Trail Snapshot • Ways to Hike • Best Season • Safety • Gear • Shuttle Service
National Geographic's Adventure Magazine rated hiking the Virgin River Narrows in Zion number five in its list of America's best 100 adventures. This is a classic, not to be missed, and we can help you do it right. Stop in our shop and inquire about current conditions and shuttle information. We also have a full line of rental gear; Canyoneering Shoes, Wet Suits, Dry Suits and Walking Sticks, that will allow you to comfortably enjoy the Narrows any time of the year.
TRAIL SNAPSHOTDISTANCE: 16 miles (top to bottom)
AVERAGE HIKING TIME: 12 hours (top to bottom)
HIKING DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Strenuous, depending on your fitness level
TRAIL CONDITIONS: Cold, sometimes waist-deep, water, slippery rocks, possibly strong currents
WAYS TO HIKE
1. Day hike from the bottom and back
No Permit Required - 6 Miles Round Trip - 4-5 Hours
This is your easiest option — no special shuttle or permit required - go as far as you feel comfortable. Take the free park shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava, walk one mile to the end of the paved walkway, and begin hiking up the river. Two hours upstream, at the intersection with Orderville Canyon, hikers will encounter the narrowest and most spectacular section of the Narrows. Round trip to Orderville Canyon and back is 6 miles and takes 4-5 hours.
2. Day hike from the top to bottom
Permit Required - 16 miles One Way - 12 Hours
Walk the entire length of the Narrows from Chamberlain's Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava. You will need a backcountry permit, which you can obtain at the visitor center the day before you plan to hike. (Keep in mind that a maximum of 80 permits are available each day.)
Permits can now also be reserved online although according to the Park Service "depending upon the backcountry zone, only 40%-60% of the total number of backcountry permits will be available through reservations. The remainder of permits will be available as walk-in permits."
And don't forget you will also need to arrange an early morning shuttle to take you to the Ranch.
3. Overnight hike from the top to bottom
Permit Required - 16 miles One Way - 2 Days
Make the Narrows hike a relaxing two-day affair by overnighting at one of 12 numbered campsites along the route. Only one-night stays are allowed and campsites are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis upon completion of a backcountry permit. Only two sites can accommodate groups larger than six.
BEST SEASONSAFETY
Flash floods are the most serious hazard in the Zion Narrows. August is the month with the heaviest precipitation while June is the driest. The monsoon season begins in mid-July and continues through mid-September so if you are considering hiking the Narrows during this time period, get the most updated weather information possible from our shop or the Zion National Park Backcountry Desk. In late July, 1998, two hikers were swept away by swift currents caused by a flash flood. Remember that your safety is your responsibility.
If you decide to hike during winter months, you will need to take greater precaution to ward off hypothermia and therefore a dry suit or at the very least, a wet suit becomes an essential item.
GEAR
Here at Zion Rock and Mountain Guides we are not going to sell or rent you gear that you don't need. We do however want you to have a memorable and pleasurable experience. We rent and sell gear that we believe in and use ourselves. We also are committed to staying current on the conditions you will be facing with the adventure you choose. Stop by and we'll get you set up.
HIKING POLES: The Park Service suggests a "walking stick". We do too. They are great for maintaining balance and thereby reduce fatigue and possible injury. If you can't fit yours on the plane or in your luggage don't fear we have some for rent. A staff, trekking pole or old ski pole is a must. Trust us.
WATERPROOF BAGS: For the best protection consider dry bags. What goes in these bags... anything you don't want to get wet, like a spare set of clothes, your non-waterproof camera, etc. Bonus!- you can also use dry bags to transport water back to your camp. Ziploc bags are the least expensive way to protect your valuables. Just double bag them and be careful about punctures.
DRINKING WATER: Virgin River water is not safe to drink untreated. Either carry all the water you will need or bring a water filter (removes bacteria and protozoan cysts like Giardia from contaminated water) or purifier (a purifier also removes viruses).
CLOTHING: What clothing to bring depends on several factors: time of year, how easily you get cold, etc. Although you will probably be hiking in shorts, you should always carry a spare set of warm clothing in case of emergency. And warm clothing means synthetic or wool, not cotton. Fleece, synchilla, capilene, polypropylene - no matter what you call it, all these synthetic fabrics keep you warm when wet thereby helping to prevent hypothermia. If you choose to hike during the off-season, seriously consider renting a dry suit.
MISC ITEMS:- First aid kit
- Space Blanket
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat (the hike is exposed near Chamberlain's Ranch)
- Topographic map
- Extra food and water
- Toilet paper (pack it out please)
- Trash bags to pack out garbage
- Camera
SHUTTLE SERVICE
ZRMG provides shuttle service to the Zion Narrows (Chamberlain's Ranch) trailhead.
NEW!! Canyon Outfitting and Shuttle Package Rates
Rent any Narrows/Canyon Outfitting Package and pay $3.00 less for your shuttle.
- 6:30am $30.00/person $27.00/person w/ rental
- 9:30am $30.00/person $27.00/person w/ rental
Reservations are required for all shuttles.
Pick-up locations:- Our Shop: 1458 Zion Park Blvd
- Visitor Center: the south end at the flagpole