The Narrows: Top-Down Route
Description: A long day-hike or a backpack trip down the North Fork of the Virgin River through one of Zion’s most iconic areas, The Narrows.
Distance: 15.4 Miles
Difficulty: Somewhat Strenuous
Highest Elevation: 5,640 Feet Above Sea Level. This hike takes you down 1,200 feet.
Dangers: Possible Flash Floods; Cold Water in Spring and Fall
Permit: Required
Equipment: A Wading Staff is Extremely Important
Jurisdiction: Zion National Park
The Narrows Trailhead is located at Chamberlain’s Ranch, a one and a half hour drive away from The Temple of Sinawava, where you will end you hike, so you will need to arrange for transportation.
Chamberlain’s Ranch Directions:
1.Drive 2.5 miles east on Highway 9 from Zion’s Eastern Entrance
2. Turn left on a paved road and continue 18 miles to a bridge that crosses the North Fork of the Virgin River.
3. Turn left beyond the bridge and drive .25 miles to the gate of Chamberlain's Ranch.
4. Close the gate behind you and drive a half mile further and park just before the road crosses the river.
5. Begin your hike by crossing the river and following the road for about 3 miles and enter the river at the end of the road.
The Narrows is one of Zion’s most famous hikes and may be accomplished in one long, 12 hour or so hike or may be taken at a more leisurely pace by acquiring a camping permit for one of the 12 camping sites so you can stay overnight. The Narrows is a wading trail that offers views unlike anything else in the world! With its thousand foot walls on either side of you, at times showing only the slightest amount of sky overhead, you are sure to remember this trip for the rest of your life (unless an apple falls on your head.)
Distance: 15.4 Miles
Difficulty: Somewhat Strenuous
Highest Elevation: 5,640 Feet Above Sea Level. This hike takes you down 1,200 feet.
Dangers: Possible Flash Floods; Cold Water in Spring and Fall
Permit: Required
Equipment: A Wading Staff is Extremely Important
Jurisdiction: Zion National Park
The Narrows Trailhead is located at Chamberlain’s Ranch, a one and a half hour drive away from The Temple of Sinawava, where you will end you hike, so you will need to arrange for transportation.
Chamberlain’s Ranch Directions:
1.Drive 2.5 miles east on Highway 9 from Zion’s Eastern Entrance
2. Turn left on a paved road and continue 18 miles to a bridge that crosses the North Fork of the Virgin River.
3. Turn left beyond the bridge and drive .25 miles to the gate of Chamberlain's Ranch.
4. Close the gate behind you and drive a half mile further and park just before the road crosses the river.
5. Begin your hike by crossing the river and following the road for about 3 miles and enter the river at the end of the road.
The Narrows is one of Zion’s most famous hikes and may be accomplished in one long, 12 hour or so hike or may be taken at a more leisurely pace by acquiring a camping permit for one of the 12 camping sites so you can stay overnight. The Narrows is a wading trail that offers views unlike anything else in the world! With its thousand foot walls on either side of you, at times showing only the slightest amount of sky overhead, you are sure to remember this trip for the rest of your life (unless an apple falls on your head.)