Technical canyoneering permit for Spearhead Canyon in Zion National Park.
“Descend beneath the dramatic Spearhead formation where technical rappels reward with views of one of Zion's most striking rock towers.”
Plan your Zion National Park trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Spearhead Canyon
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.
Spearhead Canyon permit season
- route distance, point to point
- 3mi
- elevation gain
- 400ft
How to get a Spearhead Canyon permit
As of September 2026, Spearhead Canyon in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via walk-up. Spearhead Canyon rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Spearhead Canyon route covers 3 miles with 400 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate.
- 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 Spearhead Canyon: Live availability activity
The Spearhead Canyon hike
- Distance
- 3 miles
- Elevation Gain
- 400 ft
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 5-6 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation Range
- 4,600 - 5,500 ft
Descend beneath the dramatic Spearhead formation where technical rappels reward with views of one of Zion's most striking rock towers.
About this permit
Spearhead Canyon descends beneath the dramatic Spearhead rock tower. Moderate technical difficulty with exceptional scenery.
Why it matters
Spearhead Canyon puts you beneath one of Zion's most photogenic formations. The Spearhead tower dominates the skyline as you descend, providing constant visual rewards.
Spearhead Canyon hike highlights
- 5 rappels up to 50 feet
- Views of Spearhead tower
- 5-6 hours typical
- Scenic rewards
How hard the Spearhead Canyon 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 clarity2/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route3/5
Best for: Intermediate canyoneers seeking scenic rewards.
Recommended experience: 5-10 canyons.
Not recommended for: Beginners.
When to hike Spearhead Canyon
Best time to visit
Spring and fall.
Spearhead Canyon rules, gear and safety
Gear checklist
Required- 100-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
- Rockfall beneath cliffs
- Route-finding
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Spearhead Canyon.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Spearhead Canyon · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Spearhead Canyon FAQ
How do I get a Spearhead Canyon permit?
Spearhead Canyon 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 Spearhead Canyon?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Spearhead Canyon permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Spearhead Canyon permit?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
Spearhead Canyon trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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