Zion Canyoneering Permit — Behunin Canyon
Zion National Park · Utah
Technical canyoneering permit for Behunin Canyon in Zion National Park.
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70% of the openings our scanner caught on Behunin Canyon were gone within 10 minutes.
Behunin Canyon reservation dates
- route distance, point to point
- 2mi
- elevation gain
- 200ft
- max group size
- 6people
How to get a Behunin Canyon permit
As of September 2026, Behunin Canyon in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation. Behunin Canyon rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Behunin Canyon permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The Behunin Canyon route covers 2 miles with 200 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate.
- Type
- Canyoneering
- 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 Behunin Canyon: Live availability activityWhen Behunin Canyon permits open up
The Behunin Canyon hike
- Distance
- 2 miles
- Elevation Gain
- 200 ft
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 4-6 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation Range
- 4,300 - 5,000 ft
Descend a classic Zion half-day canyon where sculpted sandstone and moderate technical challenges reward canyoneers with time to spare.
About this permit
Behunin Canyon is a compact Zion technical canyon offering a complete experience in 4-6 hours. Five rappels up to 50 feet wind through sculpted narrows. Ideal for skill-building or a half-day objective.
The route
Access from the scenic drive with a short approach. Technical section begins with a series of moderate rappels through sculpted narrows. The canyon winds through beautiful formations before opening near the Virgin River exit.
Why it matters
Behunin Canyon delivers a complete Zion experience in a compact package. The sculpted potholes, tight narrows, and moderate rappels make it ideal for building skills between beginner routes and the bigger objectives.
The feeling
The canyon unfolds like a well-paced story. Each rappel drops you into something new: a sculpted chamber, a narrow passage, a pool reflecting the walls above. By the time you exit, you've experienced the full range of Zion slot canyon aesthetics without the all-day commitment of larger routes.
Behunin Canyon hike highlights
- 5 rappels up to 50 feet
- Some shallow pools
- 4-6 hours typical
- Beautiful sculpted formations
How hard the Behunin Canyon hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required2/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills3/5
- Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential2/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route2/5
Best for: Intermediate canyoneers seeking a complete experience in half a day.
Recommended experience: Basic rappelling skills, 3-5 previous canyons.
Not recommended for: Complete beginners.
When to hike Behunin Canyon
Best time to visit
Year-round when dry. Summer is warmest.
Behunin Canyon rules, gear and safety
Gear checklist
Required- 100-foot rope
- Harness
- Rappel device
- Helmet
Rules & regulations
- 01Wilderness permit required
- 02Group size limit of 6 people. Only Orderville, Keyhole, Pine Creek, the Left Fork (Subway) and the Narrows top-down are allowed 12
- 03Day use only
Hazards & considerations
- Flash floods
- Slippery rock
- Cold water in pools
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Behunin Canyon.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Behunin Canyon · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Behunin Canyon FAQ
How do I get a Behunin Canyon permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Behunin Canyon cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Behunin Canyon permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Behunin Canyon?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Behunin Canyon permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Behunin Canyon 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.
Behunin Canyon trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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