"Do I need a permit for that?" It's the question we get more than any other, and it makes sense. Southern Utah and the Arizona border country hold some of the most photographed landscapes in the West, and every spot has its own access rules. Some run on a lottery, some need a permit, and a few legally require a guide. Others are open to anyone with the right vehicle, and some you can simply show up for.
Finding all of that in one place isn't easy, so we've sorted it for you here.
Lottery Only: The Wave
The Wave runs on advance and daily lotteries, and only a small number of spots are given out. Apply, cross your fingers, and plan the rest of your trip as if you won't get in. If you do win, it's a bonus on top of a trip that was already great.
Permit Required: Buckskin Gulch
Buckskin Gulch is one of the longest slot canyons in the Southwest. It's long and narrow, and it reacts to weather that may be happening miles upstream from where you're standing. You need a permit, and you also need to check the forecast for the whole drainage, not just the sky above you.
Guide Required by Law: Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley
Antelope Canyon and the Monument Valley backcountry both sit on Navajo Nation land. Access goes through authorized Navajo guides, so there's no exploring on your own. That works in your favor, because the guides know the light, the history, and the best angles better than anyone.
A timing note on Antelope Canyon: the famous light beams show up in the warm season, roughly late May through September, around the middle of the day. If you're coming this fall, come for the color. The canyon walls glow in deep oranges and purples, and the crowds are lighter.
A fun way to access lower Antelope Canyon is by taking a Kayak from the Antelope Canyon Marina. You can get a guided tour or rent a Kayak and go on your own! Our advice is get a guided tour! Here is our favorite Kayak and Hike Tour.
No Permit, but Please Don't Go Alone: White Pocket and Toquerville Falls
You don't need a permit for White Pocket or Toquerville Falls. The roads are the real gatekeeper. They're deep sand and rough rock, and you'll need a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle.
A rental SUV with "all-wheel drive" isn't enough. Going with a local guide means you get there without spending the afternoon digging out a tire.
Come as You Are: Beginner-Friendly Adventures
Not everything takes planning months ahead. These three welcome total beginners:
The guided Water Canyon hike, a great intro to slot-canyon hiking with someone who knows the route
Horseback riding near Kanab, an easy way to see red rock country at a slower pace
UTV instruction at Coral Pink Sand Dunes, where you learn the basics and then go play in the sand
You can see what's available near each of these on our Tours by Location page.
Not Sure Which Category Your Spot Falls Into?
If you're looking at a place and can't tell whether it needs a lottery, a permit, a guide, or just a good set of tires, ask us. We'd much rather sort it out now than have you find out at a trailhead. Reach out here and we'll help you build the permits and guides into your trip so it all fits together.