The Narrows - Bottom Up Route
Trail
5.1 mile
8.2 kilometer
loop
Intermediate
Elevation
Ascent:
305'
93 m
Descent: -305' -93 m
High: 4,656' 1,419 m
Low: 4,456' 1,358 m
Grade
Avg Grade: 2% (1°)
Max Grade: 8% (4°)
Dogs
No Dogs
Weather
Getting forecast...
Current trail conditions
All Clear
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“2000-foot sandstone walls usher visitors through one of the best experiences in Zion NP.”
— Brian Smith
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.
In 2010, The Virgin River was designated as a Wild and Scenic River, preserving and protecting this unique body of water in its natural and free-flowing state. Please adhere to these NPS rules and regulations to minimize you impacts while visiting the Narrows.
Overview
While there are many incredible sights and stops in Zion National Park, few are as well known as The Narrow. 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. The Narrows, with its soaring walls, sandstone grottos, natural springs, and hanging gardens can be an unforgettable wilderness experience.
The Narrows is not a hike to be underestimated. Hiking The Narrows means hiking in the Virgin River. At least 60 percent of the way is spent wading, navigating, and sometimes swimming in the river. There is no maintained trail because the route is the river. The current is swift, the water is cold, and the rocks underfoot are 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.
The Narrows is one of the most popular areas in Zion National Park. This route leads from the Temple of Sinawava to Orderville Canyon and back again.
The Narrows is not a hike to be underestimated. Hiking The Narrows means hiking in the Virgin River. At least 60 percent of the way is spent wading, navigating, and sometimes swimming in the river. There is no maintained trail because the route is the river. The current is swift, the water is cold, and the rocks underfoot are 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.
The Narrows is one of the most popular areas in Zion National Park. This route leads from the Temple of Sinawava to Orderville Canyon and back again.
Need to Know
Flash floods, often caused by storms miles away, are a real danger and can be life threatening. During a flash flood, the water level rises quickly, within minutes or even seconds. A flash flood can rush down a canyon in a wall of water 12 feet high or more.
Continuously evaluate weather conditions. If bad weather threatens, avoid traveling in a slot canyon. Watch for these indications of a flash flood:
-Any deterioration in weather conditions
-Build up of clouds or sounds of thunder
-Sudden changes in water clarity
The Narrows is like navigating on slippery bowling balls. It requires balancing on algae-coated rocks in the middle of a swiftly flowing river. Sturdy footwear is essential. Hiking boots with good ankle support are best. Inappropriate footwear often results in twisted ankles and crushed toes.
Lastly, cotton kills! Wear moisture wicking clothing and bring layers. Lower temps in the narrows, coupled with cold water, can have you shivering on a 100° day.
Continuously evaluate weather conditions. If bad weather threatens, avoid traveling in a slot canyon. Watch for these indications of a flash flood:
-Any deterioration in weather conditions
-Build up of clouds or sounds of thunder
-Sudden changes in water clarity
The Narrows is like navigating on slippery bowling balls. It requires balancing on algae-coated rocks in the middle of a swiftly flowing river. Sturdy footwear is essential. Hiking boots with good ankle support are best. Inappropriate footwear often results in twisted ankles and crushed toes.
Lastly, cotton kills! Wear moisture wicking clothing and bring layers. Lower temps in the narrows, coupled with cold water, can have you shivering on a 100° 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, hikers will 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. This route turns back on itself at Orderville Canyon, a tributary creek 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.
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. This route turns back on itself at Orderville Canyon, a tributary creek 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.
Flora & Fauna
Visitors are often surprised by the relative lushness found in Zion Canyon. The riparian area of the Virgin River supports enormous cottonwood trees and a diversity of herbaceous plants and grasses. Nearby, saturated wetlands make nice habitat for cattails, willows, aquatic plants, and rushes. Water seeping out of the Navajo sandstone creates tranquil springs and the unique hanging gardens for which Zion is famous.
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History & Background
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Contacts
Land Manager: National Park Service - Zion National Park
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Check-Ins
May 30, 2019
Lindsay McNutt
Mostly paved. High traffic. Wheelchair friendly with a little help. Narrows close when water is too high.
2mi
Sep 30, 2018
Karlyn Wilkes
Started raining on us at the end so we had to hussel out! Definitely go into the slot canyon on the right hand side and you’re going out.
4mi
—
3h 20m
Sep 29, 2018
Veeee Veee
Went to the wye. Early is good as it gets very crowded. Wet pants were used but I probably could have just waded. Wet shoes and stick needed.
Sep 3, 2018
Allison Morrissey
Explored Canyon to the right at the first fork, pays to go early in the morning to beat crowds.
7mi
Aug 13, 2018
Derek Lenardos
Walked to just below Wallstreet and headed back. Very nice walk. Can check if the bucket list.
3mi
Aug 11, 2018
Manya Gradus
A walk which humbled my size and embraced the mountains height. It’s wandering waters was filled with color rocks and wildlife flying above us.
2mi
Jul 22, 2018
Lamere Buchanan
Amazing. Began at 7:30 AM with Kia and it was fantastic. Started the tracker when I got to narrows and ended it at the end of the river walk trail.
5.9mi
Jul 18, 2018
Hollywood58 Woodward
Amazing!!! Water was muddy from recent floods, flowing 56cfm. Traveled all the way down and when we hiked back, water rose about a foot and was faster
17mi
Jul 9, 2018
Allison Wilkerson
With Rosy Garibay, made it past Orderville Canyon & turned around since she had to drive back to Salt Lake City
Jun 26, 2018
Pat S
We started walking in the water about a mile earlier than the hoards of people. I’m glad we did that I’m glad we had that time with no crowds
Jun 13, 2018
Kari Slominski
Went 2.5 mi to the fork and skinniest spot. Very enjoyable hike, definitely smart to rent the river boots and walking stick!
Jun 4, 2018
Sarah Woods
This description doesn't include the 5 miles into the narrows you can go, taking the hike to 10 miles + rt
Jan 12, 2018
Caleb Rains
WOW!! This is a MUST hike in the off-season; you have the whole river to yourself. Shoulder-to-shoulder in summer...
5.1mi
Jan 2, 2018
Abe Ferraro
Amazing adventure...you really understand your fragility and smallness in the awe of the Narrows!
14mi
—
6h 00m
Nov 28, 2017
Mt. Zack Rodman
A must in Zion!!! I prefer to wait till the season slows to fully enjoy this. Only seen about 30 ppl.
Nov 19, 2017
cakohl
Rented waders and canyoneering boots. Having the boots makes this hike go literally twice as fast compared to the trail runners I did it in in Sept.
10.2mi
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