Among the million or so trails there are to hike in the United States, The Narrows at Zion National Park rates near the very top. It is hard to beat the spectacular beauty of this 16-miles slot canyon, with walls sometimes as high as 2,000 feet on each side of you. The trail is wet and sometimes wild, and a little bit on the ‘extreme’ side, meaning the hike is entirely in the Virgin River. There is no “trail” so to speak. And, this hike can be cold, tiresome, and very dangerous in the wrong conditions.

For this reason, if you are intending on doing the entire walk, you must first obtain a permit from the Park Headquarters to attempt this difficult but truly awesome experience. Plan on at least 13 hours if this is your first time on the entire length of The Narrows. If you are only doing a day hike from the bottom up, to a point no further than Oderville Canyon, no permit is needed. 

A ‘day hike’ begins at the end of the blacktop road after the shuttle bus lets you off at the Temple of Sinawava. Dressed for cool weather and cold water, you enter the Virgin River after a mile hike up the walkway. Even as you conquer the first bend you are awestruck by how majestic and powerful the sandstone walls are that tower above you. Every curve in the river from here on is another lesson in absolute humility, for the only thing you can be concerned with at the moment is the next step you take along this slick and challenging path. Your senses will soon become overloaded. You should reach the Orderville Canyon in about 2 hours after you have entered the water. 

There is much to say about The Narrows. Indeed, volumes have been written by adventurers who have met the challenge of the river and its protective canyons. Several sites on the Internet will help explain the various ways to see the Zion Narrows. Pay close attention to suggested equipment and what to wear. This hike is nothing to take for granted! Have fun and bring a camera with lots of film!

To learn more, contact the Zion National Park Headquarters at 435 772-0170 for information, weather conditions, and obtaining a permit.