Arches National Park Canyoneering Permits
Canyoneering is an adventurous activity utilizing ropes, harnesses and descending equipment for rappels and other technical descents through canyons. Many of Arches National Park’s sandstone walls are cross-hatched with narrow passages making for excellent canyoneering. There are eight established canyoneering routes in the park outside of the Fiery Furnace.
This permit is not valid for the Fiery Furnace. If you are planning to canyoneer or hike in the Fiery Furnace you will need a specific permit.
Notifications and Alerts
ATTENTION
DRAGONFLY CANYONEERS!!
(5/21/25)
After a dry winter, water levels in the Dragonfly potholes are very low. This has created conditions that are likely more difficult than you have encountered in the past, or listed in route beta. You may encounter water levels where swimming AND 5th class climbing is required to negotiate the potholes. We advise that you do not attempt Dragonfly Canyon unless you are skilled at pothole escapes and partner-assist techniques. There are other wet canyons on BLM land that may provide a good alternative during hotter months.
Permit & Season Information
A permit is required for all canyoneering trips.
Established Canyoneering Routes:
Lost and Found, MMI, Bighorn, Tierdrop, Not Tierdrop, U-Turn, Dragonfly, and Elephant Butte
New Routes:
A special use permit is required for installation of new fixed gear. Contact CANYres@nps.gov for more information.
Group Size Limits:
Lost and Found and MMI have a group size limit of 6.
All other routes are limited to 10
Permit Availability:
Available online 8:00AM MT one day in advance up to 5:00PM MT the day of the trip.
Self-issue permits are also available 24/7 on the Arches Visitor Center patio.
Permits must be readily available printed or on a mobile device during the trip.
Seasonal Closures
Some routes are closed seasonally, check the park website for closures .
This permit is not for overnight camping.
Need to Know
A permit must be in your possession during the trip (printed or available on a mobile device). A permit is valid only for the dates, route, and number of people listed. Overnight travel or camping is not allowed.
You are responsible for knowing and abiding by all park rules and regulations including seasonal route closures.
Watch the required video prior to your trip. Canyoneering safety is your responsibility. Honestly assess you and your group’s skill level and know your limitations. You should not attempt routes that are not within your abilities or those within your group.
- This permit is NOT valid for entry into the Fiery Furnace. Fiery Furnace Permits.
- Group limits are 6 persons for Lost and Found and MMI; 10 persons for all other routes.
- Pets are prohibited.
- Travel on designated trails, roads, rock, and sandy washes only.
- Climbing, scrambling, walking upon, wrapping webbing or rope around, or rappelling off any named or unnamed arch with an opening greater than 3 feet is prohibited.
- All installation of new fixed gear requires a special-use permit . Fixed gear that is not associated with established routes will be removed.
- If an existing item or fixed anchor is judged unsafe, it may be replaced in kind without a permit. Software left in place must match rock surface in color.
- Use of deadman anchors is prohibited.
- Fixed ropes left in place for more than 24 hours are prohibited.
- Guided canyoneering services are prohibited.
- Pack out what you pack in. All garbage, including toilet paper, must be removed.
- Human Waste: Always attempt to use a toilet beforehand and pack out solid waste in a commercial, landfill safe waste bag. All toilet paper must be packed out.
- The use of unmanned aircrafts is prohibited.
- Slacklining and BASE jumping are prohibited.
- All natural plants, objects, and cultural artifacts must be left where they are found.
- Overnight camping in Arches is only allowed in the Devils Garden Campground and by permit in a designated backcountry campsite.
These are some of the park regulations. It is your responsibility to know and abide by all regulations .
Park Entrance Pass
A park entrance pass (physical or digital) is required in addition to your canyoneering permit.
Fee Policy
Reservation Fee: $6.00 (non-refundable)
Recreation Fee: $0
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy:
Once a reservation is completed, it is non-refundable.
Change Policy:
No permit changes are allowed once the reservation is complete.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
2282 Resource Blvd. Moab UT 84532
Phone Number
(435) 241-3110
