Green River › Labyrinth Canyon
Green RiverLabyrinth Canyon Rafting
Flatwater on the Green from Green River State Park down to Mineral Bottom, through entrenched meanders and tall sandstone walls. No rapids, no lottery, no fee, just a form you email to BLM. If you own boats and want to run your own multi-day trip for the first time, start here.
Flatwater throughout, typically two to four days, from Green River State Park to Mineral Bottom at the Canyonlands boundary. The permit is free and self-issued by email, with a 25-person limit. Wind, not water, is what will shape your days.
At a glance
- River
- Green
- Difficulty
- Flatwater, no rapids
- Length
- 45 miles
- Trip length
- 2 to 4 days
- Run
- Green River State Park to Mineral Bottom
- Permit
- Free, self-issue, no lottery, no window
- Group limit
- 25 people
- Required gear
- Fire pan and portable toilet
- Submit to
- blm_ut_labyrinth@blm.gov
What the Run Is Like
Labyrinth is quiet in a way that surprises people. There is no whitewater to plan around, so the days organise themselves around current, wind, camps and side canyons. The river winds through deeply entrenched meanders. The canyon doubles back on itself repeatedly, which is where the name comes from.
It is an excellent canoe and packraft trip, and it works well for groups with mixed experience because nothing on the water demands technical skill.
Without current-driven excitement, weather sets the tone. An afternoon headwind on flatwater in a loaded canoe can turn six easy miles into three hard ones. Most parties launch early, take the middle of the day off, and paddle again in the evening.
Who It Suits
- First-time private trip organisers. The permitting is as simple as it gets in Utah, and there is no whitewater to misjudge.
- Canoeists and packrafters. Flatwater throughout.
- Groups with mixed ability. Nobody needs whitewater skills.
- Anyone who wants quiet. This is among the most genuinely peaceful stretches of river in the state.
It will not suit you if you're after rapids. For that, look at Desolation and Gray on the same river.
PlanningPermit and Requirements
A free noncommercial river trip permit is required. Download the form from BLM, complete it, and email it to blm_ut_labyrinth@blm.gov. One permit covers one trip of up to 25 people, and the trip leader must carry a copy for the length of the canyon.
You are required to carry and use a fire pan and a portable toilet. These are permit stipulations, not suggestions.
Mineral Bottom is reached by a steep switchback road, confirm conditions and your shuttle before you commit, especially after rain. And note that Mineral Bottom is where BLM's reach ends: continuing downstream into Stillwater Canyon requires a separate Park Service permit.
Labyrinth Canyon FAQ
Is the Labyrinth Canyon permit really free?
Yes. No fee, no lottery, no reservation window. Download the form, complete it, email it to BLM, and carry a copy with you.
Are there rapids in Labyrinth Canyon?
No. It's flatwater from Green River State Park to Mineral Bottom.
How many days does Labyrinth take?
Most parties take two to four days. Wind and current both affect pace considerably.
Can I continue into Stillwater Canyon?
Yes, but you need a separate Canyonlands permit. Labyrinth is BLM-managed and ends at Mineral Bottom; Stillwater is inside the national park.
What equipment is required?
A fire pan and a portable toilet. Both are required as permit stipulations.
Last reviewed: July 2026. River conditions, access and regulations change. Confirm current details with the managing agency before your trip, and if something here is wrong, tell us.