Inner canyon wilderness use permit at Black Canyon of the Gunnison: what applies in 2026?

Direct answer

Inner canyon wilderness use permit - South Rim routes (day and overnight)

Exact conditions

Status: Required under the listed conditions
Applies to: specific activity
Place or corridor: South Rim inner canyon wilderness routes: Warner, Gunnison and Tomichi; plus Red Rock Canyon
Effective dates: May 1, 2026 through October 31, 2026
Release model: fixed date

Release detail: Two fixed windows on Recreation.gov: April 1, 2026 at 8:00am MT opens May 1 - July 31, 2026; July 1, 2026 at 8:00am MT opens August 1 - October 31, 2026.

Fee detail: NPS does not publish a wilderness permit fee on this page; a Recreation.gov processing fee may apply. Unknown.

Exceptions and limits

Off-season (November 1 - April 30) permits are first-come, first-served at the South Rim Visitor Center on the day of the trip, from a ranger or by self-registration at the permit box.
Climbers and kayakers must obtain their permit on the day of their adventure.
Daily quotas: Gunnison Route 15 people, Tomichi Route 9, Warner Route 23.

Open the official action page

Official source

National Park Service · reviewed August 27, 2026

Permits are required for all inner canyon wilderness use - both day and overnight trips. ... On April 1, 2026 at 8:00am MT, reservations will open for May 1 - July 31, 2026. On July 1, 2026 at 8:00am MT, reservations will open for the remainder of the season: August 1 - October 31, 2026.

Inner Canyon - Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park