The most visited national park in Utah has one of the most unique hiking experiences in the National Park system. The Narrows of Zion National Park is a 9.4 miles bottom-up hike from the Temple of Sinawava to Big Springs and a 16-mile top-down hike from Chamberlain’s Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava. The hike requires wading through or walking along the Virgin River to experience 2,000-foot-high canyon walls that will squeeze together as close as 20 feet. This is a strenuous hike— to complete the top-down hike, it’s best to spend the night in a designated camping area.
Popular Day Hike (6.0 Miles Round Trip / 6-8 Hours)
From the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop, walk along the paved Riverside Walk (1 mile). From here you start the river wading portion of the hike and will return the same way. There is no actual destination, so you can turn around at any point. It’s important to identify landmarks along the way. Many hikers try to reach Wall Street / Orderville Canyon, which is a six-mile round-trip day hike. If you wanted to continue to Big Spring, the total hike is closer to 10 miles. Day hikes do not require a permit.
The Narrows – End to End (16 Miles One Way / 1-2 Days)
To hike the entire length of The Narrows, you must apply for a wilderness permit from the national park office and be in great physical shape. You can complete the hike in 12 hours from the Temple of Sinawava to Chamberlain’s Ranch. To truly enjoy the experience, consider camping at one of the dozen designated camping areas and completing the hike in two days. Plan your transportation in advance, public shuttle service is not available to and from Chamberlain’s Ranch.
When to Go
Factoring in the water temperature and current, most hikers plan their trip from late spring through summer. Typically, the water levels are too high until late May/early June.
What to Bring
This is not a trail to choose on a whim. With a little planning you will have a much better experience. Wear lighter weight, close-toed shoes. Your footwear will get waterlogged and you will be walking on very uneven surfaces in the river. For balance, bring a walking stick / trekking poles. There is a very good chance that sections of the river will be at least waist deep. Waterproofing your valuables and electronics is critical. Lastly, bring plenty of water and consider bringing a lunch to enjoy at the halfway point of your hike. This will also give you a chance to remove your shoes and wring out your socks before making the return trip or continuing your journey.
Other Zion National Park Hikes:
– Riverside Walk (2.2 miles roundtrip / easy – paved trail)
– Watchmen Trail (3.3 miles roundtrip / moderate – maintained trail)
– Canyon Overlook Trail (1.0 miles roundtrip / moderate – maintained trail)
– Angel’s Landing Trail (5.0 miles roundtrip / strenuous – some steep rock faces)
Getting There
Zion National Park is located near Springdale, Utah. From March through late November the free shuttle runs daily between Zion Canyon and the town of Springdale. The Zion Visitor Center is just over a mile from Springdale. To get to the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop, it will take approximately 45 minutes.
There are two shuttle loops. The Zion Canyon Shuttle connects the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to stops at nine locations on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The Springdale Shuttle has nine stops in the town of Springdale.
Bonus: Stay at the Zion Lodge and book a room in the main lodge or a private cabin. Eat at the Red Rock Grill Dining Room at the Zion Lodge. There are also three campgrounds in the park: Lava Point Campground, South Campground and Watchman Campground.
Zion National Park Visitors Center
1101 Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
Hurricane, UT 84737
