There are three ways to access The Narrows at Zion National Park. The most popular of the three is Bottom-up starting at the Temple of Sinawava. The Narrows Bottom-up begins as a one mile paved river walk (Riverside Walk Trail) along the Virgin River and transitions into traversing through the river itself with towering canyon walls surrounding. Below we will outline a step-by-step guide to help you make the most of your experience in The Zion National Park Narrows.

The River Walk begins at the Temple of Sinawava. It is a one mile paved path alongside the Virgin River. This trail is wheel-chair accessible and suitable for all ages. Those who aren’t equipped to walk through the river into the Narrows usually turn back when the trail meets the Virgin River. This is a hike not to be missed with the peaceful sights and sounds of the Virgin River nearby, hanging gardens, and more.

This the most common way to experience The Zion Narrows, it is an out-and-back choose your own adventure hike. All hikers of the Narrows Bottom-up will begin at the Temple of Sinawava continue one mile up the Riverside Walk trail until it ends and converges with the Virgin River. From there you continue walking through the river to your hearts content. It is 9.4 miles round trip from the Temple of Sinawava to Big Spring. Through the duration of this hike you will be hiking through water on the rocky river bottom. Many hikers turn back after reaching Orderville Canyon 2 miles up or may even venture 1/2 mile into Orderville Canyon to Veiled Falls. There are many variations and ways to enjoy hike Zion National Park Narrows Bottom-up.

This 16 mile point-to-point hike begins at Chamberlain Ranch and ends at the Temple of Sinawava. Hiking The Zion Narrows Top-down is one way travel and requires a permit. Access to the trailhead and Chamberlain Ranch is a 1.5 hour drive from Zion National Park and it is necessary to secure transportation on both ends of the Narrows Top-down. This variation of the Narrows can be done in a full day or overnight. Very few visitors choose do top-down because of the many challenges; securing a permit, length of the hike while navigating a river, few places to camp, no turning back, requires canyoneering skill, and transportation to and from the trailhead and the bottom.

This downstream hike is 11 miles and requires a permit. Rated for beginner canyoneering and/or experienced hiker. The access point for this hike requires 4-wheel drive and it is necessary to have your own transportation at the other end. The journey includes several rappels, hiking downstream on rocky riverbed, swimming in cold water, obstacle navigation, and rock scrambling. 8.5 miles down the trail Orderville Canyon connects at the junction of The Narrows with the Virgin River, you must continue 1.5 miles down river, and 1 mile on the Riverside Walk Trail to exit at the Temple of Sinawava.

When hiking The Narrows Bottom-up, there is option to take a side path 1/2 mile into Orderville Canyon to Veiled Falls but there a sign is posted that prohibits further upstream exploration of Orderville Canyon.

The Narrows are usually closed until June due to heavy spring runoff.

The River Walk is open all year. It may experience snow or ice, so be prepared for that during the winter. 

River temperatures can be chilly all year. In the winter, the sun does not penetrate the canyon for long and can get quite cold. It is important to be prepared for the weather you will encounter.