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Fish & Owl Canyons Permit permit area in Cedar Mesa / Bears Ears - backcountry hiking destination
Each entry point carries its own quota

Fish & Owl Canyons Permit

Cedar Mesa / Bears Ears · Utah

Remote canyon system.

Get an alert when Fish & Owl opens on your dates.

Get alerts for your Fish & Owl dates

A Fish & Owl permit is booked by the day you start. Tell us every date you'd go and we'll ping you the second one of them opens up.

Leave the second date blank if only one day works. A wider window catches more openings.

Party

70% of the openings our scanner caught on Fish & Owl were gone within 10 minutes.

Fish & Owl reservation dates

max group size
12people

How to get a Fish & Owl permit

As of September 2026, Fish & Owl in Cedar Mesa / Bears Ears, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation. Fish & Owl rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Fish & Owl permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens.

Type
Overnight
Location
UT

  1. Step 1: Create a Recreation.gov account

    Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.

  2. Step 2: Know the release schedule

    Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.

  3. Step 3: Be ready when permits drop

    Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.

  4. Step 4: Monitor for cancellations

    If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.

Book at Recreation.gov
Learn more:
Best booking timesCancellation huntingRecreation.gov tips

More on Fish & Owl: Live availability activityWhen Fish & Owl permits open up

When to hike Fish & Owl

Fish & Owl rules, gear and safety

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Fish & Owl.

Food Storage

Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.

Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Fish & Owl · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides

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Fish & Owl FAQ

How do I get a Fish & Owl permit?

PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Fish & Owl cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Fish & Owl permits use a reservation system.

When is the best time to visit Fish & Owl?

Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Fish & Owl permit?

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

What if I can't get a Fish & Owl 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.

Fish & Owl trail conditions and trip reports

Trail Conditions

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Trip Reports

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Alternatives to a Fish & Owl permit

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