Owyhee River wilderness permit area in Colorado Plateau Rivers - backcountry hiking destination
First-Come, First-ServedRiver AccessModerate Demand

Owyhee River

Colorado Plateau Rivers

Remote Oregon desert canyon river.

Multi-day river adventure through Colorado Rivers.

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Be notified instantly when Owyhee permits become available.

Demand
Moderate
6/10
Method
First-Come, First-Served
Booking Method
First-Come, First-Served

Owyhee Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodFirst-Come, First-Served
Demand LevelModerate6/10

Key Information

Permit Details

TypeRiver Access
Booking MethodFirst-Come, First-Served
Demand Level6/10
LocationWSR

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

Moderate

Advantages

  • +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 Skill1/5

Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills

Exposure Risk1/5

Steep dropoffs and fall potential

Navigation1/5

Route finding and trail clarity

Commitment4/5

Difficulty of bailing out mid-route

Best For

Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.

Recommended Experience

Multi-day backpacking or river experience recommended.

The Experience

Why It Matters

Owyhee 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.

Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Owyhee.

Want to access emergency info offline?Get the app →
🐻

Food Storage

Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.

Want to check food storage requirements?Get the app →

Owyhee FAQ

How do I get a Owyhee permit?

Owyhee permits are obtained through a first-come, first-served system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.

When is the best time to visit Owyhee?

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

How competitive is the Owyhee permit?

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

What if I can't get a Owyhee permit?

Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.

Photography 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