The Narrows Zion National Park
Hike through the Virgin River in Zion's iconic slot canyon, surrounded by towering sandstone walls. A truly unique and adventurous experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warmer water, fewer crowds
The Narrows Zion National Park
Best Time
Warmer water, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through the Virgin River in Zion's iconic slot canyon, surrounded by towering sandstone walls. A truly unique and adventurous experience.
"An unforgettable experience hiking through the Virgin River with breathtaking views!"
Check Ranger Updates First
Always confirm conditions with a ranger; the Narrows can close unexpectedly due to flash floods. ⚠️
Rent Proper Footwear
Water shoes with good grip and a hiking stick are crucial for navigating slippery river rocks. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.9 · 709 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Virgin River Hike
Virgin River
Trek through the iconic Virgin River, surrounded by towering canyon walls. An unforgettable aquatic adventure.
Wall Street Section
After the bifurcation
Experience the most dramatic part of the Narrows, where canyon walls narrow to just 20-30 feet wide.
Bifurcation Point
River junction
Decide whether to take the left or right fork, each offering unique perspectives and challenges.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Conditions Before You Go
Gear Up for the River
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Narrows to Wall Street plus Canyon Overlook doable in one day?
Hi, I'm planning to do one day in Zion next week and trying to plan the itinerary. I'll likely get to the park around 11am as I'm staying in Hurricane and really not a morning person. Ideally I'd like to do the bottom-up Narrows hike to Wall street as well as the Canyon…
Check Ranger Updates First
Always confirm conditions with a ranger; the Narrows can close unexpectedly due to flash floods. ⚠️
Rent Proper Footwear
Water shoes with good grip and a hiking stick are crucial for navigating slippery river rocks. :athletic_shoe:
The Narrows - went yesterday
Recommend going early. We were in the river about 9:00. Very few people - you could actually take a picture without anyone in it. 3 hours later headed back it was packed. Not the same experience.
Help for newbie
We are going to Zion from Durango CO in July. I thought maybe we would stay in Hurricane but now I am overwhelmed because I don’t know which entrance to take to the park. We have one full day in the park. What should we do? We are 65 year olds who are fit and can hike. That…
Waterproof Your Gear
Use a dry bag for your phone and valuables; water can reach waist-high. 
Go Early or Late
Beat the crowds by arriving early or staying later. The further you go, the fewer people you'll see. :clock1:
Staying at Springdale vs Hurricane + general advice
Hi, folks! Just starting to plan a NP road trip; we will be hitting Zion NP probably at the very end of April. I realize, some of the trails may not yet open, but it's mostly dictated by when recess is at my son's school. I'm planning to stay a couple days in Zion, rough plan…
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Ranger Updates First
Always confirm conditions with a ranger; the Narrows can close unexpectedly due to flash floods. ⚠️
Rent Proper Footwear
Water shoes with good grip and a hiking stick are crucial for navigating slippery river rocks. :athletic_shoe:
Waterproof Your Gear
Use a dry bag for your phone and valuables; water can reach waist-high.
Go Early or Late
Beat the crowds by arriving early or staying later. The further you go, the fewer people you'll see. :clock1:
Bring Spare Socks
Your feet will get wet! Having dry socks for the end of the hike is a game-changer. :socks:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Narrows offers an unforgettable, unique hiking experience through the Virgin River, with towering canyon walls providing breathtaking scenery. Visitors rave about the adventure and the dramatic 'Wall Street' section. However, be prepared for slippery rocks, cold water, and significant crowds, especially at the beginning of the trail.
"A long walking 4+ hours through the Virgin River in the Zion canyon will make you an unforgettable experience. The canyon is huge and you find many beautiful views along the way. Bring boots or sport sneakers since you will need to walk in the water. Recommend a spare socks to use after you finish the hike.
Don’t miss the very narrow section which is 500m way after you get to the bifurcation. I enjoyed the right path much more than left path of the bifurcation."
Bruce
"This is a very cool hike and worth it! It says it takes up to 8 hours, and it can depending on what you want to do and how far you want to go. I recommend some good boots and a hiking pole.
I didn’t rent the fancy pants, I went in leggings and a long sleeve. I also didn’t bring a water proof bag, I used my backpack. The water did get up my belly button (I’m 65 inches tall). I think this hike is awesome and would recommend but beware, the rocks are slippery and it’s easy to fall. It is very busy at the beginning and the first part of it but the further you go the less and less people there are."
Megan Yem
"One of the most popular spot of the park due to its peculiarity: you will cross the river several times and even up to your waist.
The water is cold and rocks can be slippery making progression slow.
The entire trail is said to be eight hours long, but you can just turn back when you want, and I think it’s worth getting your feetsies wet to enjoy the panorama.
Local shops will lend you poles and waterproof shoes if you want them, but they’re not required. Just have good shoes, spare socks, waterproof bags to avoid losing precious items to the water. Have like a running shorts, I even saw people in swimming suit.
Great and fun but very, very crowded and therefore killing the vibe a bit."
Mr Blue
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to The Narrows is typically via the Zion Canyon Shuttle. Take the shuttle to the last stop, the Temple of Sinawava. From there, it's a short paved walk to the river's edge, which marks the start of the hike.
Yes, during peak season (typically March through November), the Zion Canyon Shuttle is mandatory to access the scenic drive, including the trailhead for The Narrows. Private vehicles are not allowed.
No, private vehicles are prohibited on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive for most of the year. You must use the mandatory Zion Canyon Shuttle to reach the Temple of Sinawava, the starting point for The Narrows hike.
The closest major airport is Las Vegas (LAS), about a 3-hour drive. You can rent a car or take a shuttle service. Driving is the most common way to reach Zion from surrounding areas.
Parking in Springdale (the town adjacent to Zion) is limited and can fill up early. Consider parking at the Zion Visitor Center if you arrive early, or utilize town shuttles and walk to the park entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For day hikes from the bottom-up (the most common way), no permit is required. However, if you plan to hike the full Narrows from the top-down, a permit is mandatory and can be difficult to obtain due to high demand.
The Narrows is open 24/7, but access is dependent on weather and river conditions. The Zion Canyon Shuttle operates on a schedule, typically from early morning to late evening. Always check current conditions.
There is no entrance fee specifically for hiking The Narrows itself, but you will need to pay the standard Zion National Park entrance fee (per vehicle or per person). Gear rentals are an additional cost.
Top-down Narrows permits are released on a lottery system months in advance. Check the Zion NPS website for specific application dates and procedures. Day-before permits are also available.
For the popular bottom-up day hike, no advance booking is needed. However, for the top-down hike, advance booking via lottery is highly recommended, as permits are limited.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A bottom-up day hike can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on how far you go and your pace. The full top-down hike is a strenuous overnight trip requiring a permit.
Water depth varies greatly, from ankle-deep to waist-deep (or even chest-deep for shorter individuals). The deepest point is typically around 4 feet. Always be prepared for the water level to change.
There are no restrooms within the river section of The Narrows. There are restrooms at the Temple of Sinawava trailhead before you enter the river. Plan accordingly.
It can be challenging for young children due to slippery rocks and cold water. Older children who are good swimmers and comfortable with uneven terrain may enjoy it. Always supervise closely.
Wear quick-drying clothing. Avoid cotton. Water shoes with good traction are essential. Consider renting neoprene socks and pants if hiking in cooler weather.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the canyon walls. Midday sun can be harsh.
Use a waterproof camera or a reliable dry bag. Be mindful of water splashes and submersion. Consider a wrist strap for added security.
The 'Wall Street' section, where the canyon narrows significantly, is incredibly photogenic. Also, look for unique rock formations and the play of light and shadow on the canyon walls.
Tripods can be cumbersome in the water and on slippery rocks. Consider a lightweight, portable tripod or focus on handheld shots. Be considerate of other hikers.
Focus on the scale of the canyon walls, the textures of the rock, and the reflections in the water. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the grandeur.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit