Zion Virgin River Narrows Hiking

The Zion Narrows route is the most popular hike in Zion Park, and one of the world's best canyon hikes. It is pure fun and can be tailored to suit any ability level. The trail is the Virgin River. Plan on being wet. In fact, the cool water makes this hike particularly pleasant during the hot months of summer.

Hiking from the bottom or end of the Narrows up into the canyon is the best way for first-time river hikers and those with only a short time in the park. Depending on water flow, this hike is easy to moderate in summer and OK for most kids 4 feet or taller. You can hike in as far as you would like and turn back at any time. From the parking lot, it is usually only 2-3 hours into the section of Narrows, known as Wall Street.

Return hikers find it takes 2/3 the time to hike back as it did to hike in. Early spring yields higher water due to snow melt. October and November visitors find less people in the river. The best light for photography is between 10 am and 3 pm, May-Sept. Most average hikers travel 3-4 miles up the canyon and then 3-4 miles back. Bottom-Up hikers are only permitted to hike as far north as Big Springs. Accessible almost all year. The starting point is the Temple of Sinawava. You'll need to ride the shuttle into Zion Canyon, to Temple of Sinawava, and that takes about 45 minutes during the summer season.