Do I need a permit to hike the Narrows?
Not for the bottom-up hike from the Temple of Sinawava. You can hike upstream as far as Big Spring without a permit.
The Narrows is not a trail - it is a river. You walk upstream through the Virgin River in a slot canyon with walls up to 1,000 feet tall and passages as narrow as 20 feet.
Activities
Most people do the bottom-up route from the Temple of Sinawava. Walk the paved Riverside Walk for a mile, then step into the river and start heading upstream.
Trip planning details
That depends on your comfort level and time. A one-hour wade past the Riverside Walk gives you a real taste of the slot canyon.
Wall Street, about 2 miles in, is where the canyon narrows dramatically.
Big Spring at 5 miles is the turnaround for permit-free hiking and makes a full-day adventure.
What to bring
Closed-toe shoes with good grip, neoprene socks, a walking stick or trekking poles, synthetic layers, and a dry bag make the experience much better.
Why trust this guide
The Narrows closes when the Virgin River exceeds 150 CFS or when the National Weather Service issues a flash flood warning.
Always check the USGS river flow gauge before you go.
Tips
- Check conditions the night before.
- Start early.
- Morning is better than afternoon.
- Eat before you go.
- Pick up rentals in Springdale.
- Bring a backup plan.
When to go
Late June through September is the typical window when conditions are most likely to cooperate.
Spring often sees extended closures due to snowmelt.
Fall offers cooler temperatures and smaller crowds, but the water is cold and days are shorter.
Stay planning
The Narrows makes a great anchor for a Zion day from Duck Creek Village Inn. Pair it with a rest day near the village.