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GC Rafting
The ultimate river trip—225 miles through the heart of the Grand Canyon, past bi...
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ReservationRiver AccessHigh Demand
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.
“Multi-day river adventure through Colorado Rivers.”
Watch a launch date— the rest of the trip follows it
Canyonlands Overnight Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh7/10
Cost$36 reservation fee, plus $25 per person and the park entrance fee
Max Group Size40 people
Canyonlands Overnight Permit Facts
- As of August 2026, Canyonlands Overnight in Colorado Plateau Rivers, Wild & Scenic Rivers requires a permit issued via reservation.
- Canyonlands Overnight is a high-demand permit, rating 7/10 on PermitSnag's demand index.
- Cancelled Canyonlands Overnight permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeRiver Access
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level7/10
LocationCanyonlands National Park
What to Expect
Route Details
Route Type
Point to Point
Duration
2-14 days
Difficulty
ExpertHighlights
- •14 miles of Class III to V whitewater below the confluence
- •Up to 14 days camping in the river corridor
- •A binding entry-point choice between Flatwater and Cataract Canyon
- •A crossing of part of Lake Powell to reach the Cataract take-out, where NPS recommends motors
- •A mandatory video before booking
Best Time to Visit
The April 14 to October 15 season and the October 16 to April 13 season release separately at 8:00 a.m. MST, on December 14 and June 15 respectively. Cataract flows peak with spring runoff.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Extreme water level fluctuations in Cataract Canyon, which NPS calls hazardous and isolated
- !Strong up-canyon winds on the flatwater section of the take-out crossing
- !A shifting boundary between the end of the river and the start of Lake Powell
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
When to Go
Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall
Conditions
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand1/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill3/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Navigation3/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment4/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Intermediate hikers comfortable with long days and moderate challenges.
Recommended Experience
Multi-day backpacking or river experience recommended.
About This Permit
This is the permit for Cataract Canyon, the 14 miles below the confluence of the Green and the Colorado where the combined flow drops through Class III to V whitewater. It also covers flatwater camping above the confluence.
NPS publishes no daily launch limit here, which makes the release dates the thing to plan around rather than a quota race. Reservations for the April 14 to October 15 season opened December 14, and the October 16 to April 13 season opened June 15, both at 8:00 a.m. Mountain Standard Time. Advance online reservations close two days before a launch date.
The entry point you choose is binding. Pick Cataract Canyon if you plan to run the rapids and Flatwater if you do not, because NPS will not refund the $36 fee when a group books the wrong one. Non-motorized flatwater trips have to reserve a commercial upriver shuttle from Spanish Bottom before booking the permit at all.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Canyonlands Overnight offers a multi-day journey through some of America's most remote wilderness. River permits protect both the resource and the experience, ensuring uncrowded campsites and pristine conditions.
Rules & Regulations
- •Group size is limited to 40 people and trips may run up to 14 days
- •There are no daily launch limits
- •Non-motorized flatwater trips must book a commercial upriver shuttle from Spanish Bottom before reserving
- •Advance online reservations close 2 days before the launch date
- •Permits are self-issue and printable up to 7 days before launch
- •The alternate trip leader must be entered at booking and cannot be changed later
- •No changes once the permit is printed, only cancel and rebook
- •Valid within Canyonlands only, downstream of the Potash and Mineral Bottom ramps
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Canyonlands Overnight
🚐
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.
Safety & Planning
Canyonlands Overnight FAQ
Is there a launch quota on the Canyonlands overnight river permit?
No. NPS states there are no daily launch limits for this permit. The constraint is the release date and the shuttle requirement, not a quota.
When do Canyonlands overnight river permits get released?
In two blocks at 8:00 a.m. Mountain Standard Time. The April 14 to October 15 season opened December 14 and the October 16 to April 13 season opened June 15.
What happens if I book the wrong Canyonlands river entry point?
You have to cancel and book a new permit, and NPS does not refund the $36 reservation fee in that case. Choose Cataract Canyon if you plan to run the rapids and Flatwater if you do not.
Do I need a shuttle for a Canyonlands flatwater river trip?
If you are non-motorized, yes. NPS requires you to reserve a commercial upriver shuttle from Spanish Bottom before you make the permit reservation.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
Questions
Trip Reports
Write ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
Canyon walls glow during sunset. Position your camp for the best evening light angles.
Best Light
Midday can work in deep canyons where direct light penetrates. Morning offers reflections on calm water.
Beat the Crowds
River trips have built-in crowd control via permits. Focus on timing with natural light.
Classic Shots
- 📍Boat perspective through rapids
- 📍Canyon wall reflections
- 📍Camp setup on river beach
- 📍Wildlife along the shore
Can't Get a Canyonlands Overnight Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Canyonlands Day Use River
Easier AlternativeSame rivers and entry points for a single day, with no camping.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
$6 plus $10 per person for Cataract instead of $36 plus $25. A day run through Cataract needs a motor.
Desolation & Gray Canyons
Similar Experience84 miles of Green River upstream of Canyonlands, run over about five days.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Easier whitewater and a lottery rather than a fixed release date.
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