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Zion Canyoneering Permit — Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) permit area in Zion National Park - backcountry hiking destination
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Zion Canyoneering Permit — Refrigerator Canyon (Lower)

Zion National Park · Utah

Technical canyoneering permit for Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) in Zion National Park.

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70% of the openings our scanner caught on Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) were gone within 10 minutes.

Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) reservation dates

route distance, point to point
1mi
elevation gain
100ft

How to get a Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) permit

As of September 2026, Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation. Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) route covers 1 miles with 100 feet of elevation gain, rated easy.

Type
Canyoneering
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.

More on Refrigerator Canyon (Lower): Live availability activityWhen Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) permits open up

The Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) hike

Distance
1 miles
Elevation Gain
100 ft
Route Type
Point to Point
Duration
2-3 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Elevation Range
4,600 - 5,000 ft

Complete the refrigerator system by descending the lower section where the famous shaded canyon delivers its coolest temperatures.

About this permit

Lower Refrigerator Canyon completes the system below the famous Angels Landing trail section. Short but cool technical descent.

Why it matters

Lower Refrigerator Canyon is where the cooling effect is strongest. The deep shade keeps temperatures significantly below the surrounding terrain.

Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) hike highlights

  1. 3 rappels up to 40 feet
  2. Coolest section of canyon
  3. 2-3 hours typical
  4. Direct cooling effect

How hard the Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) hike is

  • Physical DemandFitness and endurance required2/5
  • Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills2/5
  • Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential2/5
  • NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
  • CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route2/5

Best for: Canyoneers wanting to complete the Refrigerator system.

Recommended experience: Basic rappelling.

Not recommended for: Those expecting a long adventure.

When to hike Refrigerator Canyon (Lower)

Best time to visit

Summer for relief from heat.

Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) rules, gear and safety

Gear checklist

Required
  • 80-foot rope
  • Harness
  • Rappel device
  • Helmet

Rules & regulations

  1. 01Wilderness permit required
  2. 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
  • Cold temperatures
  • Wet rock

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Refrigerator Canyon (Lower).

Food Storage

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

Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides

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Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) FAQ

How do I get a Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) permit?

PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) permits use a reservation system.

When is the best time to visit Refrigerator Canyon (Lower)?

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

How competitive is the Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) permit?

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

What if I can't get a Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) 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.

Refrigerator Canyon (Lower) trail conditions and trip reports

Trail Conditions

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