Sand Island to Clay Hills on the San Juan River River Guide

Yes — a permit from Recreation.gov is required for overnight trips on the San Juan River from Sand Island to Clay Hills. Permits for spring lottery dates (April 15–July 15) and summer through fall dates (July 16 onward) become available at 8:00 AM MDT on March 16 each year.

The San Juan River through this section runs Class I–II with one notable exception at Government Rapid. The predominantly calm water makes it ideal for family-friendly multi-day trips, first-time river campers, and paddlers who want to focus on the extraordinary Four Corners cultural landscape.

The San Juan River from Sand Island to Clay Hills covers approximately 83 miles and is typically paddled over 5–8 days, though shorter sections are possible with shuttle arrangements at intermediate take-outs like Mexican Hat.

The San Juan River corridor is one of the richest archaeological landscapes in North America. Paddlers regularly see Ancestral Puebloan ruins, ancient petroglyphs, and pictograph panels along the canyon walls — highlights include the Butler Wash panel and numerous cliff dwellings accessible by short hikes.

Spring (April–June) offers the highest flows and best rapids, while fall (September–October) brings pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer trips are warm and popular; desert temperatures in the canyon can be extreme in July and August.