As you maneuver through the chilly Virgin River, carefully navigating your feet onto the most stable river stones, leaning on your newly found walking stick, you almost forget to look up. Towering above you are cliffs of red sandstone so tall they block out the sun. You hear the roar of the wind as it funnels through the narrow canyon walls while birds cast giant shadows as they fly overhead. Occasionally you might see a deer carcass; a morbid reminder to how dangerous this beautiful place can be. With the cool water running beneath your feet you venture onward, around the sandy river banks and over sandstone boulders, deeper into the Narrows.

What It Is

By far the most popular hike in the park, The Narrows in Utah’s Zion National Park is a sandstone slot canyon that has been carved out by the Virgin River over the last million years. The small and shallow Virgin River is not as mighty as the Mississippi or the Colorado but over time is has managed to carve out some of the most beautiful canyons in Zion thanks to the composition of the sandstone. The Narrows is a great day hike for the hot summer months but can become closed in the winter months due to the high frequency of flash floods. The towering cliffs provide  constant shade as you wade through the cool waters of the Virgin River. Plan to get wet! You can easily avoid any deep spots by continually crossing the river. More than half of the hike is in the shallow river, about knee deep, while the rest is on rocky or sandy riverbanks. From top down the canyon is a 16 mile hike which is possible in one day but requires a backpacking permit for any overnight trips in the canyon. However, the most easily accessible hike is by walking upriver into the canyon and then back out when you choose.

How To Get There

Day Hike

Whether you are staying inside the park or not you will have to take a shuttle bus to the trail head. Zion National Park does not allow personal vehicles in most of the park in effort to help reduce pollution. The Narrows trailhead is the last stop on the free shuttle bus at the Temple of Sinawava and is about a 35 minute ride from the campground or park entrance. If you are not staying in the park be sure to get there early to get parking due to the fact it fills up fast, even outside the park in the town of Springdale. *Hint-If you can find a spot in the park at the Virgin River Bridge you can get on at the Zion Canyon Junction bus stop this will give you the shortest but most scenic shuttle ride. Biking is permitted everywhere in the park.

From the bus stop at the Temple of Sinawava to the mouth of the Narrows is about a 10 minute walk on a wheelchair accessible path. If the crowd tends to be thick in the beginning it will thin out as you make your way into the river. When the sidewalk ends look for used walking sticks along the riverbank against the stairs. This is a great place to change your shoes or get prepared to wade through the Virgin River. Most day hikers travel about 3-4 miles up the canyon and then the same going back out. The hike takes about 3 hours round trip but you can stay as long as you like. The most sun in the canyon is between 10am and 3pm which tends to be the most crowded time. I would recommend making it your last hike of the day so you don’t have to carry around wet clothes and shoes.

Top-Down Hike

To experience the entire 16 mile experience from top-down you will have to obtain a permit. Be aware hiking the entire canyon from top-down in one day is a very serious and strenuous hike. For well prepared and athletic hikers the top-down hike can take up to 14 hours and even longer if you want to enjoy it. Start before day break at Chamberlains Ranch on the north side of the park, over an hour drive from the Zion Canyon. The last bus out of the Temple of Sinawava runs about 8pm. To really experience the entire canyon of the Narrows make arrangements to camp overnight. This also requires a permit from the ranger’s station. There are 12 designated campsites in the canyon. Plan to hike 6-8 hours a day.

What To Wear

Most of the hike is in the Virgin River which is somewhat chilly but not freezing. Old tennis shoes will work great if you don’t mind them being soaked. Surf booties will also do but I would recommend more support on your feet and ankles. The smooth river stones can be slippery and it is possible to roll your ankle. Bring a waterproof bag if you are bringing a camera. It is also a great place to store an extra shirt and some lunch. Wear shorts or swim trunks with a long sleeve shirt or a fleece pullover. When shaded the Narrows can become chilly even on a hot day. Make sure to bring a walking stick. If you are an able bodied person with good balance you probably won’t fall but a sturdy walking stick really helps crossing over the Virgin River’s slippery riverbed. Look for the community pile of walking sticks by the stairs at the entrance of the river. A broom handle will work just fine! There are places like Zion Outfitters that will rent you the entire outfit with waterproof shoes and a walking stick. However, besides the stick, regulars walking shoes work just fine. Although if you are staying in Springdale or have a family with kids it might be more convenient to rent.

Flash Floods

Flash floods are very serious and cause major bodily harm and often death when caught in one. Make sure to check with the ranger station before hiking the Narrows. Even if it is not raining in or around Zion flash floods can still occur when it rains north of the park. Always look for higher ground and avoid hiking in storms or rainy seasons.

Where to Stay

Camp in Zion National Park

First Come/Reservations/$25/Bathrooms/Pets OK

There are two campgrounds in Zion Canyon.  One operates only on reservation and the other is first come first serve but it fills up fast. Be there by 8am to try and get a campsite. There are bathrooms and a shuttle stop nearby. Firewood, laundry, and food is all available in the town of Springdale.

There are also campgrounds in Springdale and on highway 9 on the northeast side of the park. There are plenty of hotels in Springdale.