Technical canyoneering permit for Great White Sewer in Zion National Park.
“Descend a drainage that cuts through the white Navajo sandstone near the Great White Throne, where the rock changes color as you drop.”
Plan your Zion National Park trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Great White Sewer
Walk-in only: get this permit in person at Zion. NPS: "If the canyon you want a permit reservation for is not listed in this menu then advance reservations are not accepted for that canyon. Instead, you must obtain your permit in person."
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Great White Sewer permit season
- route distance, point to point
- 2.5mi
- elevation gain
- 300ft
How to get a Great White Sewer permit
As of September 2026, Great White Sewer in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via walk-up. Great White Sewer rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Great White Sewer route covers 2.5 miles with 300 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate.
- Type
- Canyoneering
- Location
- UT
How this permit is issued
Official permit page →Step 1: How this permit is issued
Walk-in only: get this permit in person at Zion. NPS: "If the canyon you want a permit reservation for is not listed in this menu then advance reservations are not accepted for that canyon. Instead, you must obtain your permit in person."
Step 2: Check the agency page before you go
Fees, hours and closures change. Confirm the current process at National Park Service before your trip.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Office hours move, ground closes, and popular trailheads get busy. Know an alternative route or date before you drive out.
More on Great White Sewer: Live availability activity
The Great White Sewer hike
- Distance
- 2.5 miles
- Elevation Gain
- 300 ft
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 5-6 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation Range
- 4,500 - 5,500 ft
Descend a drainage that cuts through the white Navajo sandstone near the Great White Throne, where the rock changes color as you drop.
About this permit
Great White Sewer cuts through white Navajo sandstone near the Great White Throne. Technical canyon with varied terrain and unique geological context.
Why it matters
Great White Sewer offers proximity to Zion's most iconic feature. The route passes through the same white sandstone that forms the Great White Throne, giving unique geological perspective.
Great White Sewer hike highlights
- 6 rappels up to 60 feet
- White sandstone environment
- 5-6 hours typical
- Views of Great White Throne
How hard the Great White Sewer hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required3/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills3/5
- Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential2/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity2/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route3/5
Best for: Intermediate canyoneers seeking less-traveled routes.
Recommended experience: 5-10 canyons.
Not recommended for: Beginners.
When to hike Great White Sewer
Best time to visit
Spring and fall. Summer is hot.
Great White Sewer 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
Hazards & considerations
- Flash floods
- Rockfall in loose sections
- Heat in exposed areas
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Great White Sewer.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Great White Sewer · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Great White Sewer FAQ
How do I get a Great White Sewer permit?
Great White Sewer is issued directly by the agency. Walk-in only: get this permit in person at Zion. NPS: "If the canyon you want a permit reservation for is not listed in this menu then advance reservations are not accepted for that canyon. Instead, you must obtain your permit in person." Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Great White Sewer?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Great White Sewer permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Great White Sewer permit?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
Great White Sewer trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions(3)
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