The Narrows from the Top Down

Important Note

The information below is for the 16-mile hike down from Chamberlain's Ranch. This is a permitted hike that begins outside the park. If you wish to hike The Narrows starting from Zion Canyon, visit our "The Narrows from the Bottom Up" page. The bottom-up route does not require a permit.

 

Slot canyons provide an experience unlike any other. However, preparation is needed for the cold water and difficult terrain.

NPS Photo

The Virgin River has carved a spectacular gorge in the upper reaches of Zion Canyon: 16 miles long, up to 1,000 feet deep, and at times only 30 feet wide. Walking in the shadow of soaring walls, sandstone grottos, natural springs, and hanging gardens can be an unforgettable wilderness experience.

However, this is not a trip to be underestimated. When hiking down the Virgin River Narrows, at least 80% of the route is spent wading, walking, and swimming sections of the river. There is no maintained trail – the river is the route. The current is swift, the water is cold, and the rocks underfoot are slippery. Flash flooding and hypothermia are constant dangers. Good planning, proper equipment, and sound judgment are essential for a safe and successful trip. Visit our Narrows Safety page for recommendations and safety tips.

Hikers can complete the Virgin River Narrows as a single-day through-hike or as a two-day overnight backpacking trip. Both trips require a Wildness Permit. Visit our Virgin River Narrows Permits page for information.

• Starting Location: Chamberlain’s Ranch
  • Learn how to arrange transportation to Chamberlain's Ranch.
• Ending Location: Temple of Sinawava (Shuttle Stop 9)
• Pets: Not allowed
• Distance: 16 mi (26 km) one way
• Elevation: 1,300 ft (400 m)
• Estimated Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
  • This time can be split over two days with an overnight backpacking permit.
• Permits: Wilderness permits are required
  • Visit our Virgin River Narrows Permits page for more information.

Virgin River Narrows Conditions

The Narrows is a hike through a river. Water levels in the Virgin River Narrows range from ankle deep to full swims, even when the CFS (cubic feet per second) of the river is low. Most of the time the river is ankle to knee deep, but all top-down hikers should be prepared for deep sections where swimming is required. Even the most experienced hikers occasionally fall in the Virgin River.

The river often closes to hiking during the spring snowmelt (April, May, and possibly later). The river is closed to hiking during and immediately following Flash Flood Warnings, which are common during the desert monsoon season (July through September). Links to the current river flow rate and flash flood potential can be found on our Current Conditions page.

All top-down trips into the Virgin River Narrows are closed when the flow rate of the Virgin River exceeds 120 CFS. Wilderness permits are not issued during closures. Always have a back-up plan prepared.

Through Hiking Timetable in Hours

This timetable is approximate. The trip may be done in less time, but allowances have been made for rest stops, picture taking, and slower hiking. Track your progress by recognizing side canyons and landmarks. Deep Creek, Kolob Creek, and Big Springs are easier to recognize, but the mouth of Goose Creek can be easy to miss.

Landmark	Time to Reach
Chamberlain's Ranch	0:00
Bulloch's Cabin	1:00
First Narrows	3:30
Waterfall	4:15
Deep Creek	5:00
Kolob Creek	5:45
Goose Creek	6:35
Big Springs	7:20
Orderville Canyon	10:00
North End of Riverside Walk	11:50
Temple of Sinawava	12:20

Overnight Backpacking Trips

If you plan to complete all 16 miles of the Virgin River Narrows as an overnight backpacking trip, you will need to obtain a Wilderness permit for your campsite.

• This Wilderness permit will allow your group to start at the Chamberlain's Ranch Trailhead, spend one night in a designated Narrows campsite, and then exit at the Temple of Sinawava the next day.
• Overnight backpacking is only permitted in designated campsites. There are 12 campsites in the canyon, all of which are roughly halfway between Chamberlain’s Ranch and the Temple of Sinawava.
• All overnight backpackers must begin their trip at Chamberlain’s Ranch and end at Temple of Sinawava. Upstream travel to campsites is not permitted.
• You may view Narrows campsite photos on our website before booking.