Only A Few Lucky Visitors Per Day Are Allowed At This Secret Canyon In Utah
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Zion National Park is one of Utah’s most treasured gems, and its beauty has been discovered by people all over the world. In 2017, Zion was the country’s third most visited park, with 4,504,813 visitors during that year. To protect the wild beauty of the park, as well as the safety of its visitors, Zion has undergone many changes throughout the years, including requiring permits for some hikes.
Take a look at this awe-inspiring hike that most Utahns will never take, but many have on their bucket list:
The bottom portion of the trail is located at the end of the Riverside Walk, and during much of the year it's a fun, easy hike right through the middle of the Virgin River. If you're there during the summer, expect to find tons of people joining you; most people wade through the river for a mile or so, then turn back.
The trail starts at Chamberlain's Ranch, which is actually just outside the park's borders, then works its way 16 miles to the bottom. It's not crowded with tourists, and you'll experience some of Zion's most incredible beauty as you make your way down the trail. Sounds great, right? Not so fast.
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It requires experience, skills, and a wilderness permit. While super fit hikers can complete The Narrows hike in one day, most people make it an overnighter. The one-day trek takes even the fittest, fastest hikers 12-18 hours to complete.
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There are 12 campsites in The Narrows, offering space for between 2 and 12 campers, depending on the site. The largest number of people allowed in The Narrows overnight would be 70, assuming that each site contained the maximum number of campers allowed. You aren't allowed to have any camp fires, and you have to pack out everything you pack in (including toilet paper and human waste).
Each day permit allows groups up to 12 people, but day hikers are only allowed during summer months, otherwise there's not 12 hours of daylight in which to complete the hike.
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During summer months, permits can sell out in a matter of minutes, but if for some reason some slots are unfilled, you can apply for a last-minute day hiking permit 7-12 days before the date. Overnight campers can also check in at the Visitor Center the day before they plan to hike to see if a slot is available. You won't want to plan on getting a last-minute spot for this adventure, but if you're at Zion already, you can always give it a try.
When the river is flowing at 120 cubic feet per second or more, no permits are issued. Even when water levels are low, flash floods can and do occur, and if there are flash flood warnings, your permit may be declined (you'll get a rain-check to hike a different day).
You'll need good hiking boots with ankle support to navigate the slippery river rocks. Even during the summer, the canyon can get cool, so come prepared with plenty of synthetic or wool layers. A first aid kit is a must, as well as plenty of water, a water purification system, and food. All of your gear should be kept in waterproof bags.
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Broken bones, heat stroke, and hypothermia are just some of the dangers you might encounter while hiking The Narrows. Make sure you're adequately prepared, and make safety a priority.
Have you hiked the narrows from the top down? If so, we’d love to hear about your adventure!
For more information about the permit process, visit, and if you’re planning a trip to Zion soon, you might want the check out these 10 best hikes in the park.
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