The Narrows from the Bottom Up

The Narrows is home to a variety of plants, animals, and incredible sights.

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Hiking upstream in The Narrows does not require a permit. You can hike as far as Big Spring – a 9.4 mile out-and-back trip. This route allows you to see some of the most spectacular and narrow parts of the canyon.

The Virgin River Narrows is extremely beautiful, but it is challenging. At least 60% of the hike is spent wading, walking, and sometimes swimming in the river. The water is cold and fast-flowing, and the riverbed is mostly large, slippery boulders. Use appropriate equipment and clothing to help protect you. Visit our Narrows Safety page for safety tips and recommended gear.

The Narrows is about the journey, not the destination. There is no one “viewpoint” or "best spot." The entire hike is beautiful, with dozens of seeps, springs, plants, animals, and unique formations along the way. So, hike for a few minutes or a few hours, then turn around and return to the trailhead.

To enter the bottom of The Narrows, head to Temple of Sinawava. Then, walk the Riverside Walk trail (about 1 mile in length). At the end of the paved trail, you will enter the river. This point marks the beginning of The Narrows.

Details

• Starting Location: Temple of Sinawava (Shuttle Stop 9)
  • The trailhead is adjacent to restrooms and a water-filling station.
• Pets: Not allowed
• Distance (round trip): up to 9.4 mi (15.1 km)
• Elevation: 334 ft (102 m)
• Estimated Hiking Time: 1-8 hours
• Permits: Permits are not required

Safety

Plan ahead and know what to expect before hiking into the Narrows. There are no bathrooms on the hike, so use the ones at the trailhead and bring human waste disposal bags just in case.

Before your hike, always check the weather and flash flood potential. This hike is not recommended if there is a chance of rain in the forecast. Flash floods are deadly, and high water levels can sometimes prevent navigation.

Orderville Canyon

Orderville Canyon, a tributary that flows into the Narrows about two miles up the hike, is a common destination for hikers. Upstream travel in Orderville Canyon is not allowed after ¼ mile. Hikers wishing to experience the upper end of Orderville Canyon must acquire a canyoneering permit and enter from the top. Canyoneering groups are limited to a maximum of 12 people.

Top-Down Information

The information above is for an out-and-back hike up the Virgin River Narrows from the bottom, which can be up to ~9.4 miles in length. Visitors who plan to hike ~16 miles top-down through The Narrows will need a Wilderness Permit.