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Zion Canyoneering Permit — Behunin Canyon permit area in Zion National Park - backcountry hiking destination

Zion Canyoneering Permit — Behunin Canyon

Zion National Park · Utah

One date at a time

Technical canyoneering permit for Behunin Canyon in Zion National Park.

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70% of the openings our scanner caught on Behunin Canyon were gone within 10 minutes.

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Behunin Canyon Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelModerate6/10

Behunin Canyon Permit Facts

  • As of September 2026, Behunin Canyon in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation.
  • The Behunin Canyon route covers 2 miles with 200 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate.
  • Cancelled Behunin Canyon permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.

Key Information

Permit Details

TypeCanyoneering
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level6/10
LocationUT

What to Expect

Route Details

Distance
2 miles
Elevation Gain
200 ft
Route Type
Point to Point
Duration
4-6 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
Elevation Range
4,300 - 5,000 ft

Highlights

  • 5 rappels up to 50 feet
  • Some shallow pools
  • 4-6 hours typical
  • Beautiful sculpted formations

Best Time to Visit

Year-round when dry. Summer is warmest.

Hazards & Considerations

  • !Flash floods
  • !Slippery rock
  • !Cold water in pools

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 Demand2/5

Fitness and endurance required

Technical Skill3/5

Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills

Exposure Risk2/5

Steep dropoffs and fall potential

Navigation1/5

Route finding and trail clarity

Commitment2/5

Difficulty of bailing out mid-route

Best For

Intermediate canyoneers seeking a complete experience in half a day.

Recommended Experience

Basic rappelling skills, 3-5 previous canyons.

Not Recommended For

Complete beginners.

About This Permit

Behunin Canyon is a compact Zion technical canyon offering a complete experience in 4-6 hours. Five rappels up to 50 feet wind through sculpted narrows. Ideal for skill-building or a half-day objective.

The Experience

Why It Matters

Behunin Canyon delivers a complete Zion experience in a compact package. The sculpted potholes, tight narrows, and moderate rappels make it ideal for building skills between beginner routes and the bigger objectives.

The Route

Access from the scenic drive with a short approach. Technical section begins with a series of moderate rappels through sculpted narrows. The canyon winds through beautiful formations before opening near the Virgin River exit.

The Feeling

The canyon unfolds like a well-paced story. Each rappel drops you into something new: a sculpted chamber, a narrow passage, a pool reflecting the walls above. By the time you exit, you've experienced the full range of Zion slot canyon aesthetics without the all-day commitment of larger routes.

Rules & Regulations

  • Wilderness permit required
  • Group size limit of 6 people — only Orderville, Keyhole, Pine Creek, the Left Fork (Subway) and the Narrows top-down are allowed 12
  • Day use only

Gear Checklist

Required

  • 100-foot rope
  • Harness
  • Rappel device
  • Helmet

Key Landmarks

200 ft gain
High:5,000 ft
Low:4,300 ft

Full interactive trail profile with key landmarks. Sign up to track this permit.

Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Behunin Canyon. Sign up to track this permit.

🐻

Food Storage

Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit. Sign up to track this permit.

Behunin Canyon FAQ

How do I get a Behunin Canyon permit?

Behunin 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 Behunin Canyon?

Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Behunin Canyon permit?

This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.

What if I can't get a Behunin 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

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