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The Narrows: Bottom-Up Route

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.9 (337)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southwestern Utah
  4. …Zion National Park
  5. Zion Canyon
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“2000-foot sandstone walls usher visitors through one of the best experiences in Zion NP. ”

Brian Smith
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Map Key

5.1

Miles

8.2

KM

Out and Back

4,656' 1,419 m

High

4,456' 1,358 m

Low

305' 93 m

Up

305' 93 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

8%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Get the kids set up with the proper equipment for this outing, and they'll absolutely love every minute of it.

The Narrows of the Virgin River are ecologically sensitive habitat within a designated Wild and Scenic River. As such, NPS enforces special rules and regulations to minimize impacts by visitors to The Narrows.

Overview

While there are many incredible sights and stops in Zion National Park, few are as well known as The Narrows. Here, the Virgin River has carved a spectacular gorge in the upper reaches of Zion Canyon: 16 miles long, up to 2,000-feet deep, and at times only 20 to 30-feet wide. Hiking among the soaring walls, sandstone grottos, natural springs, and hanging gardens makes an unforgettable wilderness experience.

The Narrows is one of the most popular areas in Zion National Park. This route leads from the mouth of The Narrows to the Orderville Canyon junction and back again.

Need to Know

The Narrows is not a hike to be underestimated. Entering The Narrows means hiking in the Virgin River. At least 60 percent of the way is spent wading, navigating, and sometimes swimming in the flowing water. There is no maintained trail because the route is the river. The current is swift, the water is cold, and the footing is slippery. Flash flooding and hypothermia are constant dangers. Appropriate planning, proper equipment, and sound judgment are essential for a safe and successful trip. Your safety is your responsibility.

Come prepared with sturdy footwear that provide ankle support. Inappropriate footwear often results in twisted ankles and crushed toes among the river rocks. Hiking poles are also very helpful. Multiple layers of moisture-wicking clothing (not cotton!) are essential. Cooler temps in the canyon, combined with the cold water can leave you shivering on a 100-degree day.

Description

This is the easiest way to experience The Narrows. Ride the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava, and use the restroom facilities before embarking - there are no facilities in the Narrows. Start along Riverside Walk, which works its way north, along the shores of the Virgin River. Along the way, you'll have awesome views of the river itself, as well as some ultra lush "hanging gardens" Zion is famous for.

At the end of Riverside Walk, begin wading upstream into the Narrows. Use caution as you move upstream given the slippery and uneven nature of the river bottom. There is no formal destination (turn around whenever you feel like it), and you return the same way you came. The route mapped here turns back on itself at Orderville Canyon, a tributary stream approximately two hours upstream from the end of Riverside Walk (2.5 miles from the shuttle stop).

Along the way to Orderville Canyon, you'll be continuously awestruck by the peculiarity of this narrow and incredibly deep canyon. The sandstone walls of the canyon flow overhead like the water that carved them into existence.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Zion National Park

Shared By:

Brian Smith with improvements by Jesse Weber
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 337 votes

#2

in Zion Canyon

#14

Overall
  4.9 from 337 votes
5 Star
89%
4 Star
9%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Zion Canyon

#2

in Utah

#14

Overall
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32,797 Since Feb 10, 2015
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Photos

Hiking through the Narrows
Jan 18, 2016 near Springdale, UT
The Narrows, Zion National Park
Feb 3, 2016 near Springdale, UT
The Narrows, Zion National Park.
Feb 3, 2016 near Springdale, UT
The Narrows.
Aug 18, 2015 near Springdale, UT
Night sky in the Zion Narrows at Campsite 8, Zion National Park.
Feb 3, 2016 near Springdale, UT
The Narrows
Feb 10, 2015 near Springdale, UT

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Check-Ins

Mar 5, 2024
Peter Rojek
best hike ever loved the water
Dec 16, 2023
Lauren Bricker
443 ft elevation gain 8.7mi — 7h 02m
Nov 25, 2023
Grace Gordon
Nov 9, 2023
Claire Finley
Epic.
Oct 12, 2023
Tyler salah
5.1mi
Oct 7, 2023
Ashley Zagari
love this 4.1mi — 4h 00m
Sep 20, 2023
Joseph Sirriannia
Great hike, water was high. Spectacular views 2.5mi — 2h 15m
Sep 17, 2023
Joseph Horton

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