Canyonlands Needles — Devil's Pocket Permit
Canyonlands National Park · Utah
Backpacking permit for Devil's Pocket in the Needles District of Canyonlands. 1 designated campsite(s).
Get an alert when a night opens on your Devil's Pocket dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Devil's Pocket were gone within 10 minutes.
Devil's Pocket reservation dates
- max group size
- 7people
Canyonlands Needles backcountry campsites and zones
The Needles backpacking district books two ways: 20 numbered campsites in 7 areas, and 4 at-large zones where you camp anywhere inside. Every party is 7 people at most.
- 20designated campsites
- 7site areas, each on its own page
- 4at-large zones
- 7people per party, district-wide
Designated campsites · a numbered site each night
At-large zones · camp anywhere inside
Devil's Pocket
- Sites
- DP1
- Nightly cap
- 1 numbered site
- Group size
- 7 people per party
- Trailhead
- Elephant Hill Trailhead
How to get a Devil's Pocket permit
As of September 2026, Devil's Pocket in Canyonlands National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation. Devil's Pocket rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Devil's Pocket permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens.
- Type
- Backpacking
- Location
- UT
Step 1: Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Step 4: Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
More on Devil's Pocket: Live availability activityWhen Devil's Pocket permits open up
The Devil's Pocket hike
Devil's Pocket landmarks
- 1Elephant Hill Trailhead
- 2Devil's Pocket 1 (DP1)
When to hike Devil's Pocket
Devil's Pocket rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Devil's Pocket.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Devil's Pocket · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Devil's Pocket FAQ
How do I get a Devil's Pocket permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Devil's Pocket cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Devil's Pocket permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Devil's Pocket?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Devil's Pocket permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Devil's Pocket permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
Devil's Pocket trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Trip Reports
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