The Narrows, carved by the Virgin River through Navajo sandstone in Zion National Park, is a world-famous slot canyon trek that narrows to just 6–9 meters wide at its tightest point. The bottom-up route, starting at the Riverside Walk and wading directly up the riverbed, requires no permit and can be done as a day hike, while the 25 km top-down route starting at Chamberlain's Ranch requires a permit. Canyon walls rise up to 300 m high, creating the distinctive effect of the sky appearing as a narrow ribbon overhead.
A world-famous slot canyon narrowing to just 6–9 meters wide, hiked by wading directly up the riverbed
Canyon walls rising up to 300 m, showcasing the dramatic scale of red Navajo sandstone
A roughly 25 km top-down through-hike from Chamberlain's Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava (permit required)
A permit-free, day-hikeable bottom-up section accessed from the Riverside Walk
Good to know
SafetyHeavy rain upstream can trigger dangerous flash floods that surge through the canyon downstream; never enter when a flood warning is in effect.
RulesThe top-down route from Chamberlain's Ranch requires an advance permit from Zion National Park, with a daily quota on hikers.
·Renting slip-resistant canyoneering boots and a wooden walking staff is recommended, since much of the hike involves prolonged walking in the river.
SeasonIn the cooler fall-through-spring months, waterproof waders are recommended; even in midsummer, the canyon interior can chill quickly in the shade.
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