The Zion Narrows are truly one of America's most unique, exhilarating and rewarding hikes. The route leads deep into a 2000' gorge carved into the Markagunt Plateau by the North Fork of the Virgin River. Spectacular canyon scenery, lush vegetation, flowing green waters and towering vertical walls are with you for much of the 10-12 hours needed to complete the hike. Thorough planning and preparation will maximize your time and make for a more enjoyable experience.

Narrow, vertical sections in the upper canyon provide few options in the event of a flash flood

Canyon walls quickly narrow and rise once in the river

Negotiating these towering, narrow slots are an exhilirating experience

Even in peak summer, hikers will experience large temperature swings as direct sunlight is limited in the canyon, and decreases throughout the day

Not long after entering the canyon water flows swift and flora grows lush

Approaching the first set of slots

The Big Spring area, just past Campsite 12 in the Narrows, marks the deepest water to come

This falls must be circumnavigated, but is accessible by swimming a short distance upstream once back in the river

After Big Spring comes the high water through the tallest, deepest section of the Narrows

Swimming is often required in the lower canyon

A hiker negotiates large boulders and deep pools in the final stretch of the Narrows

The water finally calms in the lower canyon on the approach to Orderville Canyon

The Narrows begin here at the Chamberlain's Ranch Trailhead