Zion National Park United States

The Narrows (bottom-up)

Walk upstream in the Virgin River itself, between canyon walls about 1,000 ft tall. Start on the paved Riverside Walk, then wade as far as you like, up to Big Spring. No permit is needed for this bottom-up hike.

  • 15.1 km
  • 1–8 h
  • strenuous
  • Best Jun–Sep

Photo: Gillfoto · CC BY-SA 4.0

At a glance

Temple of Sinawava (shuttle stop 9) along the 1-mile Riverside Walk, then upstream in the Virgin River as far as Big Spring, and back the same way

Distance
15.1 km · 9.4 mi
Elevation gain
102 m · 335 ft
Time
1–8 h
Difficulty
Strenuous
Route
Out and back

Plan your trip

Best months: Jun–Sep

Permits & fees
No permit is needed to hike upstream from the Temple of Sinawava as far as Big Spring. Rules as published for 2026 (checked October 2026): the 16-mile top-down hike from Chamberlain's Ranch needs a wilderness permit. For a one-day trip you can reserve in advance (at least one day before) or apply in the daily lottery two days before your trip (12:00 am to 3 pm Mountain Time, results around 4 pm); unclaimed spaces go first-come, first-served at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Desk the day before. Day trips cost a $6 non-refundable fee plus $10 per person; overnight trips cost $20 plus $7 per person per night. You arrange your own transport to Chamberlain's Ranch. Top-down trips are closed when the river flows above 120 CFS.
Getting there
Take the free park shuttle from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava, the last stop (stop 9). The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles during the shuttle season. Check the time of the last shuttle out before you start.
Good to know
  • The Narrows closes to all travel when the river flows above 150 CFS, and whenever the National Weather Service issues a Flash Flood Warning; it stays closed for at least two hours after a warning is lifted. Check the forecast and current flow before you go.
  • Flash floods can happen at any time, and flash flood warnings are common in the monsoon season, July to September.
  • Wear closed-toe shoes and carry a sturdy hiking stick for the slick, uneven rocks; sandals, crocs and bare feet are not appropriate. The park does not sell or rent gear.
  • You can explore the first quarter mile of Orderville Canyon, a side canyon, but upstream travel beyond that is not allowed.
  • Even an hour in the river is worthwhile; turn around whenever you like.

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Sources

Official figures where published; other numbers are measured on the map and approximate. Conditions and rules change — confirm with the official source before you go.