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Zion Canyoneering Permit — Spearhead Canyon wilderness permit area in Zion National Park - backcountry hiking destination
Walk-UpCanyoneeringModerate Demand

Zion Canyoneering Permit — Spearhead Canyon

Zion National Park

Technical canyoneering permit for Spearhead Canyon in Zion National Park.

Descend beneath the dramatic Spearhead formation where technical rappels reward with views of one of Zion's most striking rock towers.

How to get Spearhead Canyon

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

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Spearhead Canyon 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
3 miles
Elevation Gain
400 ft
Route Type
Point to Point
Duration
5-6 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
Elevation Range
4,600 - 5,500 ft

Highlights

  • 5 rappels up to 50 feet
  • Views of Spearhead tower
  • 5-6 hours typical
  • Scenic rewards

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall.

Hazards & Considerations

  • !Flash floods
  • !Rockfall beneath cliffs
  • !Route-finding

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

Navigation2/5

Route finding and trail clarity

Commitment3/5

Difficulty of bailing out mid-route

Best For

Intermediate canyoneers seeking scenic rewards.

Recommended Experience

5-10 canyons.

Not Recommended For

Beginners.

About This Permit

Spearhead Canyon descends beneath the dramatic Spearhead rock tower. Moderate technical difficulty with exceptional scenery.

The Experience

Why It Matters

Spearhead Canyon puts you beneath one of Zion's most photogenic formations. The Spearhead tower dominates the skyline as you descend, providing constant visual rewards.

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

Key Landmarks

400 ft gain
High:5,500 ft
Low:4,600 ft

Full interactive trail profile with key landmarks.

Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Spearhead Canyon.

🐻

Food Storage

Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.

Spearhead Canyon FAQ

How do I get a Spearhead Canyon permit?

Spearhead Canyon 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 Spearhead Canyon?

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

How competitive is the Spearhead Canyon permit?

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

What if I can't get a Spearhead Canyon 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

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