Technical canyoneering permit for South Guardian Angel in Zion National Park.
“Descend a remote canyon on the flanks of Guardian Angel, one of Zion's most dramatic sandstone monoliths.”
Plan your Zion National Park trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get South Guardian Angel
Walk-in only: get this permit in person at Zion. NPS: "If the canyon you want a permit reservation for is not listed in this menu then advance reservations are not accepted for that canyon. Instead, you must obtain your permit in person."
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
South Guardian Angel permit season
- route distance, point to point
- 4mi
- elevation gain
- 500ft
How to get a South Guardian Angel permit
As of September 2026, South Guardian Angel in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via walk-up. South Guardian Angel rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The South Guardian Angel route covers 4 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous.
- Type
- Canyoneering
- Location
- UT
How this permit is issued
Official permit page →Step 1: How this permit is issued
Walk-in only: get this permit in person at Zion. NPS: "If the canyon you want a permit reservation for is not listed in this menu then advance reservations are not accepted for that canyon. Instead, you must obtain your permit in person."
Step 2: Check the agency page before you go
Fees, hours and closures change. Confirm the current process at National Park Service before your trip.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Office hours move, ground closes, and popular trailheads get busy. Know an alternative route or date before you drive out.
More on South Guardian Angel: Live availability activity
The South Guardian Angel hike
- Distance
- 4 miles
- Elevation Gain
- 500 ft
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 6-7 hours
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Elevation Range
- 4,800 - 6,000 ft
Descend a remote canyon on the flanks of Guardian Angel, one of Zion's most dramatic sandstone monoliths.
About this permit
South Guardian Angel descends the southern drainage of the Guardian Angel formation. Remote approach with moderate technical requirements.
Why it matters
South Guardian Angel offers canyoneering in the shadow of one of Zion's signature formations. The remote location and moderate technical challenge make it a rewarding exploratory objective.
South Guardian Angel hike highlights
- 5 rappels up to 55 feet
- Remote location
- 6-7 hours typical
- Views of Guardian Angel
How hard the South Guardian Angel 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 clarity4/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route3/5
Best for: Experienced canyoneers with navigation skills seeking remote objectives.
Recommended experience: 15+ canyons with navigation experience.
Not recommended for: Those who need well-marked routes.
When to hike South Guardian Angel
Best time to visit
Spring and fall.
South Guardian Angel rules, gear and safety
Gear checklist
Required- 100-foot rope
- Harness
- Rappel device
- Helmet
- GPS
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
- Remote location
- Route-finding challenges
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for South Guardian Angel.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for South Guardian Angel · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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South Guardian Angel FAQ
How do I get a South Guardian Angel permit?
South Guardian Angel is issued directly by the agency. Walk-in only: get this permit in person at Zion. NPS: "If the canyon you want a permit reservation for is not listed in this menu then advance reservations are not accepted for that canyon. Instead, you must obtain your permit in person." Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit South Guardian Angel?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the South Guardian Angel permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a South Guardian Angel permit?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
South Guardian Angel trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions(3)
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