Wild & Scenic Rivers Backcountry Permits
Multi-day river expeditions on America's protected wild and scenic rivers. Managed by various federal agencies including BLM, USFS, and NPS.
About Wild & Scenic Rivers Permits
Wild and Scenic Rivers offer multi-day adventures through some of America's most remote canyons. River permits are managed by various agencies (BLM, USFS, NPS) depending on the waterway. The Grand Canyon Colorado River permit is considered one of the hardest permits to get in the country. Commercial trips are an option but private permits offer flexibility.
Best Time to Visit
River seasons vary dramatically. Desert rivers like the Grand Canyon run year-round. Northern rivers like the Selway have narrow windows (typically May-July). Water levels and temperatures dictate optimal timing.
Top Wild & Scenic Rivers permits
The most sought-after permits in this category.
- Grand Canyon river permit· Colorado Rivers
- Middle Fork Salmon River permit· Idaho Rivers
- Smith River (Montana) permit· Montana Rivers
- Rogue River permit· PNW Rivers
- Main Salmon River permit· Idaho Rivers
- Selway River permit· Idaho Rivers
- Dinosaur NM Yampa River permit· Colorado Rivers
- Westwater Canyon permit· Colorado Rivers
- Hells Canyon Snake River permit· PNW Rivers
- Desolation & Gray Canyons permit· Colorado Rivers
- Dinosaur NM Green River permit· Colorado Rivers
- Split Mountain permit· Colorado Rivers
Signature Experiences
The most sought-after permits in Wild & Scenic Rivers
GC Rafting
10/10“Row the Colorado from river mile 0 at Lees Ferry through the deepest gorge in North America on a permit most people wait years to draw.”
Middle Fork
9/10“Float 104 miles through the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, past hot springs, pictographs and the third deepest rock-walled canyon in North America.”
Smith
9/10“Float 59 miles of limestone canyon that you can only reach by boat, on one of 9 launches a day drawn by a Montana state lottery.”
Parks & Wilderness Areas
Browse permits by location (6 locations)
Idaho Rivers permits
Premier whitewater through the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness....
PNW Rivers permits
Wild and scenic rivers of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest....
Colorado Rivers permits
Desert river adventures through Utah and Colorado....
Southwest Rivers permits
Wilderness river canyons of New Mexico and the desert Southwest....
Sierra Rivers permits
California's steep granite whitewater, on the Wild and Scenic Tuolumne and Kern....
Montana Rivers permits
Montana's wilderness river floats, permitted by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks....
Search Wild & Scenic Rivers Permits
Find specific permits or browse all 26 permits
GC Rafting
LotteryPopularColorado Rivers · Wild & Scenic Rivers
Middle Fork
LotteryPopularIdaho Rivers · Wild & Scenic Rivers
Smith
LotteryMontana Rivers · Wild & Scenic Rivers
Main Salmon
LotteryPopularIdaho Rivers · Wild & Scenic Rivers
Selway
LotteryIdaho Rivers · Wild & Scenic Rivers
Yampa
LotteryColorado Rivers · Wild & Scenic Rivers
Westwater
First-Come, First-ServedPopularColorado Rivers · Wild & Scenic Rivers
Rogue
LotteryPNW Rivers · Wild & Scenic Rivers
Hells Canyon
LotteryPNW Rivers · Wild & Scenic Rivers
Desolation
LotteryColorado Rivers · Wild & Scenic Rivers
Gates of Lodore
LotteryColorado Rivers · Wild & Scenic Rivers
Split Mountain
ReservationColorado Rivers · Wild & Scenic Rivers
Ruby-Horsethief
First-Come, First-ServedColorado Rivers · Wild & Scenic Rivers
Canyonlands Overnight
ReservationPopularColorado Rivers · Wild & Scenic Rivers
Rio Chama
LotteryPopularSouthwest Rivers · Wild & Scenic Rivers
Smith River
Walk-UpPNW Rivers · Wild & Scenic Rivers
Owyhee
Walk-UpPNW Rivers · Wild & Scenic Rivers
Lower GC
First-Come, First-ServedColorado Rivers · Wild & Scenic Rivers
San Juan
ReservationColorado Rivers · Wild & Scenic Rivers
Tuolumne
First-Come, First-ServedPopularSierra Rivers · Wild & Scenic Rivers
Explore Other Regions
Planning a bigger trip? Check out permits in other areas.
Wild & Scenic Rivers Permit FAQ
How many backcountry permits does PermitSnag track in Wild & Scenic Rivers?
PermitSnag tracks over 26 backcountry permits across Wild & Scenic Rivers, including day-use permits, overnight permits, thru-hike entries, and specialized permits like canyoneering and river access.
What are the most popular permits in Wild & Scenic Rivers?
The most competitive Wild & Scenic Rivers permits include GC Rafting, Middle Fork, Smith. These permits often sell out immediately when released.
How do I get notified about Wild & Scenic Rivers permit cancellations?
Sign up for PermitSnag to receive instant alerts when Wild & Scenic Rivers permits become available due to cancellations. Our system monitors availability 24/7 and notifies you immediately.