The Top-Down Route
Hiking the Narrows from the Top-Down is a 16-mile journey that takes you from Chamberlain’s Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava.
It can be done as an epic day hike or as a two-day backpacking trip
. A permit is necessary for both options.
How do I get to the top of the Narrows?
Getting To the Trailhead
Chamberlain’s Ranch Trailhead (also known as the Zion Narrows Upper Trailhead) is a 1.5-hour drive from inside the park and the end of the road at the Temple of Sinawava trailhead. To get there,
drive 2.5 miles east on Route 9 from Zion National Park’s East Entrance
.
How do you hike the Narrows at Zion top down?
Trailhead. The Narrows top-down starts at Chamberlain Ranch, located on the eastern edge of Zion National Park. It’s a 1.5-hour drive from the Temple of Sinawava, where The Narrows ends. To get there
drive 2.4 miles east of Zion’s East Entrance Station, then turn left onto North Fork County Road
.
How do you get to Chamberlains Ranch Zion?
From the intersection of Utah State Route 9 and the North Fork Road, about 2.5 miles east of the East Entrance to Zion National Park, travel up North Fork Road for 16.7 miles. When North Fork Road makes a “T” with BLM93, turn left. Follow BLM93.
Do I need a permit to hike the Narrows?
You are not required to obtain permits for hiking the Narrows from the bottom up
. If you chose to hike from the top down, you will need to arrange transportation, as Chamberlain’s Ranch is a 1.5 hour drive from the Temple of Sinawava.
How long does it take to hike narrows top down?
The Zion Narrows top-down route is a strenuous 18-mile backpacking route. Alternatively, fast and fit hikers can do this route as a long day hike (
10-13 hours
to complete).
How far can you hike the Narrows without a permit?
If you walk all of the way to Big Springs (the farthest you can go without a permit) your journey will take you
10 miles round trip
. No permit is necessary to hike from the bottom-up, which is why it is so popular. Expect big crowds during the summer months.
How hard is the Narrows hike?
Not very difficult
, unless you want to hike the entire trail length for an all-day adventure. How many miles is the Narrows hike? 16 miles total if you hike top-down, but most people just hike in 1-3 miles bottom-up and turn around and come back, considering you have to hike out whatever you hike in.
Can you get to the Narrows without a shuttle?
You don’t need to ride the shuttle to make the most out of your trip to Zion National Park. Even without the shuttle, you can still get to those Zion must-see spots (like Angels Landing, The Narrows, and Emerald Pools) by
biking the Scenic Drive into Zion Canyon
.
How do you get a permit to hike the Narrows?
Permits must be obtained
in person at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Desk during normal Hours of Operation
. Permits can be obtained the day before, or early morning the day of the trip.
Do I need a permit for Angels Landing?
You must have a permit to hike any portion of Angels Landing
. Permits are needed every day and at all times beginning April 1, 2022. Permits (issued in three time slots) are available by two lottery processes. The seasonal lottery application periods occur quarterly (see important dates below).
How long is the Narrows hike Zion bottom up?
| Rating: Moderately strenuous/strenuous river hiking | Time Required: Allow at least 6 hours to reach and enjoy the best sections of the Narrows. | Length: 2.5 miles from Temple of Sinawava to Orderville Canyon and Wall Street (one-way); 2 more miles to Big Springs . | Elevation Change: gradual ascent up the river. |
|---|
Can I hike the Narrows in April?
Can you hike the Narrows in April? The water is very cold but
you can hike the Narrows in April
. However, depending on the snowmelt, the park service closes access to the Narrows if the flow of the river is too high or there is a risk of flash floods.
Can you camp in the Zion Narrows?
Getting a permit is the most difficult part of planning your overnight backpacking trip through the Zion Narrows.
There are only 12 campsites in the Narrows
, meaning only 12 backcountry permits are issued for each day. To make a reservation, visit Zion’s online Wilderness Reservation System.
Can you park at Temple of sinawava?
“
There are 80 parking spots at the Temple of Sinawava
. This parking lot fills up almost immediately every day. Zion National Park averages 3,000 – 5,000 private vehicles entering the park daily.
Is the Narrows a slot canyon?
The Narrows is the most popular hike in Zion National Park, and
one of the world’s best slot canyon hikes
. It is pure fun and can be tailored to suite any ability level. The trail is basically the Virgin River.
What shoes do you wear in the Narrows?
Closed-toe shoes
— sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes with excellent ankle support are essential for this hike. Hiking in the river is challenging, and it’s easy to roll an ankle or smash a toe. Sandals or other open-toe shoes will not protect your toes from getting crushed between the rocks as your feet slide around.
What is the best time of year to hike the Narrows?
The Narrows is a popular hike through the knee-deep Virgin River. Due to cold water temperature and high water levels, the trail is closed in winter and spring. The best time to hike The Narrows is from
late May to October
, but watch out for summer thunderstorms that can cause deathly flash floods.
How far should you hike the Narrows?
Suitable for most hikers, the Narrows Bottom-Up hike can be
as much as a 10-mile round-trip or as little as the 2-mile round-trip of the paved Riverside Walk
. To see Wall Street, hikers must travel a minimum of 6 miles round-trip, 4 miles of which is in and along the Virgin River.
What should I wear to the Zion Narrows?
- Capris, zip-off pants, yoga pants, or lightweight hiking shorts, board shorts – No jeans, No Cotton.
- Light rain jacket.
- Light fleece top for cool mornings.
How cold is the water in the Narrows Zion?
Most recent water temperature (11/26/2021):
42oF/5oC
The Narrows closes when the flow rate is over 150 cubic feet per second (CFS), or during spring snowmelt.
How long of a hike is Angels Landing?
| Rating: Fairly strenuous and exposed day hike, not recommended for small children or those with a fear of heights | Time Required: 3-6 hours | Length: 2.4 miles one way (The Grotto to the Angels Landing viewpoint) | Elevation Change: 1500 feet with steep elevation gain along the trail |
|---|
How deep is the water in the Narrows?
One of our more popular hikes visitors come to enjoy is the unique Narrows, a hike in a canyon that in places is only 20-30 feet wide, and
2000 feet
deep. However, unlike most hikes, taking on the Narrows means actually traveling upstream through the Virgin River on uneven, slippery, and rocky river boulders.
Can beginners hike the Narrows?
Beginner Guide To Hiking The Narrows From the Bottom
Starting at The Temple of Sinawava you will start hiking along the Riverside Walk
, which is a paved nice flat walk that goes for a mile. The Riverside Walk itself has some great vantage points, pretty views and meanders along the Virgin River.
Do you need neoprene socks to hike the Narrows?
2. The Narrows – do I have to rent equipment? To hike The Narrows
you should rent canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks
and a walking pole. During months with higher water level you can also rent dry pants or a dry suit.
