Walk-Up6/10
Zion Spearhead Canyon permit
Technical canyoneering permit for Spearhead Canyon in Zion National Park....
Walk-UpCanyoneeringModerate Demand
Zion Canyoneering Permit — South Guardian Angel
Technical canyoneering permit for South Guardian Angel in Zion National Park.
“Descend a remote canyon on the flanks of Guardian Angel, one of Zion's most dramatic sandstone monoliths.”
How to get South Guardian Angel
Zion does not accept advance reservations for this canyon. NPS: "If the canyon you want a permit reservation for is not listed in this menu then advance reservations are not accepted for that canyon. Instead, you must obtain your permit in person." There is no online inventory to watch.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
How to get South Guardian Angel
Zion does not accept advance reservations for this canyon. NPS: "If the canyon you want a permit reservation for is not listed in this menu then advance reservations are not accepted for that canyon. Instead, you must obtain your permit in person." There is no online inventory to watch.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
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South Guardian Angel Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand LevelModerate6/10
This permit is not bookable online
Zion does not accept advance reservations for this canyon. NPS: "If the canyon you want a permit reservation for is not listed in this menu then advance reservations are not accepted for that canyon. Instead, you must obtain your permit in person." There is no online inventory to watch.
Official permit page →Key Information
Permit Details
TypeCanyoneering
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand Level6/10
LocationUT
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
4 miles
Elevation Gain
500 ft
Route Type
Point to Point
Duration
6-7 hours
Difficulty
StrenuousElevation Range
4,800 - 6,000 ft
Highlights
- •5 rappels up to 55 feet
- •Remote location
- •6-7 hours typical
- •Views of Guardian Angel
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Flash floods
- !Remote location
- !Route-finding challenges
How to Get This Permit
1
How this permit is issued
Zion does not accept advance reservations for this canyon. NPS: "If the canyon you want a permit reservation for is not listed in this menu then advance reservations are not accepted for that canyon. Instead, you must obtain your permit in person." There is no online inventory to watch.
2
Check the agency page before you go
Fees, hours and closures change. Confirm the current process at National Park Service before your trip.
3
Have backup plans
Office hours move, ground closes, and popular trailheads get busy. Know an alternative route or date before you drive out.
Learn More
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand3/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill3/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk2/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation4/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment3/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Experienced canyoneers with navigation skills seeking remote objectives.
Recommended Experience
15+ canyons with navigation experience.
Not Recommended For
Those who need well-marked routes.
About This Permit
South Guardian Angel descends the southern drainage of the Guardian Angel formation. Remote approach with moderate technical requirements.
The Experience
Why It Matters
South Guardian Angel offers canyoneering in the shadow of one of Zion's signature formations. The remote location and moderate technical challenge make it a rewarding exploratory objective.
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
- 100-foot rope
- Harness
- Rappel device
- Helmet
- GPS
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for South Guardian Angel
🚐
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
↑500 ft gain
High:6,000 ft
Low:4,800 ft
Full interactive trail profile with key landmarks.
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for South Guardian Angel.
🐻
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
South Guardian Angel FAQ
How do I get a South Guardian Angel permit?
South Guardian Angel is not sold online. Zion does not accept advance reservations for this canyon. NPS: "If the canyon you want a permit reservation for is not listed in this menu then advance reservations are not accepted for that canyon. Instead, you must obtain your permit in person." There is no online inventory to watch. PermitSnag does not send alerts for it — check the official permit page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit South Guardian Angel?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the South Guardian Angel permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a South Guardian Angel 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
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Trip Reports
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Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your South Guardian Angel 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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