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blue The Narrows - Bottom Up Route

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  4.8 ( 193 )
FEATURED
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  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southwestern Utah
  4. …Zion National Park
  5. Zion Canyon
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Trail

5.1 mile 8.2 kilometer loop
Singletrack
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
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Trail shared by Brian Smith

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Current trail conditions

Bad / Closed 35 days ago See History

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Access Issues Overview Description Need to Know Flora & Fauna History
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“2000-foot sandstone walls usher visitors through one of the best experiences in Zion NP.”

— Brian Smith
GPX File

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.

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.

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.

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.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Zion National Park

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Check-Ins

Jun 13, 2019
David Lucyga
7h 45m
May 30, 2019
Lindsay McNutt
Mostly paved. High traffic. Wheelchair friendly with a little help. Narrows close when water is too high. 2mi
May 25, 2019
Sarah Donath
May 4, 2019
Greg Mutchler
Closed today
Apr 1, 2019
Ken Holt
Mar 17, 2019
Matthew Ballard
Feb 10, 2019
Mengying Wang
Dec 29, 2018
Jessica Tran
6mi
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 193 votes

#2

in Zion Canyon

#7

Overall
  4.8 from 193 votes
5 Star
86%
4 Star
11%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Rankings

#2

in Zion Canyon

#2

in Utah

#7

Overall
269 Views Last Month
25,370 Since Feb 10, 2015
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Photos

Hiking through the Narrows
Hiking through the Narrows
 18
The Narrows, Zion National Park
The Narrows, Zion National Park
 9
The Narrows, Zion National Park.
The Narrows, Zion National Park.
 7
Night sky in the Zion Narrows at Campsite 8, Zion National Park.
Night sky in the Zion Narrows at Campsite 8, Zi…
 9
The Narrows
The Narrows
 10
Starting your journey from the Temple of Sinawava along Riverside Walk.
Starting your journey from the Temple of Sinawa…
 3

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