Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park

We all have that “bucket list” — that dreamy, Instagram-worthy collection of epic adventures we hope to experience one day. For us, hiking The Narrows in Zion National Park wasn’t just on the list—it was the list. We became obsessed: months of researching, budgeting, and drooling over jaw-dropping photos led up to this moment. And let us tell you—this is a bold statement—but to this day, hiking The Narrows remains our favorite day hikes of all time.

So, is it worth visiting Zion even if you don’t hike The Narrows? Absolutely. Zion National Park is every bit as breathtaking as its reputation suggests. With over 4.5 million visitors a year, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most beloved national parks in the U.S.

That said, The Narrows offers something truly unique. It’s not your average trail—it’s a hike through a river, sometimes waist-deep, with strong currents and slippery rocks. While the route itself isn’t technically difficult, the constant battle against flowing water will leave your legs (and knees) talking by the end.

But if you’re wondering why anyone would willingly wade through a chilly canyon river for hours—just look up. Towering sandstone walls, filtered light, and the surreal beauty of the slot canyon will answer that question instantly.

1. So, What is The Narrows Exactly?

The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon in Zion National Park, Utah, United States. Situated on the North Fork of the Virgin River.

• An out and back 16 mile hike (you don’t have to hike the whole thing) through the Virgin River inside Zion National Park
• There are two different ways to hike The Narrows, Bottom-Up or Top-Down
• Top-down requires a Wilderness permit : click here for more info
• Bottom-up does not require a permit but you will need to purchase entrance into Zion NP or purchase and America The Beautiful Park Pass and take the Shuttle to Temple of Sinawava ( see more information about Zion NP shuttle service). It’s a 1 mile walk from there into the entrance of the Narrows.
• You can only hike The Narrows during certain times of year and only when Flash Flooding is not a hazard (see recreation.gov for current conditions) but generally this is between summer and early fall. During this time of year you CAN NOT drive into Zion NP, you MUST take the shuttle!
• We recommend specific gear to hike the Narrows which you can rent at the Entrance to Zion, we recommend Zion Outfitters for their location, ease and customer service. See below for packing list suggestions.

2. Planning Your Trip To Zion and Hiking the Narrows

• Determine the time of year you wish to visit Zion: we recommend late spring-early Fall
• Determine whether you want to hike the Narrows top-down (submit for a permit) or bottom-up and/or you plan to camp overnight
• Assuming you plan to hike the Narrows bottom-up – plan a time line for entry into the park. Here are some estimated time allowances:
  • PARKING- can be challenging during peak season! Our recommendation: park in Springdale and take the shuttle to the entrance ( allow 20 minutes-1/2 hour)
  • Pick up you gear at Zion Outfitters: we actually recommend picking this up the night before- Zion Outfitters allows you to do this at no extra cost and they do not open until 7am. (1/2 hour depending on lines)
  • Enter Zion National Park : the line to enter the park can be long and having an America The Beautiful or pre-paid tickets won’t help you much. ( can be upwards of an hour during peak season)
  • Wait for the Zion Shuttle Service ( can be upwards of an hour- google search says 15 minutes but this was not our experience !)
  • Drive time: 45 minutes once you are on the shuttle
  • Walk 1 mile into the entrance of the Narrows (20 minutes)

As you can see, navigating Zion National Park can be challenging AND time consuming! So let’s just say you park your car in Springdale at 6am: You may not arrive at the Narrows until 9:30am. Prepare yourself with ample patience and come prepared to wait in long lines- you’ll wonder if you’ve been transported to Disney World by mistake! Start as early as possible, the first shuttle leaves at 6am! Pack snacks and “tide me overs” – trust us, you are going to need them! 

What to Bring: Gear Checklist

Water shoes or canyoneering boots: rent these at Zion Outfitters for $32

Neoprene socks and dry pants (seasonal): socks included in warm weather package, we did not need pants in the summer

Dry bag, trekking poles, layered clothing: pole comes with warm weather package or bring your own- we highly recommend hiking poles! It’s chilly in the canyon in the morning, you’ll want a long sleeve

Camera gear tips (waterproof options): water proof phone case , dry bag, wide angle lens for DSLR/mirrorless, tripod

Back Pack- you will want your hands free! Waterproof or layer with garbage bags or dry bags

Water Bottles: we recommend 2 Nalgene bottles : 17 oz per hour is the standard recommendation

First Aid Kit: better to be safe than sorry! Its easy to get small scratches etc on the rocks

Food: Lunch and snacks

Packable towels: great for sitting to eat lunch and dying off after a swim

Hiking The Narrows: How far To Go

We recommend hiking to Wall Street for a total of 4 miles round trip inside the River. We found the crowds to disperse after about a half mile where unprepared visitors realize this might require a little additional planning. This might not seem very long but hiking against the current and watching your foot holds on the bottom on the river bed demands more energy that you think. Lindsey also suffered from weak knees (but a stubborn spirit) and this was particularly grueling on her. The beginning of the trek is particularly difficult as you get your footing and the water can be very deep here. There were a lot of people and we all helped one another across the river to navigate the best spots to crossover.

Once you get going the crowds disperse and things move along a little easier but it’s a great deal of fun and quite a bonding experience to navigate the river and see the surprises around each turn. Think of one big team building experience…. it’s so rewarding to master a particularly hard portion and then celebrate with incredible views down the canyon! The experience of feeling the canyon rise up around you with only the sound of running water transports you to another world. The only disappoint being that photographs will never do the experience justice but this is exactly why it’s so worth it!

Hiking back out the way you came allows you to take things a little slower and capture some of those photos you may have missed on the way in. As you get closer to the entrance point be prepared for a bit of culture shock… we finished in mid afternoon on a hot day and the crowds were filled with people partying!

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”

John Muir on National Parks

Where To Stay before and after Hiking the Narrows

After returning to the Zion Entrance you’ll want to return your gear and probably grab something to eat. There are not many accommodation options near/inside Zion National Park and as a result you’ll pay premium pricing for the convenience but consider that the views might be worth the splurge.

Our Top Pick-Springdale Zion Inn: A Holiday Inn

For a Holiday Inn, this is value packed with gorgeous views and very nice poolside area. I was surprised to see a nights stay here at only $229/night in July 2025. This is not what we paid a few years ago! We loved being in Springdale for a few nights and having the opportunity to venture into the park for sunset and enjoy the restaurants and shops. We were tired…our bodies were exhausted and staying close was well worth every penny!

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For a Family Splurge:

Offering some beautiful 2 and 3 bedroom rentals with views and gorgeous pool area.

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For The Best Glamping Experience:

Zion might be the best place to try “glamping”: luxury tenting in scenic wilderness. There are many options but Under Canvas has been rated highly for its food and variety of activities especially for families.

“Immerse yourself in the great outdoors without forgoing the comforts of home. Experience starry night skies, wild landscapes, healthy cafe-style dining, and upscale, private tents. Our safari-style canvas tents boast optional en suite bathrooms, king-size beds, West Elm® furnishings, and wood-burning stoves. Nightly s’mores by the campfire, complimentary camp activities, and adventure bookings all serve to provide an unparalleled experience with a sense of profound connection to people and nature. At Under Canvas® our mindful approach fosters connection with family and friends, minimizes impact on our environment, and enhances the great outdoors.”- Under Canvas website

Disclosure: “This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.”

Conclusion

Zion National Park offers some of the most unique U.S National Park experiences and hiking the Narrows remains one of our most beloved experiences to date. Zion’s crowds can be a deterrent but hiking the Narrows gives you some separation and is a truly immersive experience that you will remember for a lifetime!