Zion Canyoneering Permit — Orderville Canyon
Zion National Park · Utah
Technical canyoneering permit for Orderville Canyon in Zion National Park.
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70% of the openings our scanner caught on Orderville Canyon were gone within 10 minutes.
Orderville Canyon reservation dates
- route distance, point to point
- 6.5mi
- elevation gain
- 200ft
- max group size
- 12people
Orderville Canyon elevation profile
Orderville Trailhead to Temple of Sinawava2,189 ft of descent · 0.6% average grade
Orderville Trailhead
East Rim access. Long approach.
- Mile
- 0
- Elevation
- 6,400 ft
Orderville Canyon landmarks
How to get an Orderville Canyon permit
As of September 2026, Orderville Canyon in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation. Orderville Canyon rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Orderville Canyon permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The Orderville Canyon route covers 6.5 miles with 200 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous.
- 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 Orderville Canyon: Live availability activityWhen Orderville Canyon permits open up
The Orderville Canyon hike
- Distance
- 6.5 miles
- Elevation Gain
- 200 ft
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 8-10 hours
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Elevation Range
- 4,411 - 6,400 ft
Descend through a technical slot canyon that deposits you directly into the heart of The Narrows, where you emerge from a side drainage to gasps from day hikers.
About this permit
Orderville Canyon is a technical slot canyon entering The Narrows from the east. The route includes 6+ rappels up to 50 feet, keeper pools requiring swimming, and a memorable exit into Zion's most famous canyon.
This is an excellent progression canyon after completing beginner routes like Keyhole or Pine Creek. Expect 8-10 hours including the Narrows exit.
The route
Access begins from the East Rim via Observation Point Trail. The drainage drops gently before the first technical section begins. Multiple rappels and swims through a tight slot lead to the famous final section where Orderville joins The Narrows.
The exit walk through the Narrows adds 2+ miles of river wading before reaching the Riverside Walk and Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop.
Why it matters
Orderville Canyon bridges the gap between introductory and advanced Zion canyoneering. Multiple rappels, keeper pools, and a dramatic Narrows exit make it a complete canyon experience. The exit takes you from a tight slot straight into the massive Narrows.
The feeling
The slot squeezes tight enough to touch both walls. Cold water floods your boots. Then a final rappel drops you into a side canyon, and suddenly you're walking into The Narrows from an angle no day hiker can reach. They stare, wondering where you came from. You know.
Orderville Canyon hike highlights
- 6+ rappels up to 50 feet
- Multiple keeper pools
- 6.5 miles including Narrows exit
- 8-10 hours typical completion
- Tight slot sections (shoulder-width)
How hard the Orderville Canyon hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required3/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills3/5
- Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential3/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity2/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route3/5
Best for: Intermediate canyoneers ready to step up from beginner routes. Strong swimmers.
Recommended experience: 5-10 canyons including basic keeper pool experience. Comfortable swimming in cold water.
Not recommended for: Beginners. Non-swimmers. Those with claustrophobia.
When to hike Orderville Canyon
Best time to visit
June-September for warmest water. Check Narrows flow conditions before committing.
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (4,411 ft)
Backcountry Tips
- Today: 63% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
Today
61°
48°
63%
Wed
74°
51°
Thu
77°
56°
Fri
77°
58°
Sat
78°
59°
Sun
78°
61°
Mon
73°
58°
Orderville Canyon photography guide
Golden Hour
The slot is shaded all day. Focus on form and texture rather than dramatic light.
Best Light
Midday for any light penetration. Overcast days provide even, soft light.
Beat the Crowds
Start early to finish the technical section before afternoon. The Narrows exit will be busy regardless.
Classic Shots
- Tight slot with canyoneer for scale
- Swimming through keeper pools
- Emerging into The Narrows
- Final rappel
- Reflections in still pools
Orderville Canyon rules, gear and safety
Gear checklist
Required- 100-foot rope
- Canyoneering harness
- Rappel device
- Helmet
- Wetsuit (water is cold)
Recommended gear
- Neoprene socks
- Pull cord for rope retrieval
- Dry bag for camera
- Walking stick for Narrows exit
- Extra food for long day
Rules & regulations
- 01Wilderness permit required
- 02Group size limit of 12 people: one of the five Zion canyons NPS allows 12 in, alongside Orderville, Keyhole, Pine Creek, the Left Fork (Subway) and the Narrows top-down; every other technical canyon is 6
- 03Narrows exit adds day-use requirements
- 04Check Narrows flow conditions
- 05Shuttle or two-car required
Hazards & considerations
- Flash floods in both Orderville and The Narrows
- Hypothermia from extended cold water
- Tight sections may challenge larger individuals
- Long exit through busy Narrows
- Narrows flow affects exit difficulty
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Orderville Canyon.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Orderville Canyon · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Orderville Canyon FAQ
How do I get a Orderville Canyon permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Orderville Canyon cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Orderville Canyon permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Orderville Canyon?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Orderville Canyon permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Orderville 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.
Orderville Canyon trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions(2)
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Write the First ReportAlternatives to an Orderville Canyon permit
- Similar ExperiencePermit required
Mystery Canyon
Similar difficulty but with the famous 120-foot waterfall exit.
Tradeoffs
More dramatic finale. Similar commitment level.
- Easier AlternativeNo permit needed
The Narrows Bottom-Up
See the Narrows without technical skills. Walk up from Temple of Sinawava.
Tradeoffs
No permit needed. No technical challenge. Crowds.
Where to stay near Orderville Canyon
- Lava Point CampgroundZion National Park
- South Campground (Ut)Zion National Park
- Watchman CampgroundZion National Park
- All Utah campgrounds
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