Several activities require a backcountry permit. River permits are issued from the Reservation Office in Moab; Island in the Sky Visitor Center issues river permits on weekends when the Reservation Office is closed. The reservation form and contact information are available at the park website. A river permit for Cataract Canyon costs $30. A flat water permit costs $20. Both permits are valid for groups up to 40 people.
All other backcountry permits are issued from their respective district visitor centers seven days a week. Permits can be reserved at least two weeks in advance by mail following the process outlined at the park website. Reservations are recommended for White Rim Road trips, Needles Backpacking trips, and Needles Group Camping during peak season. All backcountry permits require a fee to offset administrative and processing costs incurred by the park. Backpackers must pay $15/permit. Each permit is good for 7 people at Island in the Sky and Needles Districts and 5 people at the Maze. 4WD and Mountain Bike Permits cost $30 and are good for up to 3 vehicles. 4WD day use at Needles costs $5/permit. A permit for front-country group camping at Needles costs $15.