San Juan River Permit Lottery And Reservations
Bears Ears National Monument, Near Kanab, Utah
San Juan River Permit Lottery And Reservations does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. Enjoy your visit!
Overview
A float trip on the San Juan River in southeast Utah provides boaters with access to spectacular red rock canyons rich in scenery, archaeology, history, remarkable geographic features, and desert wildlife. The river features Class II to III rapids that require some technical boating skill. The BLM manages the river from Montezuma Creek, UT to the boundary of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (about river mile 45.5), and by agreement with the National Park Service, issues permits for all river segments on the 102-mile section of river between Montezuma Creek and Clay Hills Crossing. The left bank of the river from Montezuma Creek to Trimble Camp is managed by the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Nation requires additional permits to camp, hike, or visit archaeological sites on river left. For more information on how to obtain a Navajo permit, call the Navajo Parks and Recreation Office at (928) 871-6647. There are three major access points for the San Juan River. Most trips launch at either Sand Island or Mexican Hat and take out at Mexican Hat or Clay Hills. Sand Island to Mexican Hat is about 27 miles and most boaters take two to three days to float this segment. Mexican Hat to Clay Hills is approximately 57 miles and is typically a four to five day trip. Sand Island to Clay Hills is about 84 miles and is typically a six to seven day trip. Clay Hills is the only viable take-out below Mexican Hat. There is a dangerous waterfall downstream from Clay Hills. The seldom-floated Montezuma Creek to Sand Island segment is approximately 17 miles. The Navajo Dam in New Mexico controls San Juan flows. There is usually adequate river flow for boating all year. However, larger and heavier boats may have trouble navigating through rapids below Mexican Hat and dispersed mud bars from Slickhorn Canyon to Clay Hills at lower water levels. The months of May and June are the most popular time to float the river due to higher river flows. Upstream flash floods can cause river levels to rise rapidly. Visit San Juan River water level site for real-time USGS river flow information. No pets are allowed on the San Juan River between Sand Island and Clay Hills. For more San Juan River trip planning information, maps and brochures, visit the BLM San Juan River Permits information page. Permits are required to float the San Juan River. The maximum group size is 25 people (all ages are included in the total group size).Failure to comply with the following permit stipulations may result in penalties under Federal or Utah law. Penalties may include criminal action, civil action, and denial of future permits. The trip leader (permittee or alternate leader) is responsible for all matters of compliance with applicable laws, regulations and permit stipulations for the group. Permit Inspection The permit is non-transferable and must be in the possession of the permittee or alternate leader on the trip, who must provide photo ID at permit inspection. The permittee must allow rangers to complete permit inspections to check the validity of the permit, verify that the group has all required equipment, and orient participants about river etiquette and safety. If a ranger is not present to inspect your permit, the permittee must sign the visitor register before proceeding to launch. Keep your permit accessible; patrol rangers may contact you on the river. Required Equipment First aid kit - adequate for the size of the group and sufficient for treating serious injuries; Repair kit - with adequate materials to repair the types of boats used on the trip; Air pump - adequate to inflate boats after repairs; Toilet system - a washable, leak-proof toilet system that allows for the carry-out and disposal of solid human body waste in a responsible and lawful manner. The system must be adequate for the size of the group and length of the trip, and must be accessible during the daytime. Bag systems are acceptable if they are part of a specifically engineered bag waste containment system containing enzymes and polymers to treat human solid waste. All solid human waste, including bags, must be contained in a leak-proof, animal-proof, hard-sided container with a screw-on or ratchet-locking lid. Leaving solid human waste on Public Land or dumping it into vault toilets at BLM facilities is prohibited. Fire pan - must be durable metal and at least 12” in diameter with at least a 1.5” lip around its outer edge and sufficient to contain fire and remains. Fire pans must be carried on all trips (except 1-day trips 4/1 to 10/31) even if stoves are being used for cooking. All fires must be contained in the fire pan. Fire blankets under fire pans are recommended to facilitate total ash removal; PFDs/Life jackets - a properly sized whitewater type I, III, or V personal flotation device (PFD)/life jacket (approved on the label for paddling, whitewater, kayaking, etc. as required) in good working condition for each member of the party. Type II life jackets are permissible under State Law, however, BLM strongly advises against the use of type II jackets. Inflatable life jackets are not allowed; Extra oar, paddle, or motor for each raft, dory, and canoe - must be capable of maneuvering the boat. Low capacity boats [kayaks, inflatable kayaks (IKs), pack-rafts, stand up paddle boards (SUPs)] must have 1 spare paddle for every 3 boats; Bail Bucket or bilge pump for each raft, dory, and canoe – doesn’t apply to self-bailing boats, kayaks, IKs, pack-rafts, SUPs; A Type IV throwable flotation device or commercially made rescue rope (minimum 40’ in length) - applies only to boats 16’ or greater; Horn or whistle - applies only to boats 16’ or greater. Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Persons 13 years of age or older must wear an approved PFD while on the water until downstream of Slickhorn Rapid. Children under 13 years of age must wear an approved PFD for the entire length of the river. Pets Pets are prohibited between Sand Island and Clay Hills. Group Size and Travel Restrictions Maximum group size is 25 persons and no more than the pre-paid amount on the permit. Groups launching under separate permits may not camp or travel together if it would result in a total group size of more than 25 persons. Groups must launch, travel (stay within visual contact) and camp together as a group. No boats may be sent ahead to secure campsites. Groups adding passengers at Mexican Hat must have all rafts and equipment present at inspection at Sand Island; no rafts may be added at Mexican Hat. Additional passengers must not exceed permitted group size. Camping Camping in cultural sites is prohibited. The Butler Wash Petroglyph Site (river mile 4.2) is closed to overnight camping. Camping below Government Rapid camp (~river mile 64) is allowed at 9 designated sites only. All groups must have an assigned campsite in this area prior to launch. Camping at any of these sites from 3/1 to 10/31 without a reservation is a violation of permit stipulations. Motors Except for emergency purposes, upstream motorized travel is prohibited and downstream motorized travel must be in a low speed, wakeless mode. Resource Protection The permittee must ensure that all trip participants: carry out all charcoal, fire ash, garbage (dishwater strainers recommended), and solid human waste out of the river area; keep side canyon streams and springs free of soap and other contaminants; do not remove, damage, or destroy archaeological, historical, or ecological resources, or cause damage to the natural and cultural resources of the public lands; make campfires only in fire pans and limit the use of gathered wood for campfires to driftwood found along river banks and beaches. Fireworks, Explosives, and Firearms The discharge of fireworks or explosives is prohibited on public lands. During hunting season, firearm use is not allowed within 1/4 mile of shoreline campsites and structures. This permit allows boaters to float specific segments of a 102-mile section of the San Juan River between Montezuma Creek, UT and Clay Hills. A permit is required year-round. Permits are assigned using a pre-season lottery or must be reserved in advance by individuals 18 years of age or older. Permits for Sand Island to Mexican Hat, Mexican Hat to Clay Hills, and Sand Island to Clay Hills must be obtained in advance on this site (see Important Dates section below). To obtain a permit five days or less before the launch date, or to obtain a Montezuma Creek to Sand Island permit, you must call the BLM Monticello Field Office in advance to obtain a permit. Pack-rafters using nontraditional launch or exit points are required to obtain a permit for the entire permitted river segment, even if they will only be floating a portion of that segment (e.g., a pack-rafting trip hiking in at Honaker and floating to Slickhorn Canyon would be required to obtain a Mexican Hat to Clay Hills permit).Sand Island The boat ramp is located approximately three miles west of Bluff, UT, approximately one mile east of the junction of Highways 163 and 191. It is accessible by all passenger vehicles. Mexican Hat The boat ramp is located in the town of Mexican Hat, UT. From Hwy. 163, turn south onto Riverview Drive, which ends at the boat ramp in less than half a mile. The boat ramp is accessible to all passenger vehicles. Clay Hills The boat ramp is located 11 miles off of Hwy 276 at the end of the Clay Hills/Whirlwind Draw Road, between Halls Crossing and Natural Bridges National Monument. The 11-mile natural surface road requires vehicles with high-clearance. If the road is wet, it may be impassable, even for 4WD vehicles.Please allow others to enjoy the San Juan River if you’re not able to. Permit holders who do not cancel their reservation prior to or on their launch date and do not use their launch will not be able to obtain a launch reservation the following year.There are no discounts available. San Juan River permit fees are Individual Special Recreation Permits fees for use of a BLM Special Area. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass, Senior Pass (formerly Golden Age Passport), and Access Pass (formerly Golden Access Passport) do not qualify for discounts on these types of fees. For trips launching April 15 - July 15, launches are initially allocated through a permit lottery due to the high level of visitor demand. Lottery applications for permits are accepted from December 1 through January 31 at 11:59 p.m. MST. Only one lottery application per individual 18 or older may be submitted. Lottery results are announced on February 12. Successful applicants must accept their awarded permit and pay the per person permit fees by March 15 at 11:59 p.m. (MDT). Due to total people per day launch limits, it is recommended that you apply and pay for your maximum group size. You will not be able to add additional people to your group at a later time, if there is no availability. Refunds for group size reductions are available up to 15 days before your entry date (no refunds 14 days or less). Unaccepted reservations and cancellations will made available to other boaters starting March 16 at 8:00 a.m. MDT. Cancellations Refunds of permit fees are available for permit cancellations or group size reductions made a minimum of 15 days prior to the entry date. No refunds are issued for cancellations or group size reductions made 14 days or less before the entry date under any circumstances, including undesirable river flows or poor weather conditions. Changes Permits are non-transferable. Only a pre-designated alternate leader may use the permit. Group sizes can be reduced or increased up to the maximum group size of 25 persons (provided there is availability) until five days before the entry date and prior to printing the permit. To change your launch date or river segment, you will need to cancel your existing reservation and make a new one. Fees from your previous reservation are non-transferable. Changes to exit dates, reserved campsites, or changes made less than 5 days before the launch date must be made by calling the BLM at (435) 587-1544. There is a non-refundable $6.00 application/reservation fee for all reservations and/or lottery applications. Permit fees are required for trips launching March 1 – October 31 on all river segments between Sand Island and Clay Hills. Permit fees apply to all ages. The following per person, per trip permit fee schedule is in effect for each river segment: Sand Island to Mexican Hat - $10 per person Mexican Hat to Clay Hills - $20 per person Sand Island to Clay Hills - $30 per person Montezuma Creek to Sand Island - no fee Permit holders are responsible for payment of per person fees for their entire group. Full payment must be made at the time of reservation. Lottery winners must accept and pay for their permits in-full by March 15 at 11:59 p.m. MDT or their reservation will be cancelled and made available to other boaters.Please read the San Juan River Use Stipulations , which includes a list of required equipment that must be inspected at the launch site. Printing Your Permit This confirmation email is not your permit. You will be able to print your permit starting 14 days before your entry date at your Recreation.gov account. Changes cannot be made to the permit once it has been printed. Do not print your permit until you are sure you will not be making any changes. The permit is non-transferable and must be in the possession of the permittee or designated alternate leader on the trip, who must provide photo ID at permit inspection. Reservation Changes and Cancellations Refunds of permit fees are available for permit cancellations or group size reductions made a minimum of 15 days prior to the entry date. No refunds are issued for permit cancellations or group size reductions made 14 days or less before the entry date under any circumstances, including undesirable river flow levels or poor weather conditions. The permit is non-transferable. Only a pre-designated alternate leader may also use the permit. Group sizes can be reduced (see refund policy above) or increased up to the maximum group size of 25 persons (provided there is availability) until five days before the entry date and prior to printing the permit. To change your entry date or river segment, you will need to cancel your existing reservation and make a new one; all fees will apply to the new reservation. Changes to reserved campsites must be made by calling the BLM San Juan River permit desk at (435) 587-1544. No Show Policy Please allow others to enjoy the San Juan River if you’re not able to. Permit holders who do not cancel their reservation prior to or on their launch date and do not use their launch will not be able to obtain a launch reservation the following year.Permits for river segments are allocated based on launch date and launch location. Sand Island Seven groups or 75 persons are allowed to launch from Sand Island per day. When either limit is reached, the day is full. In addition, only two trips launching from Sand Island per day may go all the way to Clay Hills; all others must take out at Mexican Hat. Mexican Hat Three groups or 50 persons are allowed to launch from Mexican Hat per day. When either limit is reached, the day is full. Due to the persons per day limit, it is important to apply for and book permits for your full group size. If there isn’t availability, you will not be able to increase your group size later. If the group limit is reached and there is still space available for more people on a launch date, groups with existing permits on the date may add available spaces to their permit until five days before the launch date and prior to printing the permit. Rules and Regulations: View the complete BLM San Juan River Use Stipulations and river gear requirements for private, non-commercial use. Permit reservations are for private, non-commercial use only. Commercial and organized groups (including universities, schools, and groups sponsored by other organizations) must contact the BLM Monticello Field Office for information on additional BLM Special Recreation Permit requirements. You must be 18 years of age or older to apply for or obtain a permit. For more trip planning and important river use information, including lottery statistics and reserved campsite information, visit the BLM San Juan River Permits webpage. Reserved Campsite Requirements: For trips taking out at Clay Hills, camping below Government Rapid (near river mile 64) is allowed at nine designated sites only. You must submit your campsite requests (preferences) when booking a permit or accepting an awarded lottery reservation. Be prepared to submit your preferences, prior to booking a reservation or accepting your awarded lottery reservation by viewing the BLM reserved campsite requirements and information page, which includes maps and campsite descriptions. BLM will assign your campsite receiving your preferences through your permit application. Campsite preferences cannot be submitted over phone or email. You can then view your reservation details to see your campsite assignments. If you don't submit preferences, BLM will assign your campsites. Trips taking out at Clay Hills must have at least one reserved campsite. If none are available, the permit will be revoked. You may schedule up to two nights in this section of the river, if there is availability. You may not camp at the same reserved campsite for more than one night. If you are spending two nights in the reserved section, your first night must be in one of the Slickhorn sites (A - E), and your second night must be in one of the sites downstream from Slickhorn. Reserved campsites may not be shared by more than one party without advance written approval from the BLM Monticello Field Office. Navajo Nation Permits and Camping Closures: The Navajo Nation requires additional permits to camp and hike on river left. For information on how to obtain a Navajo Nation recreation permit, please contact the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park at 435-727-5871. Due to bighorn sheep lambing and nursing requirements, the Navajo Nation has a year-round camping closure on river left. A map and additional information about the closure are available. Your Safety: You should bring all of your drinking water. There are no reliable, potable sources of drinking water on the San Juan River. Filtering water is difficult because the San Juan is extremely silty. A minimum of one gallon per person, per day is suggested. The San Juan County Sheriff’s Department has search and rescue jurisdiction on public lands and normally takes the lead for such operations. For emergencies, call the Sheriff’s Department at (435) 587- 2237. Please note that cell service on the river is intermittent and unreliable. A satellite phone is recommended. Enjoying Cultural Sites and Rock Images: The San Juan River and the adjacent canyons were once home to a remarkable prehistoric people. The remnants of these past residents, including their dwellings, artifacts and rock images, are what make the San Juan River and Cedar Mesa area truly unique. Unintentional damage caused by visitors is slowly destroying these remnants. Please familiarize yourself with the ''Visit with Respect'' tips provided by Bears Ears Partnership, and enjoy these cultural sites in a manner that will help preserve them for future generations of visitors. Permit Printing: You will be allowed to print your permit 14 days before your launch date. Changes cannot be made to the permit once it has been printed. Do not print your permit until you are sure you will not be making any changes. If you are exiting at Clay Hills, please wait until your reserved campsites have been assigned prior to printing your permit.Select an entry date.By reserving a permit for the San Juan River, I certify that: I have read, understand and hereby agree to abide by the rules and regulations required for this permit. To the best of my knowledge, my trip is not commercial or an organized group requiring a Special Recreation Permit. I am 18 years of age or older. I understand that if my trip is taking out at Clay Hills and there are no reserved campsites available, my reservation will be revoked. Lottery Applicants: I understand only one lottery application per individual may be submitted. Lottery Applicants: I understand that if I am successfully drawn, my awarded group size will be in the range between the minimum and maximum group sizes that I provided in my lottery preferences. If there is not enough availability to accomodate my maximum group size, I will be awarded the remaining available group size, provided that it is equal to or more than my minimum group size preference. Lottery Applicants: Please note a change to BLM's alternate permit holder policy for this location: alternate permit holders may only be added at time of lottery application (or at time of permit purchase made outside of the lottery season). The BLM will be unable to add alternates requested via phone call or email messages at any point. Alternate permit holders listed on lottery applications may also apply for the lottery.
