Zion Canyoneering Permit — Russell Gulch
Zion National Park · Utah
Technical canyoneering permit for Russell Gulch in Zion National Park.
Get an alert when Russell Gulch opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Russell Gulch were gone within 10 minutes.
Russell Gulch reservation dates
- route distance, point to point
- 1.5mi
- elevation gain
- 200ft
- max group size
- 6people
How to get a Russell Gulch permit
As of September 2026, Russell Gulch in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation. Russell Gulch rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Russell Gulch permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The Russell Gulch route covers 1.5 miles with 200 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate.
- 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 Russell Gulch: Live availability activityWhen Russell Gulch permits open up
The Russell Gulch hike
- Distance
- 1.5 miles
- Elevation Gain
- 200 ft
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 2-3 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation Range
- 6,200 - 6,600 ft
Descend the approach drainage for The Subway, where technical canyoneering leads to one of Zion's most iconic formations.
About this permit
Russell Gulch forms the technical approach to The Subway. This drainage must be descended as part of the top-down Subway route.
Why it matters
Russell Gulch is the technical approach to The Subway top-down route. Completing this drainage means you've done the full Subway experience, not just the bottom-up walk.
Russell Gulch hike highlights
- 4 rappels up to 50 feet
- Leads to The Subway
- Part of larger route
- Technical slickrock terrain
How hard the Russell Gulch 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 clarity3/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route3/5
Best for: Canyoneers doing the full Subway top-down.
Recommended experience: Must be capable of full Subway descent.
Not recommended for: Those seeking standalone adventure (this is part of Subway).
When to hike Russell Gulch
Best time to visit
Same as Subway: summer for warm water.
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (6,200 ft)
Backcountry Tips
- Today: 89% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
Today
76°
58°
89%
Tue
75°
55°
55%
Wed
84°
55°
Thu
82°
63°
Fri
85°
67°
Sat
87°
69°
Sun
86°
70°
Russell Gulch rules, gear and safety
Gear checklist
Required- 100-foot rope
- Harness
- Rappel device
- Helmet
Rules & regulations
- 01Wilderness permit required
- 02Part of Subway permit
- 03Group 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
- Slickrock navigation
- Heat on exposed sections
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Russell Gulch.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Russell Gulch · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Russell Gulch FAQ
How do I get a Russell Gulch permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Russell Gulch cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Russell Gulch permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Russell Gulch?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Russell Gulch permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Russell Gulch 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.
Russell Gulch trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Russell Gulch permit
Where to stay near Russell Gulch
- South Campground (Ut)Zion National Park
- Watchman CampgroundZion National Park
- Lava Point CampgroundZion National Park
- All Utah campgrounds
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