The Narrows: Zion National Park

Millions of years of sediment carried into an ancient lake. An uplift of the earth causing higher cliffs, providing streams a stronger cutting force. Winds to sculpt and frozen water to chisel out God’s great cathedral. Whether you believe in a supreme creator or not, the Narrows  in Zion  is awe inspiring.

Distance: 16 miles (Top Down)
Starting-Point: Chamberlain’s Ranch (Must car shuttle)
Difficulty: River Hiking/ unsure footing slows down progress significantly
Permits: You are required to have a permit to hike the Narrows-top down. Even if you are doing it in one day. Make Reservations   &  Map of the Narrow’s Campsites
Gear Tips: I rented the moon boots from the Zion outfitters and I lost about 3 toenails from my foot sliding and hitting the top. No fun. The other times I did it was just tennis shoes. I was much happier. I have seen people go in chacos, but I don’t think I ever will. The North Fork Virgin River has small rocks that creep into your shoes. Once Kolob creek joins the main river, I feel like the rocks are larger, like big bowling balls, that you slip to the side, real ankle breakers.

The Hike

Many experience this hike bike getting off at the last shuttle stop at the Temple of Sinawava. There is a paved river walkway to the canyon opening of the narrows. From there you walk up the Narrows in the river. Many people play along the way and only go a couple of miles up. This makes this part of the canyon very crowded.

Hike 2.5 miles up to Orderville canyon. This canyon diverges to your right (hiking up the river). It is a fun little slot canyon.  Continuing all the way up the main canyon to Big Springs will give you some of the greatest views of the the Narrows.

I love hiking the entire narrows from the top down. We started the day early, in the heat of July. The first part is smaller river, but once you get into the larger river, there are some fun pools. I would try and reserve any of the campsites from 5-10, which gives you a more leisure hiking experience, the following day.

Take your time. The cliffs are gorgeous.