Lottery9/10
Angels Landing
Required permit for the chain-assisted climb to Angels Landing—Zion's most famou...
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LotteryCanyoneeringHigh Demand
Zion Canyoneering Permit — Mystery Canyon
Technical canyoneering permit for Mystery Canyon in Zion National Park.
“Descend into Mystery Canyon in Zion.”
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Mystery Canyon Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodLottery
Demand LevelHigh8/10
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeCanyoneering
Booking MethodLottery
Demand Level8/10
LocationUT
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Verify your email and add payment info ahead of time.
2
If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations
Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.
3
Set up PermitSnag alerts
Get instant notifications when cancellations happen. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
When to Go
Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall
Conditions
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand1/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill4/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk1/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment2/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended Experience
Canyoneering experience required. Comfort with rappelling and water crossings.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Mystery Canyon draws visitors from around the world to Zion. The permit system balances access with preservation, ensuring the experience remains worthwhile for those who make the journey.
Lottery Statistics
Competitive
estimated success rate
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Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Mystery Canyon.
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🐻
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
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Mystery Canyon FAQ
How do I get a Mystery Canyon permit?
Mystery Canyon permits are obtained through a lottery system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to visit Mystery Canyon?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Mystery Canyon permit?
This permit has a demand score of 8/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Mystery Canyon permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Golden hour at Mystery Canyon offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.
Best Light
Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.
Beat the Crowds
Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.
Classic Shots
- 📍Classic view of Mystery Canyon
- 📍Zion scenery
- 📍Trail or route documentation
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