Technical canyoneering permit for Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) in Zion National Park.
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“Descend through the shaded canyon above Walter's Wiggles where temperatures drop 20 degrees and technical challenges await.”
Plan your Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) trip here, then enter the lottery.
Lottery permit
How to get Refrigerator Canyon (Upper)
Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) is awarded by the agency's own lottery. Their page has this year's dates and how to apply.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) lottery dates
- route distance, point to point
- 1.5mi
- elevation gain
- 150ft
How to get a Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) permit
As of September 2026, Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via lottery. Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) route covers 1.5 miles with 150 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate.
- Type
- Canyoneering
- Location
- UT
Step 1: Create a National Park Service account
Sign up at National Park Service if you don't have an account. Verify your email and add payment info ahead of time.
More on Refrigerator Canyon (Upper): Live availability activityWhen Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) permits open upEstimate your lottery oddsBoost your odds with a pool
The Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) hike
- Distance
- 1.5 miles
- Elevation Gain
- 150 ft
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 3-4 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation Range
- 5,000 - 5,400 ft
Descend through the shaded canyon above Walter's Wiggles where temperatures drop 20 degrees and technical challenges await.
About this permit
Upper Refrigerator Canyon accesses the drainage above the famous shaded section on the Angels Landing trail. Cool temperatures and moderate technical challenge.
Why it matters
Upper Refrigerator Canyon sits above the famous cooling section on the Angels Landing trail. Technical canyoneering through the drainage that gave Refrigerator Canyon its name.
Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) hike highlights
- 4 rappels up to 45 feet
- Cool temperatures in shade
- 3-4 hours typical
- Connection to famous trail section
How hard the Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) 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: Intermediate canyoneers seeking shorter objectives.
Recommended experience: Basic rappelling skills.
Not recommended for: Those expecting a full-day adventure.
When to hike Refrigerator Canyon (Upper)
Best time to visit
Summer when cooling shade is welcome.
Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) rules, gear and safety
Gear checklist
Required- 80-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
- Cool temperatures (bring layers)
- Slippery when wet
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Refrigerator Canyon (Upper).
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) FAQ
How do I get a Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) permit?
Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) is issued directly by the agency. It is issued in person or by phone, so there is no reservation to book and no cancellation to catch. Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Refrigerator Canyon (Upper)?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) permit?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Trip Reports
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Write the First ReportAlternatives to a Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) permit
Plan the full trip, not just the permit
Build your full itinerary start to finish
Add your dates and get a day-by-day plan: what needs a permit, what gear to bring, and one link to share with your whole group to coordinate every step.
No permit needed to start
Two ways to land it
Track cancellations or run a lottery pool
Fast Lane tracking
We check Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) for cancellations 24/7 and alert you when a spot opens so you can book before it's gone.
Set a free cancellation alertLottery pool
Apply with a crew. Each person multiplies your combined odds. We coordinate invites, deadlines, and outcomes.
See plans to start a poolMost crews do both: get alerts for cancellations, and pool for the lottery.
Better odds with a crew
Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) permits are drawn by lottery. Every friend who applies adds another entry, so a crew gets more shots at the same permit than any one of you alone.
One of you runs the pool (Pro or a $19 alert). Everyone else joins free.
Know the moment you win
Auto win-detection tells you the moment your Refrigerator Canyon (Upper) application wins, so you never have to check National Park Service. It reads the result email you forward us, so it takes a one-time setup in your inbox (about two minutes, and we walk you through it). Auto win-detection is on Pro or a $19 permit alert.
Turn on auto win-detectionOpens the official lottery. You submit your entry. We never automate or store your National Park Service login.
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