The Narrows of Zion National Park
Imagine tall slot canyons that are made up of sandstone, shale, and limestone, that have been carved out over generations by the flow of the Virgin river, with its eroding ability. This is exactly what happened in Zion National Park, with the Narrows.
It created the stunning 16 miles long canyon, that we know as the Narrows Zion. It shares a home with Angles Landing within Zion National Park.
Wait, I heard It Could Be Dangerous?
Like any destination, you always need to take precautions with nature, weather, and being prepared. Since the Narrows is located in water as you navigate a canyon that narrows to a few feet in some parts.
It comes down to how safe it will be all will depend on the choices you make when it comes to weather, when, how far, and how prepared you are for it.
Let’s Take A Look at the Narrows Zion
The USA has 63 National Parks and over 10,000 state parks. So that is a lot of nature for something to happen too. This could be to animal attacks to pure accidents, sometimes things will happen. Zion National Park is no different from seeing accidents, sadly. In most cases, it all comes down to your decisions.
The Narrows Zion has claimed lives in the past from hypothermia in November, to unexpected flash floods. Depending on what hike you do, either the top to bottom (permit required) or the bottom to top hike, the gear you take and time of year can make all of the difference. When in doubt, ask the Rangers.
How the Narrows Zion Were Formed
Okay my nerds, here is the part you know you are interested in. To answer this question, first we need to look at Zion National Park and how that was formed.
At the edge of the Colorado Plateau, sits Zion, which has had a long time to find its way to what we see today. Around 240 million years ago, the area of Zion was near the sea and saw the process of sedimentation occur over thousands of years. Limestone was formed from the sea beds, sandstone from the desert sand, and mud helped to form shale for example. All of these created layers to form the unique geology mixture that became Zion.
Slowly, uplifting caused the Zion area to go from a low elevation to an increased one. When the area uplifted, it gave the rivers and streams a greater force to move downward. The steeper a river is, the more force it has to cut or erode rocks as well as carry larger sediment pieces, such as boulders during flash floods.
This now takes us to the Virgin River that has the great pleasure of creating the narrows. From narrow slot canyons to more opened areas, the Virgin river has created these massive tall canyons along a 18 mile stretch.
Best Time of Year for The Narrows Hike in Zion
Most destinations will tell you spring or fall is the perfect time, but for the Narrows, it can be said to do the opposite. That is, go during the summer months of late May to early September.
You will want to aim for the hotter months due to the colder water and high canyon walls that will protect you most of the time for the sun. What you don’t want is to wait till Monsoon season or try it during potential chances of rain.
Below you will see the best times to visit and what you will expect.
| Risk | Time of Year | Flow Expected | Will it be busy? |
| High *Water Temp | Winter | Medium-High | No |
| Highest *Water Temp & High Flow | Spring | Highest | No |
| Low *Potential Monsoons | Summer | Low | Yes |
| Lowest | Fall | Lowest | No |
Which Hike To Choose?
Higher water levels will mean more energy will be needed to hike up it and eventually back out. Plan how far you wish to go before and what smaller slot canyons you might want to see along the hike. Find out if you need a permit or more below!
Bottom-Up Narrows Hike
- Length: 0 – 5
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Time: 1 – 8 hours
- Permit: No
- Location: Start at Temple of Sinawava via the Zions Riverwalk.
- Best For: families, inexperienced hikers, and those that wish to just have a nice day hike.
Top-Down Narrows Hike
Wilderness & Canyoneering Permit:
https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/narrowspermits.htm https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/canyoneeringpermits.htm
Top-Down The Narrows Day Hike (Permit Required)
- Length: 17 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenous
- Permit: Yes
- Location: Start at Chamberlain’s Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava via the Zions Riverwalk.
- Best For: experienced hikers since you will hike all 17 miles within a day.
Top-Down The Narrows Overnight Trip (Permit Required)
- Length: 17 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenous
- Permit: Yes
- Acquired from the Zion National Parks Visitor’s center at their Wilderness Desk, or online.
- Limits to overnight permits to 40 people per day.
- Location: Start at Chamberlain’s Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava via the Zions Riverwalk.
- Best For: moderate to experienced hikers since you will be camping overnight.
The Shuttle
Check The Weather
This can be one of the most important things to not only do, but to adhere too. If the weather isn’t good or there is a high potential for flash floods, then don’t take the risk.
Current Conditions: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Now Check The Water Flow
Like the table above, certain years will have different flows. Not only that, but storms in other areas of the state can affect the Virgin River.
By affect, I mean not only the flow can increase, but this also means the level of water will increase as well as the contents in the water. More storms will be more runoff and thus the water will have a low clarity due to sediments and small debris from the upper portion of the river.
Take it from us, this happened to us. It didn’t stop the hike for us but wasn’t the most ideal. Would we do it again, yes we would!
Oh The Joys Of Proper Gear
Proper gear is the second most important thing you need to consider after the weather.
Rental Options: https://www.zionguru.com/narrows-rental-equipment
What you should use or rent:
- Sitwell River Shoes
- 4mm Neoprene Socks
- Hiking Poles or Walking Pole
- Dry Bib (Colder Seasons)
- Backpack for socks, water, and bags to take out your trash.
Don’t Forget The Drinks and Snacks
Even if you only plan to do a few miles, make sure you bring extra water and snacks. Once you are in the canyon, there is no way for you to get out without going back the way you came.
Extra Facts and Tips
- Start early for less of a crowd and the farther you go in, the less people you will see.
- Wall Street is where most people will stop and take pictures, so don’t be afraid to go a bit father and see how the slot canyons are without people.
- Best not to do the hike after a big rain or before one, due to flash floods or debris.
Other Hikes To Consider
- Emerald Pools Trail
- ~1 Mile hike that is great for families
- Will take you past some springs and small pools
- Paved
- Watchman Trail
- ~3.5 Miles round trip
- ~350 feet elevation gain
- Unpaved
- Good for families
- Can see part of the beginning of the canyon
- Kayenta Trail
- ~ 2 Miles
- Connected to the Lower Emerald Pools
- Rated as moderate
- Unpaved
- High drop offs along the trail
- Pa’Rus Trail
- ~2 Miles long one way
- Paved
- Easy to Moderate
- Best for early morning or evening due to lack of shade
Don’t Forget To Pin For Later!
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