Reservation6/10
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Technical canyoneering permit for Spry Canyon in Zion National Park....
Zion Canyoneering Permit — Orderville Canyon
Zion National Park · Utah
One date at a time
Technical canyoneering permit for Orderville Canyon in Zion National Park.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Orderville Canyon were gone within 10 minutes.
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Orderville Canyon Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelModerate6/10
Orderville Canyon Permit Facts
- As of September 2026, Orderville Canyon in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation.
- The Orderville Canyon route covers 6.5 miles with 200 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous.
- Cancelled Orderville 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
6.5 miles
Elevation Gain
200 ft
Route Type
Point to Point
Duration
8-10 hours
Difficulty
StrenuousElevation Range
4,411 - 6,400 ft
Highlights
- •6+ rappels up to 50 feet
- •Multiple keeper pools
- •6.5 miles including Narrows exit
- •8-10 hours typical completion
- •Tight slot sections (shoulder-width)
Best Time to Visit
June-September for warmest water. Check Narrows flow conditions before committing.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Flash floods in both Orderville and The Narrows
- !Hypothermia from extended cold water
- !Tight sections may challenge larger individuals
- !Long exit through busy Narrows
- !Narrows flow affects exit difficulty
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (4,411 ft)
Today
☀️
82°
60°
Sun
☁️
79°
61°
29%
Mon
☀️
78°
57°
22%
Tue
🌧️
78°
63°
Wed
🌧️
79°
60°
25%
Thu
☀️
77°
60°
Fri
☀️
82°
60°
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 Skill3/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk3/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation2/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment3/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Intermediate canyoneers ready to step up from beginner routes. Strong swimmers.
Recommended Experience
5-10 canyons including basic keeper pool experience. Comfortable swimming in cold water.
Not Recommended For
Beginners. Non-swimmers. Those with claustrophobia.
About This Permit
Orderville Canyon is a technical slot canyon entering The Narrows from the east. The route includes 6+ rappels up to 50 feet, keeper pools requiring swimming, and a memorable exit into Zion's most famous canyon.
This is an excellent progression canyon after completing beginner routes like Keyhole or Pine Creek. Expect 8-10 hours including the Narrows exit.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Orderville Canyon bridges the gap between introductory and advanced Zion canyoneering. Multiple rappels, keeper pools, and a dramatic Narrows exit make it a complete canyon experience. The contrast between the tight slot and the massive Narrows is stunning.
The Route
Access begins from the East Rim via Observation Point Trail. The drainage drops gently before the first technical section begins. Multiple rappels and swims through a tight slot lead to the famous final section where Orderville joins The Narrows.
The exit walk through the Narrows adds 2+ miles of river wading before reaching the Riverside Walk and Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop.
The Feeling
The slot squeezes tight enough to touch both walls. Cold water floods your boots. Then a final rappel drops you into a side canyon, and suddenly you're walking into The Narrows from an angle no day hiker can reach. They stare, wondering where you came from. You know.
Rules & Regulations
- •Wilderness permit required
- •Group size limit of 12 people — one of the five Zion canyons NPS allows 12 in, alongside Orderville, Keyhole, Pine Creek, the Left Fork (Subway) and the Narrows top-down; every other technical canyon is 6
- •Narrows exit adds day-use requirements
- •Check Narrows flow conditions
- •Shuttle or two-car required
Gear Checklist
Required
- 100-foot rope
- Canyoneering harness
- Rappel device
- Helmet
- Wetsuit (water is cold)
Recommended
- Neoprene socks
- Pull cord for rope retrieval
- Dry bag for camera
- Walking stick for Narrows exit
- Extra food for long day
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Orderville Canyon
🚐
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.
Key Landmarks
↑
200ft
Gain↓
2,189ft
Loss⛰️
6,400ft
High📏
6.5mi
Distance📐
0.6%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•8 landmarks
Landmarks (8)
Orderville Canyon FAQ
How do I get a Orderville Canyon permit?
Orderville 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 Orderville Canyon?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Orderville Canyon permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Orderville 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(7)
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Trip Reports
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Write the First ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
The slot is shaded all day. Focus on form and texture rather than dramatic light.
Best Light
Midday for any light penetration. Overcast days provide even, soft light.
Beat the Crowds
Start early to finish the technical section before afternoon. The Narrows exit will be busy regardless.
Classic Shots
- 📍Tight slot with canyoneer for scale
- 📍Swimming through keeper pools
- 📍Emerging into The Narrows
- 📍Final rappel
- 📍Reflections in still pools
Can't Get a Orderville Canyon Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Mystery Canyon
Similar ExperienceSimilar difficulty but with the famous 120-foot waterfall exit.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
More dramatic finale. Similar commitment level.
The Narrows Bottom-Up
Easier AlternativeSee the Narrows without technical skills. Walk up from Temple of Sinawava.
No permit needed
Tradeoffs
No permit needed. No technical challenge. Crowds.
🏕️
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Orderville Canyon trip
Very HardIn Demand26 sitesCanyonlands National Park Needles District Campground
Canyonlands National Park
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Very HardIn Demand3 sitesCanyonlands National Park Needles District Group Campsites
Canyonlands National Park
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Very HardIn Demand57 sitesDevils Garden Campground
Arches National Park
Book campsite
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