Zion Narrows

Zion National Park, Southern Utah

This hike is 16 miles long.
Has been favorited by 2 hikers.
Is rated: Very difficult.

The narrows is one of the most spectacular hikes in the entire state, and takes you through one of the world's longest, narrowest slot canyons surrounded by the red rock cliffs of Zion National Park. Unlike most hikes in Southern Utah, on the narrows you can plan on spending more than half of your time in ankle to mid-calf deep water; although sometimes it can be waist or chest high.

There are three ways to hike the narrows; the first is from the bottom up, which is good for casual and beginner hikers as well as hikers with children. From the bottom, you can reach the "Wall Street" section of the narrows in 2-3 hours, which is where some spectacular parts of the hike are, but you cannot make the full length of the canyon. Most people hike up river 3-4 miles then hike back.

The second way to hike the narrows is from top to bottom in two days. This is the recommended hike for people who want to spend a night in the canyon under the clear desert skies. If you take two days, you'll hike 6-8 hours each day and spend the night in one of 12 designated campsites.

The third method to experience the narrows is a one-day, top-to-bottom trip. It's the most strenuous method but does not require the added weight of an overnight pack. Only more experienced, athletic hikers should attempt to hike the narrows this day, as the 16-mile distance is draining.

Permits are required for all top-to-bottom hikes, and there are group size limits of 12 people. And since flash floods are very common in this area, permits are not given until the 3pm weather forecast is issued the previous day, and there are only 80 to be had, so plan accordingly.

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Hiker comments:

tannerc said:

I definitely want to do the Narrows this summer. All I hear about the trail is how incredible it is.

JMunk said:

Hands down, this is one of the best hikes in the state. The scenery is just unbelievable; you really have to experience it to explain it. It's downhill, nice and cool most of the time and since you need a permit, it's not a crowded trail. Bring your camera!