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Zion National Park > Zion Canyon Narrows
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Beyond the paved trail at the north end of the scenic drive in
Zion National Park, the 2,000 foot cliffs of Zion Canyon become closer until the water covers all of the canyon floor, and the Virgin River continues for many miles, trapped beneath the near vertical canyon walls. Hiking upstream is possible for several months of the year during summer and autumn when the water level is relatively low, although always the danger of sudden thunderstorms can make the trip too hazardous; every day, the flood danger level is posted by the NPS at the start of the trail. Much of the time is spent wading in the river water, sometimes chest-deep, but generally less. Care is needed at many points when crossing between sand banks due to the fast current and the rocky river bed, but this is still an unforgettable experience. |
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Location: The starting point for trips upstream is the parking area at the end of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive; this has a fresh water supply and noticeboards with weather information, at the start of a 1 mile paved trail after which the narrows begin. Vehicles over 22 feet are no longer allowed to drive to the roads end and have to be left at the Zion Lodge carparks 2 miles back. The reverse journey downstream requires a long drive over unpaved tracks to reach a trailhead near a ranch aside the Virgin River, above the start of the canyon - this is an extension of the road used to reach Orderville Canyon. The distance between these two starting points is about 13 miles.
Permit: Regulations for backcountry travel in Zion National Park are becoming ever more restrictive, but still no permit is required for day trips up the Narrows, just a standard $20 park entry fee. However, for all overnight or through trips a permit is needed (which from 2004 has been 1-2 people: $10, 3-7 people: $15, 8-12 people: $20), and these are issued in limited numbers the day before travel, subject to a favorable weather forecast.
Map: TopoZone topological map of the Zion Narows.
Description: The Virgin River trail is the most famous narrows hike in the US due to the length and depth of the canyon, and the spectacular scenery. Still, many people walk just a short distance up
the gorge since one of the deepest parts of the river is only 100 yards up from the end of the paved trail and so far fewer progress beyond this point. There are sand banks and boulders but at least half the hike involves wading and on occasions even swimming through the river. This is not practical in winter but fine during warmer months, when the water temperature is generally high enough for hikers not to feel cold even when wet from head to foot, if they keep moving.
The river twists and turns, passing a few tributaries that join high above, such as Mystery Canyon, end of which is marked by a pretty cascade over a near-vertical cliff face. A good place to aim for on a half-day hike is Orderville Canyon, a long drainage that joins Zion Canyon from the east after about 1.5 miles. This too is a sheer-walled gorge, but has less water flowing through which enables quicker progress although it does have a few problematic pools and chokestones in the lower end. The deepest, narrowest part of the main canyon is the mile or so after the Orderville junction, then it gradually relents as sheer passages alternate with wider sections which have several designated places for camping.
The walk in the reverse direction is of course rather easier as it is downstream. The deep, narrow section of the canyon extends for about 13 miles in total, and can be hiked in one day although the trip is quite strenuous and most people spend at least one night camping. A variety of one-way trips are possible - there are several dirt tracks outside the park boundary in the Kolob Terrace area to the northwest which lead to tributaries of the river including Goose Creek, Kolob Creek and Deep Creek so if a car shuttle is available all can be used as starting points for the main narrows hike.
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