The Narrows at Zion National Park Guide
Wade into Wonder: Hiking The Narrows in Zion Guide
Experience the adventure of a lifetime by hiking The Narrows, one of Zion National Park's most iconic and unique trails. This hike takes you through the Virgin River, wading and sometimes swimming through a slot canyon carved over millennia. Towering sandstone walls rise hundreds of feet above, creating a breathtaking and unforgettable experience. The Virgin River has been carving The Narrows for millions of years, slowly eroding the Navajo sandstone. The area was inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years, including the Ancestral Puebloans and later the Paiute. Mormon pioneers arrived in the mid-19th century and named the area Zion, believing it to be a place of refuge. Zion National Park was established in 1919 to protect the stunning canyon landscapes. Hiking The Narrows involves wading, hiking, and sometimes swimming through the Virgin River. You can hike from the bottom up (no permit required for a day hike up to Orderville Canyon) or from the top down (permit required). Proper footwear and gear are essential, including canyoneering shoes, a walking stick, and potentially dry pants or a wetsuit depending on the time of year and water levels. Other activities in Zion include hiking other trails like Angels Landing (permit required), scenic drives along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, and rock climbing. The town of Springdale, just outside the park entrance, offers a variety of restaurants and shops. Many restaurants offer Southwestern cuisine.
Transportation
During peak season (typically March to November), access to The Narrows is primarily via the Zion Canyon Shuttle. Park at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and take the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava, the last stop on the shuttle route. From there, it's a short paved walk to the start of The Narrows. During the off-season, when the shuttle is not running, you can drive your own vehicle to the Temple of Sinawava, but parking is limited.
Ticket Price
Zion National Park Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days). Permits are required for hiking The Narrows from the top down and for Angels Landing.