Reservation6/10
Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) cancellations
Technical canyoneering permit for Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) in Zion National P...
LotteryCanyoneeringModerate Demand
Zion Canyoneering Permit — Refrigerator Canyon (Upper)
Technical canyoneering permit for Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) in Zion National Park.
Other permits in Zion National Park we can watch
“Descend through the shaded canyon above Walter's Wiggles where temperatures drop 20 degrees and technical challenges await.”
How to get Refrigerator Canyon (Upper)
Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
How to get Refrigerator Canyon (Upper)
Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
Two ways to land it
Track cancellations or run a lottery pool
Core feature
Fast Lane tracking
We watch Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) for cancellations 24/7 and alert you when a spot opens so you can book before it's gone.
Start free cancellation watchPro or $19 alert
Lottery pool
Apply with a crew. Each person multiplies your combined odds. We coordinate invites, deadlines, and outcomes.
See plans to start a poolMost crews do both: pool for the lottery, watch for cancellations.
Plan the full trip, not just the permit
Build your full itinerary start to finish
Add your dates and get a day-by-day plan: what needs a permit, what gear to bring, and one link to share with your whole group to coordinate every step.
Start a plan — it's free
No permit needed to start
Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodLottery
Demand LevelModerate6/10
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeCanyoneering
Booking MethodLottery
Demand Level6/10
LocationUT
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
1.5 miles
Elevation Gain
150 ft
Route Type
Point to Point
Duration
3-4 hours
Difficulty
ModerateElevation Range
5,000 - 5,400 ft
Highlights
- •4 rappels up to 45 feet
- •Cool temperatures in shade
- •3-4 hours typical
- •Connection to famous trail section
Best Time to Visit
Summer when cooling shade is welcome.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Flash floods
- !Cool temperatures (bring layers)
- !Slippery when wet
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a National Park Service account
Sign up at National Park Service if you don't have an account. Verify your email and add payment info ahead of time.
Learn More
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand2/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill2/5
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 shorter objectives.
Recommended Experience
Basic rappelling skills.
Not Recommended For
Those expecting a full-day adventure.
About This Permit
Upper Refrigerator Canyon accesses the drainage above the famous shaded section on the Angels Landing trail. Cool temperatures and moderate technical challenge.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Upper Refrigerator Canyon sits above the famous cooling section on the Angels Landing trail. Technical canyoneering through the drainage that gave Refrigerator Canyon its name.
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
Gear Checklist
Required
- 80-foot rope
- Harness
- Rappel device
- Helmet
Plan Your Trip
Better odds with a crew
Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) is a lottery. Every friend who applies adds another entry, so a crew gets more shots at the same permit than any one of you alone.
One of you runs the pool (Pro or a $19 alert). Everyone else joins free.
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Refrigerator Canyon (Upper)
🚐
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
↑150 ft gain
High:5,400 ft
Low:5,000 ft
Full interactive trail profile with key landmarks.
Lottery Statistics
Competitive
estimated success rate
Get detailed lottery statistics and tips. Sign up to track this permit.
Boost Your Chances
Apply with a crew to multiply your combined odds, and let auto win-detection tell you the moment you win — you never have to check National Park Service. Win-detection reads the result email you forward us, so it takes a one-time setup in your inbox (about two minutes, and we walk you through it). Pool and auto win-detection are on Pro or a $19 permit alert.
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Refrigerator Canyon (Upper).
🐻
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) FAQ
How do I get a Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) permit?
Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) is not sold online. It is issued in person or by phone, so there is no reservation to book and no cancellation to catch. PermitSnag does not send alerts for it — check the official permit page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Refrigerator Canyon (Upper)?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) permit?
On this permit there is no cancellation queue and no alert to set, because nothing is re-released onto a calendar we could watch. Bring backup dates, and check the official permit page for the current process and any closures.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
No questions yet
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Trip Reports
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Write the First Report🏕️
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