A Guide on How to Hike The Narrows in Zion National Park
When you hike the Narrows, you will put your hiking skills to the test with a challenging, thrilling, and adventurous trek through the Virgin River in Zion National Park.
Hiking through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon is a unique experience and very different from other hikes you may be familiar with. It was one of our first experiences hiking through a slot canyon and a real highlight, which left us wanting more.
To hike the Narrows Zion, you will need to be prepared. But don’t worry, we have you covered right here. Read about the different hiking options, the permit system, suggested gear, and more to get ready to hike the Narrows at Zion.
Our Other Resources for Zion National Park:
- Best Hikes in Zion National Park
- How to Hike Angels Landing
- Zion National Park Itinerary: How to Spend 1 to 5 Days
- Zion to Bryce Canyon: 4 Day Utah National Park Itinerary
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What are the Zion Narrows?
The Zion Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. Here the North Fork of the Virgin River creates a 15-mile-long slot canyon in Zion National Park. It is one of the most popular sections in the entire park.
For the most part, the Narrows is located inside the park’s boundaries. However, a small section near the top, if you hike from the top-down, is located on private property.
The full length of the Zion Narrows is 16 miles.
Options on How to Hike the Narrows
There are 2 different ways to hike the Narrows. You can either hike it from the bottom up or the top down. Both ways will be challenging due to the fact that you’re walking through the (cold) water on uneven ground.
Before deciding on which way to hike the Narrows at Zion National Park, learn more about their differences.
1. Hike the Narrows from the Bottom Up
Difficulty: Moderate but depends on the flow of the Virgin River
Length: up to 12 miles
Type of Hike: Out and Back
Elevation Change: 330 ft
Shuttle Stop: #9 – Temple of Sinawava
Permit: No
Time: 1 to 8 hours
Hiking the Narrows from the bottom up is the most popular way, mainly because you do not need a permit.
If you choose to hike the Narrow Zion this way, you will take the Riverside Walk trail first. You will walk along the river on a paved path for about 1 mile, before reaching the start of the Zion Narrows.
The bottom-up Narrows hike is an out-and-back. The farthest point you can travel to is Big Springs, which is about 5 miles into the canyon. At this point, you will have to turn back around and return the same way you came.
How Long Is The Narrows Hike Bottoms Up?
There is no definite answer since it will depend on how far you want to hike into the canyon before turning around. You can plan to hike the Narrows from the bottom up anywhere from 1 to 8 hours.
We would recommend hiking the Narrows at least a few miles in, before turning around. The first mile can be very crowded. There, you will meet a lot of people who want to experience the Narrows in Zion without ‘seriously’ hiking it. The longer you hike, the fewer people you will see.
2. Hike the Narrows from the Top Down
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 16 miles
Type of Hike: One way ending at Temple of Sinawava (Shuttle Stop #9)
Elevation Change: 1,300 ft
Trailhead: Chamberlain’s Ranch
Permit: Required
Time: 10 to 14 hours
To hike the Narrows from top to bottom, you have to purchase a permit. Without a permit, you can just hike the Narrows at Zion National Park from the bottom up.
The top-down hike is a 16-mile trek starting at Chamberlain’s Ranch and ending at the Riverside Walk trailhead. You will be hiking 15 miles through the Virgin River in Zion Canyon surrounded by the big beautiful canyon walls. Once you reach the Riverside Walk, you will have to hike an additional mile to the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop.
If you choose to hike the Narrows at Zion from top-down, you have 2 options. You can do it as a long 1-day hike or as a 2-day backpacking trip.
1. Top Down: Day Hike
Completing the 16-mile trek down the Narrows hike Zion is not an easy task. You will need to start your hike early and have to hike fast to finish the hike in 1 day.
2. Top Down: 2 Day Backpacking Trip
The more popular option is to complete the 16-mile hike in a 2-day backpacking trip. This will give you more time to fully enjoy your adventure. On the first day, you will hike to 1 of the 12 campsites along the river, the following day, you will complete the rest of the Narrows hike.
How Long Is The Narrows Hike Top Down?
On average, it can take 10 to 14 hours to hike the entire Zion Narrows from top to bottom. It is best to plan for extra time. You never know how the trail conditions will be and how many breaks you will need for a rest, a snack, or just to enjoy the view.
Top Tip: This thrilling hiking experience was not enough? Then add Angels Landing in Zion National Park to your itinerary.
How to Hike The Narrows from the Bottom Up
Since hiking the Zion Narrows is more popular from the bottom up (no permit necessary), we are going to focus this post on hiking Narrows from the bottom up when providing trail details and descriptions.
Here is what to expect when you hike the Narrow Zion from the bottom up.
Getting to the Narrows Zion Hike Trailhead
Start by getting to the park early to be on the first shuttle of the day into Zion Canyon. Plan on arriving at least 30 minutes before the shuttle starts to get in line.
After getting on the Zion shuttle, take it all the way to the end to shuttle stop #9 – Temple of Sinawava.
The trailhead for the Zion Narrows is 1 mile on the Riverside Walk from the Temple of Sinawava stop. Walk along the paved pathway which runs parallel to the river. You will know you made it to the trailhead when the pathway stops.
Start your Hike in the Virgin River
From this point on you will walk mainly through the Virgin River. Don’t expect to have dry feet or clothes from here on during your hike in the Narrows.
Depending on the flow of the Virgin River, the trail begins out rocky with shallow waters. Now you have the choice to hike 5 miles to Big Springs or turn around at any point.
As you continue to hike, the water level will vary. At times the water can get to chest high depending on conditions. When we hiked in the summer, the water came as high as our waist.
If you continue towards Big Springs, the canyon will become more narrow and you can really feel the height of the canyon walls around you.
Once you reach this area, you will have to turn around.
What to Wear to Hike The Narrows UT?
You will be getting wet when you hike the Narrows Utah! Make sure to dress appropriately, depending on the time of year.
During the warmer months, you will probably be good wearing the usual hiking gear you would wear on a regular hike. While during the colder months, you may want to think about renting or buying additional gear.
We hiked the Narrows in August and were completely comfortable wearing quick-drying shorts, a t-shirt, a light jacket, and our hiking boots.
Here is Our Suggested Gear to Hike The Narrows Utah:
Closed Toe Shoes – When we hiked the Narrows, we saw people wearing a variety of different shoes. Many people try to hike the Narrows in hiking sandals, which is definitely NOT recommended. The rocks can be very sharp, which puts you at a high risk to get injured. Choose over-the-ankle hiking boots instead.
We found it best to just wear our regular hiking boots. Yes, they were soaked after our trip but they dried in about 1.5 days.
Quick Drying Clothing – You will want to wear clothes that dry quickly since you will be in and out of water frequently. We would also recommend dressing in layers, especially on the top. The sun shines into the canyon only a few hours a day, the rest of the day, the canyon will be in the shade. So expect it to be chilly.
Hiking Stick or Trekking Pole – Trekking poles or hiking sticks are a must when hiking the Zion Narrows. They make a huge difference when trying to walk through the water because they help stabilize you on the uneven slippery ground. We found ourselves using them more than we thought we would.
Dry Pack – Since there is a likely chance you will be walking through deep water, it is best to use a dry pack to keep all your gear dry.
Dry Suit (optional) – Depending on what time of year you are visiting, weather conditions, and water levels, you may want to think about a dry suit to hike the Narrows UT.
Neoprene Socks (optional) – These are great socks to use when hiking through the water because they are designed to keep your feet warm. We personally just used our basic hiking socks for the hike and did not have any issues with our feet. However, if you are hiking when the water is colder, neoprene socks may be the better option.
Top Tip: If you are not satisfied with the gear you already have to hike the Narrows Zion, there is an option to rent gear just outside the park at Zion Outfitters. Find out more about rental options on their website.
Do You Need a Permit to Hike The Narrows in Zion?
A permit is only required when you plan to hike the Narrows in Zion National Park from the top down. Getting a permit is becoming increasingly popular, making the process much harder. Permits usually sell out quickly, especially during the busier times of the year.
If you choose to hike the Narrows from the bottom up you are totally fine without a permit.
Zion Narrows Permit Process
Reservations are only available online for a 2-month time frame before your desired date. New reservations become available on the 5th of every month, beginning at 10:00 AM MT. If permits are still available, you have up until 5:00 PM MT the day before your trip to reserve a permit.
Make sure you are prepared to make a reservation right at 10:00 AM on the day they become available to increase your chances of getting one for your desired date.
How to Reserve Your Permit – Day Hike vs. Backpacking Trip
To make an advanced reservation, visit the National Park Service website. Click on “Make a reservation for The Narrows day hike from top to bottom” or “Make a reservation for the Narrows overnight hike from top to bottom.”
When you choose to hike the Narrows in a day, select “Virgin Narrows Day Use Trail from the top” as your resource area.
When you choose the backpacking trip, you have to click on the drop-down menu and select one of the “Narrows Site” campsites along the river.
Top Tip: Read more about each campsite, before making your reservations.
You will then be directed to a calendar. Here, you will quickly be able to see on which days permits are available. The green boxes show available days, whereas the red boxes are dates with no permits available.
Once you find a date, you will enter the required information and pay a $5 non-refundable fee for your reservation.
Now that you have reserved a permit, do not forget to “actually” purchase and pick it up at the Zion Visitor Center the day before your reserved date.
Top Tip: You are more spontaneous and need a hike without a permit? Our 11 Best Hikes in Zion National Park will show you your best options.
ADDTIONAL WAYS TO GET A PERMIT TO HIKE THE ZION NARROW
Last Minute Drawing: 7 – 2 days in advance Your preferred date to hike the Narrows wasn’t available anymore? Take your chance at the Last Minute Drawing online, which opens up 7 to 2 days before your desired trip.
Walk in Permits: 1 day in advance Walk in permits are only available, if spaces remain open after the last minute drawing. You can purchase these permits at the Visitor Center 1 day before your trip.
How Much Does The Narrows Hike Permit Cost?
The cost of the permit to hike the Narrows at Zion will depend on the size of your group. A permit for a group of 1 to 2 people will cost $15.00, a group of 3 – 7 people will cost $20.00, and a group of 8 – 12 will cost $25.00.
Best Time to Hike the Narrows Utah
Here is our breakdown of hiking the Zion Narrows at Zion during different times of the year:
Spring – This is the most difficult time of the year to hike the Narrows Zion. It is not uncommon for this hike to be closed down from unsafe conditions and high water levels. If the trail happens to be open, you expect the water temperature to be very chilly.
Summer – Of course, this is the most popular time to hike the Narrows Zion. The outside temperature is hot, which makes hiking in water more refreshing and the temperature of the water is comfortable enough to wear quick-drying shorts and lighter layers on top. There is one thing to keep in mind hiking the Zion Narrows in the summer, is monsoon season. This means rain in Zion and even near Zion can cause flash floods closing the Zion Narrows.
Fall – The fall brings a little cooler weather and fewer crowds, which is ideal for hiking Narrows Zion. As the cooler fall weather rolls in, you may want to think about using additional gear to stay warm in the water. Fall days are also shorter, which means less daylight. So if you plan on hiking the ZionNarrows from top to bottom you will need to get an early start.
Winter – Shockingly you can hike the Narrows Zion in the winter. Additional gear is essential to stay warm and safe in the cold water. As you could probably guess, there are way fewer crowds on the Narrows hike Zion during this time, due to chilly temperatures and short daylight hours.
In our opinion, the best time to hike the Narrows is during the summer and fall (late June through October). We hiked this trail in August and had perfect weather and good water levels. The highest water level we encountered was about thigh-high, but only for a short section. Most of the time, the water level was around the shin to knee-high.
More Things to Know Before Hiking the Narrows at Zion National Park
1. Get on the first shuttle
Make sure you are on the first shuttle heading to the Zion Narrows to beat the crowds. We were so happy that we arrived at the park early to catch the first bus. It gave us the opportunity to enjoy hiking Narrows Zion bottom up with only a few other people.
2. Hike at least 2 hours in
To see the most interesting parts of the Zion Narrow, you need to hike for at least 2 hours, when you are hiking Narrows from the bottom up. Here, the canyon walls start to get closer together and it gets quite narrow. The towering sandstone cliffs of Zion Canyon will be no more than 20 to 30 feet apart. It is quite a spectacular sight that you do not want to miss.
3. Check the weather and be aware of flash floods
Whenever you head out on a hike you want to make sure to check the weather before you go, especially when you hike the Narrows. One of the biggest dangers in the Zion Narrows is flash floods.
Flash floods tend to happen in the springtime from the combination of rainfall and mountain runoff from the winter. But be aware, this can happen at other times of the year too. Weather in Zion can be quite unpredictable.
During a flash flood, water levels can rise quickly and be very dangerous to hikers. If there is a chance of a flash flood in the forecast, the Zion Narrows will be shut down.
Top Tip: Stay up to date on the current weather conditions by visiting the park’s website and the National Weather Service.
4. Understanding the water flow rates of the Zion Narrows
The water flow rate of the Zion Narrows will be different, depending on the time of year and weather conditions. The rate will have a huge impact on your hiking experience, so it is smart to get familiar with it.
Any idea what water flow rates are? It is simple. The flow rate shows how fast the water is moving or flowing. A lower flow rate would indicate an easier hike, whereas, a higher flow rate will be a more difficult hike.
Check the current water flow rates of the North Fork of the Virgin River. You can also go to the Visitor Center to get information about the current conditions. Just keep in mind that they might open after your arrival at Zion, especially when you start your hike early.
0-49 CFS – Anything under 50 CFS is considered to be an easy hike through the Narrows. You can expect a more relaxed hike with water usually only being as high as your knee (on adults).
50-99 CFS – As the water flow rate increases, you will start to feel the water’s current more. At this level, adults can expect the water to be as high as their waist at some points.
100-149 CFS – With water flow rates in this range, you can expect to work very hard to move forward in the river. Here, water levels can be up to chest high (on adults).
150+ CFS – If the Zion Narrows water flow rate is 150 CFS and above, the National Park Service will close the Narrows. *CFS stands for cubic feet per second
FAQs: The Narrows Zion National Park
How hard is the Narrows hike?
The Zion Narrows hike is hard. It requires walking on rocky, slippery terrain through water that ranges from ankle-high to waist-high. The Narrows hiking from the top down is more strenuous and challenging than the Narrows hiking from the bottom up.
How much of the hike will be in the river?
Since the water levels and conditions are always changing in the Virgin River, we would plan on hiking the majority of the Zion Narrows in water. There are occasional spots of dry bedrock to walk on.
Do I need a permit to hike the Narrows?
You need a permit to hike the Narrows from the top down. You do not need a permit to hike the Narrows from the bottom up.
Can a beginner hike the Narrows?
If you are a beginner, you can still hike the Zion Narrows. But we would suggest hiking the Narrows from the bottom up. Hiking the Narrows from the bottom up allows you to be able to turn around at any point.
Is hiking the Narrows worth it?
Yes, hiking the Zion Narrows is completely worth it. It is such a cool experience and a one-of-a-kind hike.
Final Thoughts on Hiking The Narrows
Hiking Narrows Zion from the bottom-up was one of our absolute highlights in Zion National Park and one of the most thrilling hiking experiences we have had. This is, where we discovered our love for slot canyon hikes.
Even when you don’t want to hike a long distance into the canyon, it is worth it to check out the beginning of the trail. Remember, you can just start walking through the Virgin River and turn around whenever you feel like it. There are no obligations to continue on.
Just make sure to bring appropriate gear, and get informed about the weather conditions, and water levels before you start your Zion Narrows hike.
Top Tip: Do you need more ideas on what to do when visiting Zion National Park? Check out our Zion National Park Itinerary: Spend 1-5 Days.
How did you hike the Narrows in Zion National Park? What are your favorite slot canyon hikes?
Share your experiences with us or drop a question in the comments below!
Our Other Resources for Zion National Park:
- 11 Best Hikes in Zion National Park
- How to Hike Angels Landing in Zion National Park
- Zion National Park Itinerary: Spend 1-5 Days
- Plan a Trip from Zion to Bryce Canyon: 2 Utah National Parks
- How to Save Money with the America the Beautiful Pass
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- NATIONAL PARK: First Hand Ranking of National Parks in USA from Best to Worst
- NATIONAL PARK: 34 Best West Coast National Park + Western U.S. Parks that Will Blow Your Mind
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