The Narrows hike in Zion Park from A to Z

The Narrows is one of the most beautiful hikes in Zion National Park and you'll soon see why. With your feet in the water, you'll hike through breathtaking scenery in the middle of an impressive canyon. This famous walk along the middle of the Virgin River is an exceptional adventure.

So if you're planning a road trip in the American West and want to experience something unique, the Narrows hike in Zion Park is for you!

Map of the Narrows hike

The Narrows: a watery hike

Zion National Park in southwestern Utah is a must-see on any road trip in the United States. The adventure begins somewhere between Las Vegas and Bryce Canyon National Park… And what better way to enjoy the beauty of Zion than with the famous Narrows hike in the Zion Canyon section to the south of the park!

It's hardly surprising that this trail is so popular with hikers from all over the world. The Narrows is an enjoyable river hike for young and old alike. In fact, you'll be walking in the water, through the heart of a magnificent canyon.

Don't be surprised, the Narrows hike (the narrowest section of the canyon) is extremely popular. So expect to see a lot of people in summer, especially for the first 500 metres once you're in the water.

Many visitors to Zion National Park come to admire the impressive sandstone cliffs. You'll feel very small in the midst of this natural wonder…

Keep your head up and your eyes wide open as you wade through the water. These narrow gorges, carved out over the centuries by the tumultuous Virgin River, offer one of Zion's most memorable hikes. The contrast between the towering red cliffs and the blue of the water makes it one of the most beautiful landscapes in the American West.

The Virgin River is the only trail to follow, and that's what makes this hike to special. The route has no particular technical difficulties and is suitable for both experienced hikers and beginners alike.

However, you'll be walking through water and over fairly slippery stones most of the time. So don't rush and go at your own pace, especially if you're with children.

The depth of the water varies according to the season and the weather, but also fluctuates throughout the hike. In some places, you may be up to your ankles in water, and in others, up to your knees or even your waist. While this may be pleasant on a hot summer's day, after a while you may find it quite cold.

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Hiking the Narrows: 3 possible routes

There are three routes you can take to explore the Narrows. I'm presenting them from the easiest to the most difficult, and I particularly recommend the second option.

#1. Riverside Walk: for the less athletic

Time (round trip): 90 mins
Distance (round trip): 3.5 km
Elevation gain: 17 m
Difficulty: easy

Riverside Walk is the easy trail that leads to the riverbed section of the Narrows hike. To get there, take the shuttle and get off at the Temple of Sinawava. There are washrooms near the bus stop. Don't hesitate to use them, as you won't find any more later on.

This paved path follows along the superb Virgin River as it winds its way through lush greenery. Watch out for squirrels, mule deer, bats and beavers, among other mammals. The first 600 metres are wheelchair accessible, although the trail can be a little sandy in places.

This trail is not difficult and is perfect for families with young children and people with reduced mobility or who are not very athletic. After half an hour or so, you will reach the riverbed. At this point, you'll find a small platform with a stone staircase leading down to the Virgin River.

Now you can get ready for the Narrows water hike! If you don't want to go any further on the trail, you can still enjoy a refreshing dip in the river. The water isn't very deep at this point, so you'll basically be paddling in the river.

Now the real adventure begins…

#2. The Narrows - Bottom Up: for budding adventurers

Time (round trip): 1 to 8 hrs
Distance (round trip): 15 km maximum
Elevation gain: 102 m
Difficulty: moderate

Once you've completed the Riverside Walk, it's time to take to the water! This route runs from the Temple of Sinawava to Big Spring. The Narrows may be the victim of its own success during the summer season, but don't worry, the crowds thin out quickly once you start walking. So feel free to pick your way through the tourists at the start, and things will soon be much quieter.

This out-and-back hike from the bottom to the top of the canyon is accessible to all, except perhaps those with joint problems. The Narrows presents few technical difficulties. The only challenges are stability in certain sections (slippery rocks) and places where the water is deeper.

Hiking upstream is the most popular and recommended route for discovering the Narrows. What's more, the good news is that it's impossible to get lost! There's only one possible route, and that's to follow the bed of the Virgin River.

During this hike, you'll spend at least 60% of the time in the water, with stones rolling under your feet.

A word of advice: avoid mud holes and darker rocks (the most slippery) whenever possible to make your progress easier. Try to use the dry sections on the sandy banks when you can.

At the start of the route, the river is wide and the water level fairly low. The further you go, the higher the cliffs and the narrower the river. About 1 km after the start from Riverside Walk, the scenery becomes even more spectacular. The walls become tinged with red, and the water varies from deep blue to turquoise green.

This area is particularly photogenic, so don't forget to take plenty of pictures!

Many hikers choose to go as far as the junction with Orderville Canyon and then turn back (about 6 km there and back). Note that the return journey is generally quicker than the outward journey, as you're going in the direction of the current.

While hiking through the heart of the Narrows, you won't find any gorgeous views that stand out more than the others. The entire route is spectacular. The aim is not so much to reach your destination as to make the most of an experience you'll remember for the rest of your life!

Depending on how fit you are and what you feel like doing, you can walk for just an hour or all day. Turn around when you're ready and walk back to Riverside Walk, then return to the shuttle bus stop.

If you start early enough and are in good physical condition, you can walk up the Virgin River all the way to Big Spring without a permit.

#3. The Narrows - Top Down: for the most athletic

Time (one-way): 10 to 14 hrs
Distance (one-way): 26 km
Elevation gain: 400 m
Difficulty: difficult

If you want to hike down Zion Park Narrows from top to bottom, that's also possible. In this case, access to the gorge is via the Chamberlain’s Ranch Trailhead and the trail ends at the Temple of Sinawava. Please note that this is a very difficult hike and should only be undertaken by experienced hikers.

This hike requires a Wilderness permit. This can be obtained the day before from the Visitor Centre or on the park's website. This permit allows you to:

• Start at the Chamberlain’s Ranch Trailhead,
• Spend one night in a designated Narrows campsite north of Big Spring,
• Exit at the Temple of Sinawava the following day.

Along most of the route, you'll be up to your ankles or knees in water, but on some stretches you'll also need to swim. The river is closed to hikers in spring during snowmelt, during and after a flash flood, and if the water level is too high.

What equipment do you need?

Although the Narrows hike does not present any particular technical difficulties, I would still advise you to bring suitable equipment. As most of the walking is done in water, there is a real risk of slipping.

Although it may be tempting to go barefoot in the middle of the Virgin River, I strongly advise against it. The stones are slippery and there's a good chance you'll hurt yourself. To make the most of the magical experience of the Narrows, I recommend that you bring:

• Hiking poles (at least one) to help you keep your balance when the water level is high and the current is stronger.
• Specialized water shoes, or at least real hiking boots, to keep your footing secure and support your ankles.
• Ankle length Neoprene socks to keep your feet warm. Yes, the water in the river is very cool, even in summer!
• Armbands for the children, especially if you're venturing quite a long way down the Virgin River.
• A waterproof backpack or pouch to keep your phone, camera and personal items safe from splashing.
• Waterproof pants if you plan to hike the Narrows between November and May.
• A jacket or sweatshirt, as the sun doesn't reach deep into the canyon and you can quickly get cold.
• High-protection sunscreen, a hat or cap and sunglasses.
• Food and drink. As with any hike, don't forget to take plenty of water with you, as well as a picnic and snacks for when you're feeling peckish.

If you're lacking something, you'll find shops like Zion Outfitter in Springdale that rent equipment specifically for the Narrows.

Moving around in Zion Park and getting to the Narrows

Because Zion National Park is so popular with visitors, there is a shuttle bus system that even serves the town of Springdale. It's a very convenient way to get around inside the park. You don't need a ticket or reservation.

You can check the shuttle schedules on the Zion National Park website. They change every year, but the shuttles generally run from mid-May to the end of November.

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is the main road that begins north of Canyon Junction and leads to the start of the Narrows hike. It is closed to private vehicle traffic when the park shuttle service is in operation.

When the shuttle service is not in operation, you can use your own vehicle to get around. However, bear in mind that it can be very difficult to find a parking space, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

To get to the start of the Narrows hike, catch the Zion Canyon Line at Zion Canyon Visitor Center and get off at Stop 9: Temple of Sinawava. This is the last stop on the line. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the Temple of Sinawava from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.

When to do the hike

Although it's also the busiest time of year, summer (June to September) is the best time to hike the Narrows. Walking through the cool, winding gorges of Zion Canyon is a great way to escape the sweltering summer heat.

However, if you don't mind cold water and are well equipped, it's perfectly possible to do the hike at other times of the year. Zion National Park is open 365 days a year.

Practical information

Read on for some practical information you should know before setting off to explore Zion National Park and the Narrows.

Authentik advice

• Before setting off for the Narrows, stop off at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center in Springdale. The rangers will give you lots of useful information and a map of the park. You can also fill your water bottles there.
• Ask about the risk of flash floods before hiking the Narrows. Flash floods are very dangerous. For your safety, check the weather forecast at the Visitor Centre and ask the rangers for their advice before setting off. Don't attempt the hike if the forecast calls for rain. You can also find more information on the Zion Park website.
• Walking in water requires more effort than on land. Turn back before you get too tired to allow for the return journey.
• Being constantly in the water can make you forget how thirsty you are. Be sure to drink regularly and sufficiently to avoid any risk of dehydration.
• Bear in mind the main risks in the Narrows: hypothermia, falls and slips, flash floods.
• There are no gas stations or grocery stores in Zion, but you will find them in Springdale at the southern entrance to the park.
• Free Wi-Fi is available at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Human History Museum.

Zion National Park

Entrance fees for Zion National Park are:

• $35 for a car or RV
• $30 for a motorcycle
• $20 for a pedestrian or cyclist

Admission is valid for 7 consecutive days.

If you plan to visit several national parks during your American vacation, I recommend purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass. This annual pass costs $80 and is sold at all Visitor Centers. It will quickly pay for itself if you visit at least 3 national parks.

The Narrows of Zion Park no longer holds any secrets for you. All that's left now is to set out on your Virgin River adventure! Get ready for breathtaking scenery…

If you're planning to do this hike during your next USA road trip, or if you've already done it, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!