Colorado Plateau Rivers Permits
Desert river adventures through Utah and Colorado.
Signature Experiences
The most sought-after permits in Colorado Rivers
GC Rafting
“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.”
Yampa
“The last major undammed tributary of the Colorado, 44 miles down the Yampa to Echo Park and then 32 more on the Green - and one permit covers both rivers.”
Westwater
17 miles of the Colorado River through a black granite inner gorge, with 11 named rapids and only five launches a day.
All Permits
Select a permit to learn more and set up alerts
Grand Canyon river permit
The ultimate river trip—225 miles through the heart of the Grand Canyon, past billion-year-old rock, world-class rapids, and hidden waterfalls only accessible by river.
Dinosaur NM Yampa River permit
Last free-flowing river in Colorado system.
Westwater Canyon permit
17 miles of the Colorado River through a black granite inner gorge, with 11 named rapids and only five launches a day.
Desolation & Gray Canyons permit
Green River through Utah. 84 miles.
Dinosaur NM Green River permit
Through Dinosaur National Monument.
Split Mountain permit
Nine miles of the Green River from Rainbow Park through Split Mountain Canyon, run in a day. One or two launches a day depending on the season, no lottery.
Ruby-Horsethief Canyon permit
25 miles of red rock flatwater on the Colorado River from Loma, Colorado to Westwater, Utah. Quota is the campsites, so you build the trip site by site.
Canyonlands Overnight River permit
Camp in the river corridor inside Canyonlands for up to 14 days, on flatwater above the confluence or through the Class III to V water of Cataract Canyon.
Lower Grand Canyon (Diamond Creek to Pearce Ferry) permit
52-mile Lower Grand Canyon river trip from Diamond Creek to Pearce Ferry. Unlike the Lees Ferry section there is no lottery — applications go direct to the NPS River Permits Office, are accepted no earlier than one year in advance, and are issued first-come, first-served.
San Juan River permit
Utah desert river through Monument Valley area.
Dolores River (Gateway to Dewey Bridge) permit
32 miles from Gateway, Colorado to Dewey Bridge, Utah. Unlimited permits, but a runoff season so short that most years it barely happens.
Canyonlands Day Use River permit
One-day boating on the Green and Colorado Rivers inside Canyonlands National Park, on flatwater above the confluence or through Cataract Canyon below it.
Other Wild & Scenic Rivers Areas
Explore more wilderness permits in the region
Southwest Rivers permits
1 permit
Sierra Rivers permits
2 permits
Montana Rivers permits
1 permit
Idaho Rivers permits
3 permits
Colorado Rivers Permit FAQ
What permits are required for Colorado Plateau Rivers?
Colorado Plateau Rivers requires permits for various activities including GC Rafting, Lower GC, Desolation, Gates of Lodore, Yampa, and 7 more. Each permit has different requirements and booking processes.
How do I get a permit for Colorado Plateau Rivers?
Permits for Colorado Plateau Rivers are available through Lottery, First-Come, First-Served, Reservation systems. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When should I apply for Colorado Plateau Rivers permits?
Timing varies by permit type. Lottery permits typically open months in advance, while reservation permits release on a rolling basis. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to never miss an opening.