A rise in search and rescues created a need for permission to explore some of Utah’s canyons

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Utah (ABC4) — The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office said a significant increase in search and rescues has created a need to implement a permit system, requiring permission to explore some of southern Utah’s canyons.

The Sheriff’s Office says it’s creating a new permit requirement system

for hikers and canyoneers to explore some of the county’s more remote and technical slot canyons. Specifically, permits will be required for those visiting:

• Sandthrax Canyon
• Leprechaun Canyon
• Trail Canyon
• Witches Cauldron / Trachyotomy Canyon

The permits will be free to obtain and valid only for seven days from the date they were issued.

“We’ve seen a noticeable rise in the number of search and rescue missions in these areas,” said Sheriff Eric Houston. “These are not casual hikes. They are highly technical, dangerous and extremely remote. The permit system will help our SAR teams by providing critical information on who is in the canyons and when.

Sheriff Houston said the permit system will also be used to educate slot canyon visitors about the risks involved with exploring the areas.

The natural beauty of Utah’s slot canyons can be breathtaking to see in person. The narrow canyons are what remain after years of wear and tear from rushing water over millions of years. Typically, these canyons run deep with towering walls that have been known to create dramatic views of shadows and lights.

However, the passageways can get extremely tight. Hikers and canyoneers also run into the risk of steep drop-offs or, in the event of sudden heavy rainfall, being caught in a flash flood that can fill the canyons.

As part of the permit system implemented by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, visitors will be required to review safety guidelines and understand the risk and the possible long delays in response times due to limited communications and difficult access.

“It is not intended to limit access. The North Wash Canyons require specific training, experience and equipment, and are not suitable for all hikers,” The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “Garfield County is home to many other accessible and less technical slot canyons that offer incredible beauty and adventure without the high-risk factors.”

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office encouraged visitors to explore alternative slot canyons to the ones mentioned above if they are not trained or equipped for the more technical routes.

To learn more about the permits or to read the safety guidelines, visit the Bryce Canyon Country website here.