The Narrows: Bottom-Up Route

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

While there are many incredible sights and stops in Zion National Park, few are as well known as The Narrows. 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. Hiking among the soaring walls, sandstone grottos, natural springs, and hanging gardens makes an unforgettable wilderness experience.

The Narrows is one of the most popular areas in Zion National Park. This route leads from the mouth of The Narrows to the Orderville Canyon junction and back again.

The Narrows is not a hike to be underestimated. Entering The Narrows means hiking in the Virgin River. At least 60 percent of the way is spent wading, navigating, and sometimes swimming in the flowing water. There is no maintained trail because the route is the river. The current is swift, the water is cold, and the footing is 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.

Come prepared with sturdy footwear that provide ankle support. Inappropriate footwear often results in twisted ankles and crushed toes among the river rocks. Hiking poles are also very helpful. Multiple layers of moisture-wicking clothing (not cotton!) are essential. Cooler temps in the canyon, combined with the cold water can leave you shivering on a 100-degree day.

This route is not one that would, or could for that matter, be run by anyone less than a superhuman. That said, it is one of the best routes in Zion and is worth showcasing.

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, you'll 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. The route mapped here turns back on itself at Orderville Canyon, a tributary stream 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.