Academic River Trips

Academic institutions wishing to do either flatwater or whitewater trips may do so under a Special Use Permit from Canyonlands National Park.

Special Use Permits

To qualify for a Special Use Permit you must:

1. Meet the criteria for an Academic Fee Waiver. You must submit a current, approved academic fee waiver with your special use permit application. This waiver applies to park entrance fees, but not other permit fees.
2. Meet current Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requirements for academic/school trips. Utah DNR has determined that schools operating on waterways are defined as commercial boating; fill out and submit the CPFH Outfitter Application at this website.

River Permits

You will need to secure a backcountry river permit from the Canyonlands Reservation Office. Fees apply.

 

How to Apply

1. Complete Form 10-930 (826k Word document).
2. Attach:
   • Academic Waiver;
   • Proof of liability insurance naming United States of America, National Park Service, 2282 SW Resource Blvd, Moab, Utah 84532 as additionally insured;
   • Utah State Outfitter Registration;
   • First Aid and CPR certification; and
   • Payment receipt from Pay.gov.
3. Please submit the above documents to the email listed on the application. Payment can be submitted through Pay.gov following the instructions below.

Fees

Application fee for a permit is $180. Please submit the full $180 permit fee through Pay.gov following the instructions below along with your application and required documents.

 

Payment

Pay the $180 fee on Pay.gov following these steps:

• Visit Pay.gov website
• Enter "CANY" in the Pay.gov search window.
• Payment will be made at: Canyonlands and Arches NP & Natural Bridges and Hovenweep NM Special Use Permit – click on "continue to the form."
• Requesting permit for: Canyonlands NP.
• Permit type: River Use Academic.
• Fee: Enter a total dollar amount of $180.
• Save your payment confirmation; you will submit this with your application.

Applications are processed the order they are received. Most requests are processed in approximately 15 business days. Incomplete application packages will not be processed. For questions or additional information, please contact the Concessions Management Specialist at [phone] or email us.