The Narrows
Mountain pass · Washington County ·
Slot canyon river hike between towering sandstone walls
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Utah 84737 Get directions
Slot canyon river hike between towering sandstone walls
Utah 84737 Get directions
"A slot‑canyon river hike carved by the Virgin River in Zion National Park, The Narrows plunges hikers between sandstone walls that in places rise up to 1,000 feet and narrow to just 20 to 30 feet. Visiting it feels less like a trail hike and more like a slow immersion into the canyon: you can view the iconic gorge from the paved, wheelchair‑accessible Riverside Walk, wade the rocky river bottom, or commit to the full 16‑mile top‑down odyssey (a permit is required for the latter). Because it is literally a river canyon in a desert, conditions change rapidly—most people go in summer and early fall when water is lower and warmer, spring is often closed due to snowmelt (typically mid‑April to May), and winter water is extremely cold. The Narrows closes whenever the National Weather Service issues Flash Flood Warnings; safe hiking is generally at or below 70 cubic feet per second (flows above 70 CFS make walking much harder, and flows above 150 CFS prompt closure). Check current river flow and Zion National Park news, wear close‑toed shoes and bring a hiking stick, and read the Narrows safety and responsibility guidance before attempting what is, with proper planning, one of the most memorable experiences in any national park." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Let’s say you’re using this date to really get to know someone. You already saw how they responded to watching you stuff your face with your hands, so you’re off to a good start. But now you might be looking for a place to drink where you can actually hear each other talk. Make moves to The Narrows, an aptly-named little spot where you can get a good drink and park yourselves at a couple barstools (or outside on the back patio) until you’ve discovered each other’s pretend band names and favorite colors." - katherine lewin
"A unique slot canyon hike in Zion National Park where most of the route requires wading and walking through the Virgin River; sections are approached either from the bottom up (a popular 4–8 hour outing) or from the top down (a longer 10–13 hour journey). The experience is defined by narrow walls, flowing water, and a very different type of trail travel." - Carrie Dennis Carrie Dennis Carrie Dennis is a New York City-based writer and editor with more than a decade of content strategy experience. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Gothamist, Time magazine, Men’s Journal, Redbook, and Thrillist. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"I treat the Narrows as a strenuous, unforgettable day hike along the Virgin River that requires special gear — poles, water shoes, and Neoprene bibs in colder weather — and I advise picking up a rental kit the night before and getting an early start so you can hike at least four miles before most casual hikers fall away and you have the scenery largely to yourself." - Mary Cropper
"A water-based, advanced route through the Virgin River that is best suited for older children, this hike often starts at the Temple of Sinawava via the Riverside Walk and requires wading or even swimming as you head upstream; it can be prone to flash floods, but when conditions are safe families have unforgettable experiences—one parent recalled her 14- and 11-year-old daughters sometimes swimming with water above their waists and laughing as their voices echoed through the majestic canyon." - Amiee White Beazley Amiee White Beazley Amiee White Beazley is a travel journalist and author who covers adventure, food, wine, and family travel. Her work has taken her to the skies, seas, and mountains of more than 75 countries around the world. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
