The Narrows is truly one of the most unique and adventurous hikes you can undertake. Located within Zion National Park, adventurers who embark on this adventure hike through the rushing water of the Virgin River deep within stunning red-painted canyon walls. There’s no way around it—you will get wet on this hike. But the thrill of wading through the water and the magic of the canyon makes this experience unforgettable. In this guide, I share what you need to know to hike the Narrows, as well as my experiences traversing through this one-of-a-kind landscape. If this sounds like an exciting adventure, then keep reading!
Different Routes to Hike the Narrows
You can take two different routes to hike the Narrows, bottom-up or top-down.
Hike the Narrows Bottom-Up
Most people who hike the Narrows start from the bottom of the river, working upstream before turning around. No permit is required, and logistically, it’s very simple. Just head to the Temple of Sinawava trailhead (shuttle stop #9) to start your trip. You can hike as little or as far as you like, although you can’t go past Big Spring without a permit. If you choose to go to this landmark, your total hike will be around 9.4 miles.
Hike the Narrows Top-Down
For a unique way to experience the Narrows, consider a top-down thru-hike. Starting at Chamberlain’s Ranch, you’ll hike 16 miles down the Virgin River, ending at the Temple of Sinawava trailhead. However, choosing this option requires extra logistical work and outdoor experience. You need a wilderness permit to hike the Narrows from the top, and you must arrange your transportation to Chamberlain’s Ranch. Additionally, there is no maintained trail as you’re hiking, wading, and swimming through the river. You can attempt this journey as one long day hike, or split it into two for an overnight trip.
Obtaining a Virgin Narrows Top-Down in a Day Permit
This permit is required for anyone planning on tackling the Narrows top-down in a single day. Note that it is classified under canyoneering permits on recreation.gov, though no technical experience is required.
Advanced Reservations
Advanced reservations are released in three-month blocks on the 5th day of the month before the block, starting at 10 AM Mountain Time. For example, permits for April 1 through June 30 become available on March 5 at 10 AM Mountain Time. Permits and more information are found at recreation.gov’s Zion National Park Canyoneering Advanced Reservations page. 24 advanced permits are available each day.
Daily Lottery
In addition to snagging an advanced reservation, you also can win a permit via the daily lottery. Apply two days before your start date between 12 AM and 3 PM Mountain Time. Results are released and emailed to you at 4 PM Mountain Time. You can learn more and apply for the daily lottery via recreation.gov’s Zion National Park Canyoneering Daily Lottery page. Permits not taken via the daily lottery are available as walk-ups the day before.
Obtaining a Narrows Overnight Backpacking Permit
If you’re planning to backpack the Narrows, you’ll need an overnight permit, which allows you to camp at a designated camp spot as you work your way to the Temple of Sinawava. Group sizes range from 1 to 12, depending on how big the site is.
Advanced Reservations
To reserve a Narrows camp spot, you need an advanced reservation. Similar to the day-hike system, reservations are released in three-month blocks on the 5th day of the month before the block, starting at 10 AM Mountain Time. You can find more information and reserve your camp spot at recreation.gov’s Zion National Park Overnight Narrows Permits page.
Walk-Up Sites
Half of the Narrows’s backpacking sites are available via walk-up on a first-come, first-served basis starting the day prior to their issue date. Visit the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Desk during their normal hours of operation the day before or early the day of your trip to inquire about a permit. You can see which campsites are walk-up on the Zion Wilderness Map, under The Virgin River Narrows header.
For additional help navigating recreation.gov, check out our story below where we share all our advice to help you snag a Narrows wilderness permit!
When to Hike the Narrows
Your experience hiking the Narrows will differ depending on when you visit.
Summer and Fall
Summer and early fall are the most popular times to hike the Narrows. The weather is the warmest and water levels are at their lowest, making it easier to traverse than during other times of year. Note that flash floods are possible, so be sure to check in with the ranger station beforehand to get the most up-to-date weather information. Also, keep your eyes out for an accumulation of clouds and pay attention to any warnings.
Winter and Spring
Hiking the Narrows in the winter and early spring will be a challenge. Think colder weather with higher water levels and frigid river temperatures. Additionally, the Narrows can close in the spring if snowmelt results in a flow of over 150 CFS (typically around April and May).
What to Expect
The Narrows is a truly unique hiking experience. Here are a few things to expect when tackling this adventure.
No Trail
There is no defined hiking trail on the Narrows. Instead, you walk in the middle of the river, sometimes through knee to waist-high water (or more). Oftentimes, you can’t see below the water’s surface, which can make it easy to misstep and cause an injury. Sturdy, close-toed shoes and trekking poles or a hiking stick are highly encouraged.
Cold Water Temperatures
Even in the summer, the Virgin River is chilly. And because most of your hike is in the water, don’t expect much respite from the cold temperatures. Make sure to bring layers to keep yourself warm, especially if the forecast calls for a cooler day.
Minimal Sunlight
Along with the cold water temperatures, the Narrows are only 20-30 feet wide in some sections, so don’t expect much sunlight to reach the bottom of the canyon. If the cold is starting to make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, then turn around.
You May Have to Swim
Depending on how deep into the Narrows you hike, several sections require swimming to cross. Make sure to pack away any valuables in a waterproof bag and be careful, especially if you are not a strong swimmer.
Gear You’ll Need to Hike the Narrows
Though anyone can hike the Narrows, you’ll want a make sure you have a few pieces of gear to ensure that you are safe and in control the entire time.
Food, Water, and Electrolytes: Bring plenty of snacks, water (about 0.5 liters every hour you plan on spending on trail), and electrolyte packets (like nuun or LMNT).
Essential Hiking Clothes: Make sure you are wearing proper hiking clothes that are breathable and moisture-wicking. You’ll also want to pack an extra layer and rain gear in case the weather drops or it starts to storm.
Proper Footwear: Stick with sturdy, close-toed shoes when hiking the Narrows. You’ll be hiking in slippery conditions through running water, so leave your sandals at home. Canyoneering boots work great.
Neoprene Socks: Regular socks can easily cause blisters when wet. Most people opt for neoprene socks to help keep their feet warm and blister-free.
Drybag: To keep your valuables and other things dry.
Headlamp: Just in case you have to hike in the dark.
First Aid Kit: For any emergencies.
Hiking Pole: to help keep you steady in the rushing water.
Backpacking gear if you’re planning on camping in the wilderness.
Dry Bib (optional): If you run cold or are visiting during a colder month, a dry bib can help keep you warm in the frigid water.
Several outfitters in the nearby town of Springdale rent equipment like canyoneering boots, neoprene socks, hiking poles, dry bibs, and dry bags. I’ve used Zion Outfitter a few times and recommend it.
Safety Considerations
Though it’s generally safe to hike the Narrows, anytime you go outside there are risks. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you head out.
Injury and Exhaustion
The Narrows is a physically demanding hike and you risk harm from injury or exhaustion if you aren’t prepared. Because you’re walking through a river, you must have sturdy hiking shoes and a trekking pole. Oftentimes, the river bed is uneven and the rushing water makes it difficult to see where you’re stepping. Improper gear can lead to a serious injury if you are not careful. Additionally, you want to properly fuel yourself for this adventure. Pack plenty of high-energy foods and snacks, and make sure you’re eating and drinking constantly throughout the day. Finally, don’t go further than you are capable of. Remember that if you’re hiking from the bottom up, each step you take upstream you have to take downstream.
Flash Floods
Throughout the desert southwest, you have to be aware of flash floods, especially if you’re traversing through a canyon like on the Narrows hike. The sudden increase in water depth and speed is deadly and can occur anytime. Check with a ranger before heading out to get the latest weather conditions and make note of any flash flood warnings. When out on your hike, pay attention to an accumulation of clouds, as well as an uptick in water speed, a change in color, or a surging sound. These are all signs of an impending flash flood. Get to higher ground immediately and stay out of the water.
Hypothermia
Hiking the Narrows is a taxing experience that exposes you to the elements and you risk hypothermia if you aren’t prepared. The Virgin River is frigid, even during the summer, and because the canyon receives little sunlight, heat loss is prevalent. To protect yourself from the elements, wear proper clothing to insulate yourself from the cold (not cotton) and eat and drink regularly. If you or a hiking partner starts to show signs of hypothermia, which include uncontrollable shivering, confusion, fatigue, or poor coordination, stop hiking and warm them up with dry clothes, a hot drink, and your body heat.
Toxic Cyanobacteria
Toxic cyanobacteria are present in the springs and rivers of Zion National Park, including the Virgin River. Avoid drinking from the river and instead bring enough water for your hike. We recommend 0.5 liters of water (or more) each hour you plan on being outside.
My experiences Hiking the Narrows
I’m fortunate to have hiked the Narrows twice: once in 2018 and again in 2021. Here’s a recap of my two experiences!
My 2018 Hike in the Narrows
The first time I hiked the Narrows was in August 2018 with my family. We were on a Utah road trip and spent a few days in Zion National Park exploring the nature around us. After picking up canyoneering boots, neoprene socks, and a hiking pole from Zion Outfitter, we headed out.
We arrived at the Temple of Sinawava and hiked one mile on a mostly flat path, taking in the plant life and red walls around us. We then reached the riverbank and started our hike on the Narrows.
It was a sweltering summer day, so stepping foot into the cool Virgin River was a welcome respite from the heat. It took a few minutes to get used to walking in the rushing water, but thankfully it didn’t get above our calves for this first section. The path is also rocky and uneven, so we were glad we had sturdy canyoneering boots on. Soon we saw Mystery Falls, a 120-foot waterfall cascading down the side of the canyon. Unfortunately, it was crowded with lots of other tourists looking to escape the heat and explore the canyon.
The further we hiked upstream, the more mesmerized we were but the walls around us. As we meandered our way through the river, we eventually reached the Orderville Canyon junction, at around mile 2.5. At this point, we decided to explore this tributary of the Virgin River and headed away from the main path.
Up Orderville Canyon, the experience changed drastically. Crowds thinned way out, and the hike became a lot more adventurous. We climbed, swam, and maneuvered our way around obstacles as we worked our way upstream. There were several sections that were somewhat technical, but we enjoyed the challenge. Finally, we reached the guillotine, a large rock suspended in the air between the canyon walls.
At this point, we decided to turn around and rejoin the main trail. Back at the junction, we continued upstream for a little longer, now exploring the Wall Street section of the Narrows. The tall walls were magnificent and blocked the sunlight from reaching the canyon floor. After a few moments of taking it all in, we called it a day and turned around.
My 2021 Hike in the Narrows
I visited the Narrows again in 2021 with my partner in mid-October as we road-tripped back from Utah to Los Angeles. Eager to get an early start to the day, we visited the park before sunrise and hopped on one of the first shuttles of the day out the the Temple of Sinawava.
Since it was much cooler this time, we opened to rent a dry bib, along with canyoneering boots, neoprene socks, and a hiking stick from Zion Outfitter. As we reached the Narrows, the crowds were still present, but noticeably smaller than the last time I came in the summer. The water was also much colder.
As we hiked, I was once again mesmerized by the towering canyon walls above us. When we reached the Orderville Canyon junction, we opted to stay on the Narrows this time. Hiking through Wall Street, the lack of sun and water levels that reached to our waists or higher made the cold especially potent on this section of our journey—we were constantly moving to warm our bodies up.
There was also a section the required a brief swim. Unfortunately, I forgot I had sunglasses on top of my head, which quickly disappeared into the murky water as soon as I submerged myself. We later found out that there was a side trail that hikers are supposed to take to avoid swimming in this section, but we missed it on the way up.
We eventually reached Big Spring, the furthest we could hike without a permit. Seeing the water pour out of the canyon wall was beautiful and we also were able to catch a bit of sunlight that found its way to the canyon floor. We rested, eating and drinking food we packed away in our dry bags, while soaking up the sun’s rays.
Once the sun disappeared behind the canyon walls we started our hike back, moving quickly and carefully to make it back to the Temple of Sinawava before the last shuttle left for the day.
We hope that this guide helped get you excited to hike the Narrows! If you’re looking for extra help planning your trip to Zion National Park, then please reach out! We at GoForth are experts at turning your outdoor dreams into a reality, and we’d love to help curate an unforgettable trip. Click on the button below to learn more about our offerings, and contact us if you’re ready to take the first step toward a life outdoors!
