draws visitors from around the world to Cedar Mesa. The permit system balances access with preservation, ensuring the experience remains worthwhile for those who make the journey.
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Moon House
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
Browse all shuttles🧭
Guide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
Browse all guidesSome links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Moon House FAQ
How far ahead can I book a Moon House permit?
Three months. BLM puts the entire Moon House quota on Recreation.gov starting three months ahead of the entry date, so there is no separate advance block held back.
How many people per day does the Moon House permit allow?
Twenty visitors per day, with a maximum group size of 12. That is the whole daily allocation for the site.
Can I get a walk-up Moon House permit?
Sometimes. In spring and fall the Kane Gulch Ranger Station sells walk-ups as available, open 8:00 a.m. to noon Thursday through Sunday during its season. In summer and winter you go through the Monticello Field Office at 435-587-1500.
How hard is the hike to Moon House?
Rougher than the mileage suggests. BLM calls the road out there rough and suggests high clearance and four-wheel drive, and flags a five-foot pouroff halfway in that turns some visitors around. Dogs are not allowed in the Moon House Recreational Management Zone.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
Questions
Trip Reports
Write ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
Moon House is most photogenic during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset when the light is warm and soft.
Best Light
Morning light is typically best, with clearer air and softer shadows. Afternoon can bring haze in summer.
Beat the Crowds
Arrive before 7am for the best chance at crowd-free photos. The hour after sunrise is magical.
Classic Shots
- 📍The iconic view of Moon House
- 📍Trail perspective shots
- 📍Detail shots of unique features
- 📍Cedar Mesa landscape
🏕️
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Moon House trip
Permit Directory
Browse Backcountry Permits
Find permits for day hikes, overnight backpacking, thru-hikes, canyoneering, and river trips across federal and state lands.
National Park Permits
Day-use, overnight, and wilderness permits at America's crown jewels
California Wilderness Permits
Sierra Nevada, Lost Coast, and backcountry access
Utah & BLM Permits
Red rock canyons, slot canyon permits, and desert wilderness
National Forest & Wilderness Permits
USFS wilderness areas with quota systems
Thru-Hikes & Long Trails
Multi-day point-to-point traverses and epic long-distance trails
River Permits
Multi-day rafting and river access permits
California State Park Permits
Backcountry camping and trail permits
Mountaineering & Summit Permits
High-altitude summit permits and technical climbing routes
Browse Permits by Region
National Parks Permits (63)National Forests & Wilderness Permits (106)Wild & Scenic Rivers Permits (25)Thru-Hikes & Long Trails (20)Mountaineering & Summit Permits (9)California Permits (256)Utah & BLM Permits (124)California State Parks Permits (42)State Parks Permits (26)Utah State Parks Permits (17)