Essential Permits for a Utah and Arizona Road Trip
Advanced bookings to ensure a smooth southwest trip!
A road trip through Utah and Arizona had been on my bucket list for the longest time. I finally got to do it, and it was nothing short of phenomenal. Filled with Stunning National Parks, iconic natural formations (yes, you Horseshoe Bend) and breathtaking landscapes, these states were a road trip paradise.
Try to visit ‘The Mighty 5’ of Utah — five National Parks that capture the stunning landscapes of Utah — Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches, and Capitol Reef. Or check out Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Grand Canyon in Arizona. Some other incredibly beautiful spots include Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, Goosenecks State Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Goblin Valley State Park, Lake Powell, Grand Staircase Escalante, and so much more.
With a surge in popularity, it’s no surprise that a lot of these spots have implemented permit systems, with some requiring reservations many months in advance. Here is a helpful guide to help you navigate the logistics of your Utah and Arizona road trip.
Get the basics out of the way
I’m going to assume that if required, you have already booked car rentals, accommodation, or campground reservations (most of the National Parks open up reservations almost 6 months in advance). The rest of the article focuses more on special reservations and permits needed for the road trip.
1. Antelope Canyon Tour Reservation
Antelope Canyon is part of the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park. Guided tours are required to visit both the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. You can’t just go wandering in yourself. The link below contains the list of authorized Navajo guides for Antelope Canyon.
Reservation Link: https://navajonationparks.org/guided-tour-operators/antelope-canyon-tour-operators/
When: These tours do sell out closer to the date, and even quicker during peak seasons and holidays, so I would highly recommend making bookings well in advance.
Cost: Tours of Antelope Canyon cost between $50 and $120, the price varying with different different tour guide operator. I heard that it might be slightly cheaper if you book early, but I would say book early anyway since the cheaper tours sell out quicker. You also need a permit ($8) to enter but that’s usually covered in the fee of the guided tour.
2. Arches National Park Timed Entry Reservation:
These timed entry tickets are only required if you want to enter the park from April 1 to October 31 (7 am to 4 pm). Entry before 7am, after 4pm, or Nov-Mar does not require any permits. The tickets are are required in addition to your park pass OR entrance fee. Print or screenshot your ticket since have to show it at the National Park entrance (since there may not be cellular network available).
Reservation link: https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10088426
When: According to the NPS website, reservations can be made up to three months in advance. A limited number of tickets are also available one day prior to entry at 7 pm MDT.
Cost: $2 (For accuracy, the timed entry ticket is free but the processing fee is $2)
3. Angels Landing Permit (Zion National Park):
One of the most famous hikes in the US! A permit is required to hike Angels Landing year-round. Apply early because these are very competitive!
Reservation link: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2994
When: Permits are awarded through seasonal lotteries and the day before the hike. The offical NPS website has more information.
- Season Lotteries: You will get to pick seven ranked days and times or windows of days and times you want to hike.
- Day-Before: You can apply for a permit the day before your planned hike. This lottery opens every day at 12:01 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m MT (Mountain Time).
Cost: $6 (The fee covers an application for up to 6 people). Non-refundable.
4. Kannara Falls
Similar to the Narrows at Zion National Park, the out-and-back trail at Kannara Falls also features river crossings and slot canyons, and even includes waterfalls that you can scale! Only 200 permits are issued per day so be sure to book them early.
Reservation link: https://kanarrafalls.com/
When: They seem to be released for the whole year at once.
Cost: $15
5. The Wave
The Wave is part of the Coyote Buttes North, west of Page. Permits are granted for a calendar month.
Reservation link: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/274309
When: Released on the 1st of the month, for 4 months ahead. So if you wish to apply for June, the decisions are released on Feb 1st at 9am MT.
Cost: $15
Others:
- America the Beautiful Pass: If you plan to visit multiple national parks, consider purchasing this annual pass. It grants access to all national parks and federal recreational lands for one year and can be bought online or at park entrances. Highly, highly, highly recommend this!
- Havasupai Falls Permits: This is a beast on it’s own. Pls do thorough research for this.
- The Narrows: No permit is needed for the bottom-up day hike, but a permit is required for the top-down hike. Apply for permits via the Zion National Park website.
Final Thoughts
A road trip through Utah and Arizona is stunning!! Secure accommodations, permits, and reservations in advance, particularly so during the summer peak-season. Enjoy the beauty of the Southwest, and please do pack sunscreen!
Important Note: This article was last updated in June 2024. The list of places that require permits keep changing so please do a quick google search to see if anything has changed for your desired activities.
Safe travels! 🏜️
