Zion Narrows
For hikers wading the Virgin River Narrows bottom-up as a day hike or top-down (16 miles) on a day or one-night wilderness permit.
- SeasonLate May-Oct (spring runoff closures; closed above 150 cfs)
- LengthDay hike or 1 night
- Sections7
- Items42
- Essential24
- Reviewed2026-10-07
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Covers wading the Virgin River in Zion Canyon from late spring through fall. A bottom-up day hike from the Temple of Sinawava needs no permit, while the top-down route from Chamberlain's Ranch requires a wilderness permit, a shuttle to the trailhead and, for overnights, a designated campsite. Assumes a small group, flow below the closure threshold and dry weather. Add dry suits or dry bibs in cold months and skip the overnight section for day trips.
Check before you go
- Top-down day and overnight trips require a wilderness permit: advance reservations open on the 5th of each month at 10 am MT for dates three months out, a daily lottery runs two days ahead, and walk-ups are issued the day before. Day permits cost $6 plus $10 per person; overnight permits $20 plus $7 per person per night; all are picked up in person at the Wilderness Desk (NPS, as of 2026).
- Top-down trips are not permitted when flow exceeds 120 cfs and the whole Narrows closes above 150 cfs and for at least two hours after a flash flood warning lifts; spring snowmelt closed it from April 11 to May 19 in 2024. Check the flow and the NWS flash flood potential rating every morning.
- Flash flood signs: cloud buildup, thunder, a sudden drop in water clarity, floating debris, stronger current or rising water. Climb to high ground immediately; never try to outrun it.
- Toxic cyanobacteria has been found in the Virgin River and NPS states that no filtration or disinfection method makes river water safe to drink; carry all your drinking water (about 1 gallon per person per day). NPS guidance on treating spring water (boil, or 1-micron filter plus chlorine or iodine with a 30-minute wait) applies to springs only; check current advisories.
- Wilderness permit groups must carry at least one human waste disposal bag per person; pack out all solid waste and toilet paper. Campfires are prohibited everywhere in the Zion wilderness.
- Only 12 designated campsites exist for the one-night top-down trip and multi-night Narrows trips are not permitted; you must arrange your own transport to Chamberlain's Ranch.
- Hypothermia is the leading killer of outdoor recreationists even in summer; wear quick-drying layers, never cotton, and use neoprene socks or a dry suit in cool months.
What's inside
- Essential
- Optional
- Needs a permit
Permits & Planning 4/8
- Wilderness permit for a top-down day hike or overnight Not needed for bottom-up day hikes. Reserve on Recreation.gov or enter the daily lottery (as of 2026).
- Designated campsite assignment for overnight trips (12 sites)
- In-person permit pickup at the Wilderness Desk (allow 20 minutes)The reservation holder must collect it; permits are non-transferable.
- Shuttle or vehicle drop at Chamberlain's Ranch booked (top-down only) The park does not provide this transport; outfitters in Springdale run shuttles.
- Park entrance pass and Zion Canyon shuttle timetable
- Check river flow (cfs), forecast and NWS flash flood potential the morning of
- Turnaround time and bailout plan agreed with the group
- Outfitter rental booked: canyon shoes, neoprene socks, dry bibs or dry suit
River Gear 4/7
- Closed-toe canyoneering shoes or sturdy boots that can get wet
- Neoprene socks
- Sturdy hiking stick or trekking poleEssential for balance on slick, uneven cobbles.
- Dry bags or a dry pack liner
- Dry suit or dry bibs in cool months (about Oct-mid May)
- Waterproof phone case
- Spare socks and clothes sealed in a dry bag
Clothing 2/5
- Quick-dry synthetic or wool layers; no cotton
- Fleece or insulating layer
- Rain shell or wind layer
- Hat and sunglasses
- Warm, dry clothes for after the hike
Water & Food 2/4
- Water carried in: about 1 gallon per person per dayDo not drink river water untreated; cyanobacteria toxins pass through filters.
- Backup treatment for spring water only (boil, or 1-micron filter plus chemical)Never for river water: filters and boiling do not remove cyanotoxins. Check current NPS advisories.
- High-energy snacks and meals
- Electrolyte mix
Overnight Gear (top-down campers) 3/4
- Tent or bivyOvernight trips only.
- Sleeping bag and padOvernight trips only; canyon bottoms stay cool.
- Stove and fuel (no campfires anywhere in the wilderness)
- Camp only at your assigned site on durable ground
Navigation & Safety 5/8
- NPS Narrows map with landmarks and campsites
- Headlamp with spare batteriesTop-down takes 10-14 hours; finishing in the dark is common.
- First aid kit
- Whistle
- Emergency blanket
- Sunscreen
- Satellite messenger (no cell service in the canyon)
- Everyone knows the flash flood signs and the plan to climb to high ground
Leave No Trace / Pack-out 4/6
- Human waste disposal bags: at least one per personRequired for wilderness permit holders; sold at the Zion Forever store and outfitters.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products
- Trash bag; pack out everything including food scraps
- No campfires
- Avoid trampling vegetation at campsites and river edges
- Use the restrooms at the Temple of Sinawava before starting
Sources 2026-10-07
Rules, fees and conditions change. Verify with the official source before you go.
- The Narrows National Park Service - Zion · 2026-10-07
- Virgin River Narrows Permits National Park Service - Zion · 2026-10-07
- 16-Mile Through-Hike, Virgin River Narrows (top-down) National Park Service - Zion · 2026-10-07
- Wilderness Permits National Park Service - Zion · 2026-10-07
- Wilderness Safety and Regulations National Park Service - Zion · 2026-10-07
- Leave No Trace National Park Service - Zion · 2026-10-07