Lottery10/10
GC Rafting
The ultimate river trip—225 miles through the heart of the Grand Canyon, past bi...
View Colorado River (Grand Canyon) permit details and availability
ReservationRiver AccessModerate Demand
San Juan River
Utah desert river through Monument Valley area.
“Multi-day river adventure through Colorado Rivers.”
Get Availability Alerts
Be notified instantly when San Juan permits become available due to cancellations.
Join 2,000+ permit hunters using PermitSnag
Get Availability Alerts
Be notified instantly when San Juan permits become available.
San Juan Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelModerate6/10
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeRiver Access
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level6/10
LocationWSR
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
When to Go
Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall
Conditions
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand1/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill1/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk1/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment4/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.
Recommended Experience
Multi-day backpacking or river experience recommended.
The Experience
Why It Matters
San Juan offers a multi-day journey through some of America's most remote wilderness. River permits protect both the resource and the experience, ensuring uncrowded campsites and pristine conditions.
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for San Juan.
Want to access emergency info offline?Get the app →
🐻
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
Want to check food storage requirements?Get the app →
San Juan FAQ
How do I get a San Juan permit?
San Juan permits are obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to visit San Juan?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the San Juan permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a San Juan permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Canyon walls glow during sunset. Position your camp for the best evening light angles.
Best Light
Midday can work in deep canyons where direct light penetrates. Morning offers reflections on calm water.
Beat the Crowds
River trips have built-in crowd control via permits. Focus on timing with natural light.
Classic Shots
- 📍Boat perspective through rapids
- 📍Canyon wall reflections
- 📍Camp setup on river beach
- 📍Wildlife along the shore
Other Colorado Rivers Permits
Consider these alternatives or add them to your tracking list
Lottery6/10
Lower GC
52-mile Lower Grand Canyon river trip from Diamond Creek to Pearce Ferry. Separa...
View Lower Grand Canyon (Diamond Creek to Pearce Ferry) permit details and availabilityLottery7/10
Desolation
Green River through Utah. 84 miles....
View Desolation & Gray Canyons permit details and availabilityLottery7/10
Gates of Lodore
Through Dinosaur National Monument....
View Dinosaur NM Green River permit details and availabilityLottery8/10
Yampa
Last free-flowing river in Colorado system....
View Dinosaur NM Yampa River permit details and availabilityLottery8/10
Rogue
Oregon's premier wilderness river with lodges and rapids....
View Rogue River permit details and availability