How to Hike the Narrows in Zion

One of the unique features of the amazing Zion National Park is something called the Narrows. It’s 16 miles long and you’re looking straight up at canyon walls where the Virgin River has been carving for thousands of years. The river is still flowing quite nicely through there, which means if you want to hike up the Narrows, you will be walking in the Virgin River. Here are some different ways of doing it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Hiking boots with ankle support
• Walking stick
• Quick dry shorts
• Water
• Snack
• For longer hikes:
• Warm clothes
• More food and water
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Plastic bags for waterproofing gear
• Trash bags for packing out food scraps and toilet paper
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat (near Chamberlain's Ranch the hike is exposed)
• Topographic map (available for purchase at Visitor Centers)

1. Don’t even THINK about doing it in the winter. I saw people try it in late April and their feet had turned bright red because the water was frigid even then. And it’s rushing like crazy from winter melt-off. This is a SUMMER endeavor. Now that we have that out of the way…
2. You can do it the semi-easy way: plan on going only a few hours and a short distance. Set a time that you want to turn around by and stick to it. I call it “semi” easy because walking on a riverbed is tricky and not a stroll in the park. No permit is required.
3. Wear either sturdy grippy tennis shoes or hiking boots you don’t mind getting completely soaked. Or you can rent special boots in Springdale right outside the park for just this very special task (I’ve heard mixed things about them—ask around). DO NOT WEAR SANDALS OR TEVAS. You will end up with cut or crushed toes.
4. BRING A HIKING STICK OR HIKING POLES. Between the river current and the many, many algae-covered rocks on the river bottom, you will constantly be losing your balance. Frequently walking sticks are deposited at the end of the Riverside Walk.
5. There is another way of exploring the Narrows: from the north of the park at Chamberlain’s Ranch. It offers the most spectacular views of the Narrows but it’s for serious hikers only: it’s strenuous and 16 miles long, often waist-deep in the water. Most who do it this way spend one night camping in the middle of the trip. There are 12 numbered campsites, and a permit is required if you want to go this way. Contact Zion Park for the details and instructions.
6. And then for the completely gonzo hikers among you, yes, you can try and hike it in a day from Chamberlain’s Ranch. It will take you 12 hours. You need a permit, a lot of daylight and a huge amount of stamina.

Tips & Warnings

• This is a fantastic thing to do on a hot day—and it gets hot in Zion in the summer. Even if you go only a short distance, it’s very refreshing.
• Many hikers try to reach Orderville Canyon, a tributary creek approximately 2 hours upstream from the end of the paved trail. In the vicinity of Orderville Canyon, the Narrows are truly majestic.
• Zion does offer a shuttle service to Chamberlain’s Ranch, which is private property by the way. There is also a Back Country Shuttle Board in the Zion Visitors Center.
• There are no restrooms in the Narrows, use the ones at the Riverside Trailhead before starting.
• Besides the strong currents, there is the danger of flash flooding (the result of July and August thunderstorms). Get the weather forecast before you start out.
• Bring enough food and water for the length of your journey. The water of the Virgin River is not safe to drink. You’ll need to filter it or treat it.
• Bring a jacket for any hike in the Narrows—it’s cool and breezy up in the canyon.
• Line your pack with a plastic bag to protect your stuff. Put your camera in a sealable plastic bag as well. You will fall in the water.