The Narrows Zion National Park
Hike through the Virgin River in Zion's iconic slot canyon, surrounded by towering, sculpted walls. An unforgettable adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & get gear
The Narrows Zion National Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds & get gear
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through the Virgin River in Zion's iconic slot canyon, surrounded by towering, sculpted walls. An unforgettable adventure.
"Probably the coolest hike I've ever done! The epic views, sloshing through the water."
Rent the Gear! 🥾
Water boots, neoprene socks, and a hiking stick are essential for comfort and safety. Rent them near the park.
Check Water Levels 🌊
Flash floods are dangerous. Always check conditions before you go; high water can close the trail.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wall Street
Midway through the Narrows hike
Experience the canyon's narrowest section, with towering walls that create a dramatic, awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Virgin River Hike
The Narrows trail
Wade through the iconic Virgin River, surrounded by immense canyon walls. It's a unique hiking experience unlike any other.
Temple of Sinawava
End of Riverside Walk
The gateway to The Narrows, this area marks the start of the river hike and offers stunning views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Gear Up for the River
Check Conditions Before You Go
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Rent the Gear! 🥾
Water boots, neoprene socks, and a hiking stick are essential for comfort and safety. Rent them near the park.
Check Water Levels 🌊
Flash floods are dangerous. Always check conditions before you go; high water can close the trail. +1
Go Early to Avoid Crowds ⏰
Arrive before 9 AM to beat the masses and secure your rental gear.
Embrace the Cold Water 🥶
The water is cold, but you'll get used to it. Consider dry suits for winter hikes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Rent the Gear! 🥾
Water boots, neoprene socks, and a hiking stick are essential for comfort and safety. Rent them near the park.
Check Water Levels 🌊
Flash floods are dangerous. Always check conditions before you go; high water can close the trail. +1
Go Early to Avoid Crowds ⏰
Arrive before 9 AM to beat the masses and secure your rental gear.
Embrace the Cold Water 🥶
The water is cold, but you'll get used to it. Consider dry suits for winter hikes.
Pack Smart 🎒
Bring snacks, water, and a waterproof bag for your essentials. Protect your electronics!
Take Your Time 🚶♀️
This isn't a casual stroll. Plan for 3-4 hours minimum, and enjoy the unique scenery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about The Narrows as one of the most unique and epic hikes they've ever experienced, praising the stunning canyon views and the adventure of wading through the Virgin River. While the water can be cold and the rocks slippery, many find it manageable with the right gear and preparation. Some note that crowds can be significant, especially in summer, and flash flood risks are a serious consideration.
"Probably the coolest hike I've ever done! The epic views, sloshing through the water. The canyon walls get closer together the farther you go. There's a 20 foot section where you go waist deep in water so you have to lift up your backpack if you don't want it to get soaked. Most of the time the water is about up to your knees or less. You occasionally hike on land but make no mistake you will be walking through water most of the time. I did see rock jumpers about halfway into the hike jumping off into the river on a deep spot they found. The farther you go the less people you'll see going that deep in. Once you get past a certain point about 3 mile's in it's absolutely magical. We went in July in the summer. Make sure you arrive super early so you have time to make it back before the last shuttle leaves. Bring water & snacks and take lots of epic pictures because not everybody gets to experience this beautiful creation!"
The Bennett Kingdom
"The Narrows is the most unforgettable hike of my life. Imagine wading directly into the Virgin River, surrounded by thousand-foot canyon walls that rise dramatically on both sides. It’s not just a hike; it’s an adventure. Hot tip: bring hiking poles or at least a walking stick and shoes/boots and clothes you don’t mind getting soaked.
First, getting there…you must either take the park shuttle or bike in, no private vehicles are allowed. It sounds like a pain, it isn’t, trust me. Ample parking is available near the visitors center near the shuttle stop. Then you’re on your way. Take it to the last stop, Temple of Sinawava then hike an easy paved trail to the “entry” aka the water.
The river is your trail, and every step is both exhilarating and humbling. Sometimes the water is ankle-deep, other times it reaches your waist/chest and with every bend you discover new perspectives on this awe-inspiring canyon. The cool water, the echo of footsteps and laughter, the sheer scale of the rock walls, it’s a sensory experience unlike anything else. The beauty also is, you can go as far or as little as you want!
My wife and I took this on and were absolutely blown away. It challenged us, yes, but it also rewarded us with memories we’ll never forget. Standing there, looking up at the towering cliffs and realizing how small you are; it’s a perspective shift you can’t get anywhere else.
If you do one hike in Zion, make it The Narrows. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that leaves you both exhausted and exhilarated, and it will stay with you forever."
Leah Bryant
"It was quite an adventure. Bring water and snacks. A stick is a must it really helps walking over rocks. We got there by 8am. Took the shuttle to stop 9. We walked about 1 mile to the start. We walked for about 4 miles in the narrows and turned around. We had couple young kids they were tired couldn't go any more. It took about 3 hours to go up and about 1 hour to come back down. Its a real adventure. $30 water shoes from Amazon worked really well. The water was very cold at first especially when it went up to your belly. But once that sun comes out and into the canyon it feels really good to rest and let the sun hit you and warm you up."
Nick Haralambou
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach The Narrows trailhead, you'll typically need to take the Zion National Park shuttle bus from the Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava (last stop). The shuttle operates seasonally, usually from March to November.
During the peak season (typically March through November), private vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive where The Narrows trailhead is located. You must use the mandatory Zion shuttle system.
Parking at the Zion Visitor Center is very limited and fills up extremely early, often before 8 AM. It's highly recommended to arrive very early or consider parking in the town of Springdale and taking the free town shuttle to the park entrance, then transferring to the Zion shuttle.
The Zion shuttle is a free, hop-on-hop-off service that runs along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. It's the primary way to access popular trailheads like The Narrows during shuttle season. Be prepared for lines, especially during peak hours.
If you are visiting during shuttle season (March-November), you cannot drive your own vehicle to the trailhead. You must use the shuttle. Outside of shuttle season, you may be able to drive, but check park conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For the popular 'bottom-up' day hike of The Narrows (starting from the Temple of Sinawava), no permit is required. However, if you plan to hike 'top-down' or do an overnight trip, a wilderness permit is mandatory and can be difficult to obtain.
There is no entrance fee specifically for hiking The Narrows itself, but you will need to pay the standard Zion National Park entrance fee ($35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, or use an America the Beautiful Pass). Gear rentals are an additional cost.
The Narrows trail is open 24/7, but access is dependent on park shuttle hours and weather conditions. The best times to hike are during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
The Narrows can be closed due to high water levels, flash flood warnings, or other hazardous conditions. It's crucial to check the official Zion National Park website or visitor center for current alerts before your visit. +1
For the bottom-up day hike, no advance booking is needed. However, if you're aiming for the top-down or overnight hike, permits are required and should be applied for well in advance through the park's lottery system.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The bottom-up hike to Big Springs and back can take 9-11 hours round trip for the full experience. However, many visitors turn around earlier, enjoying sections like Wall Street. A shorter hike can take 3-4 hours.
The water temperature in The Narrows can be quite cold, especially outside of summer. In July, it was described as 'pretty cold' but bearable after a few minutes. Winter temperatures can be near freezing, requiring dry suits. +1
Water depth varies significantly. It can range from ankle-deep to waist-deep in certain sections. There's a notable 20-foot section that can be waist-deep, requiring you to lift your backpack.
Yes, the riverbed is covered in slippery rocks, making good footwear and a hiking stick highly recommended to maintain balance and prevent falls.
The entire canyon is photogenic! Iconic spots include Wall Street, where the canyon walls are closest, and any area where sunlight filters dramatically through the narrow openings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food services or restaurants within The Narrows itself. You must bring all your own food and water. Pack plenty of snacks and a packed lunch.
Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking during warmer months. High-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and fruit are recommended. A packed lunch is essential for longer hikes.
The town of Springdale, located just outside Zion National Park, offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores where you can stock up on supplies or grab a meal before or after your hike.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning light filtering into the canyon creates dramatic shadows and highlights, making it ideal for photography. Late afternoon can also offer beautiful light.
Use a waterproof camera bag or a dry bag to protect your camera from the water. Consider a wrist strap for added security when navigating the river.
You can capture stunning shots of the towering canyon walls, the flowing Virgin River, unique rock formations, and the interplay of light and shadow. Wide-angle lenses are great for the grand scale.
Drones are generally prohibited in all US National Parks, including Zion. Always check the latest park regulations regarding drone usage before your visit.
It can be challenging to take photos while actively hiking in the river, as you need to maintain balance. It's best to stop at safe points to take pictures. Having a camera that's easy to access is helpful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be patient, as crowds can make getting unobstructed shots challenging during peak times. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating The Narrows: Gear and Safety
For those venturing out in colder months, dry suits and dry bags are crucial for staying warm and keeping your belongings dry. Safety is paramount in The Narrows. Flash floods are a serious concern, and conditions can change rapidly. Always check the flash flood potential and water flow rate (measured in cubic feet per second, or cfs) before entering the canyon. A flow rate above 150 cfs is generally considered dangerous for most hikers, and anything over 700 cfs can be life-threatening.
The Narrows Experience: From Short Hikes to Overnight Adventures
+1 This approach offers a fantastic taste of the canyon's grandeur without requiring extensive planning. For the more adventurous, the top-down hike is a challenging, full-day or overnight endeavor that requires a permit. This route covers approximately 16 miles and descends through the entire length of the canyon.
Best Times to Visit The Narrows
The water is cold, but manageable with the right gear. Winter offers the fewest crowds and potentially lower water levels, but requires specialized cold-weather gear like dry suits. Summer is the most popular time, meaning larger crowds and potentially higher water levels due to monsoon rains.
+1 Visiting on a weekday, especially a Friday, can also help mitigate some of the weekend rush. 
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