The Narrows: Utah’s Daredevil Slot Canyon
The state of Utah is home to countless legendary hiking paths. The Narrows in Zion National Park is one of Utah‘s most celebrated and dangerous trails. The Narrows features a slim slot canyon with towering red rock walls that extend a few thousand feet into the air. Utah’s Virgin River inundates certain portions of the canyon. If you’re committed to trekking through the entire length of the Narrows (approximately 16 miles from start to finish) prepare to get wet.
As the name implies, the Narrows are so narrow at certain points that hikers have to proceed single file through tight corners of the trail. It is vitally important to check the weather prior to hiking the Narrows. Getting caught in a flash flood in a slot canyon can be fatal. Flash floods are common during the late spring and early summer, when winter snow begins to rapidly melt.
Hiking the Narrows is an immersive experience. The tall, slim canyon walls foster a sense of peace and solitude. Spending hours deep in the heart of the desert surrounded by red rocks will make you feel like you have traveled back in time. It is not hard to retrace the steps of ancient people when you’re hiking a stretch of desert that is shielded from the outside world by a lofty canyon.
The Narrows is one of the most stunning slot canyons in the world. Traversing the Narrows will bring untold joy to avid hikers who appreciate a challenge. The stunning “Wall Street” section of the Narrows—which features a sweeping view of the most iconic section of the canyon—is worth the trek. Many outdoor enthusiasts consider the Narrows to be the grand highlight of Zion National Park. If you can tolerate a short dip into chilly water, the Narrows will not disappoint.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Temple of Sinawava / Riverside Walk trail entry to The Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah, USA (bottom-up access reference)
- Coordinates
- 37.285253, -112.947692
- Access
- For the bottom-up route, take the Zion Canyon shuttle to stop 9 when it operates, then follow the paved Riverside Walk about 1 mile to enter the river. No wilderness permit is required for hiking upstream to Big Spring; pets are not allowed. Check current river-flow and flash-flood closures before setting out.
- Admission
- The Narrows hike has no separate permit fee for the bottom-up route to Big Spring. Zion National Park entrance fees apply; the 2026 private-vehicle pass is $35 and valid for 1–7 days. Non-US residents age 16+ may owe an additional $100 fee under current NPS rules.
- Time needed
- 1–8 hours for the bottom-up outing; up to 9.4 miles (15.1 km) round trip to Big Spring. The Riverside Walk to the river entry is about 1 mile each way.
- Best season
- The National Park Service says most hikers choose summer and early fall, when water levels tend to be lower and warmer; fall is generally more stable but cooler, while spring snowmelt can close the river route and summer monsoon storms bring life-threatening flash-flood risk. Check current flow, weather, and closure status before entering.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-26
- Facts checked
- 2026-09-30
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