ZION NATIONAL PARK — It’s only a glimpse, but watch this video to see one of Utah’s best-known and most stunning natural treasures.

Nestled in Utah’s southwestern corner amidst some of the tallest sandstone cliffs on earth is a majestic 16-mile stretch of Zion Canyon called The Narrows.

To most outdoor enthusiasts, the Zion Narrows need little to no introduction. The walk along and through this stretch of Utah’s Virgin River has been called one of the premiere hikes in the world. With Navajo sandstone walls at times only 20 feet apart, reaching heights of 2,000 feet and draped by hanging gardens fed by ancient spring water and ornamented with brilliant wild flowers, ferns and even cottonwood groves, The Narrows is truly one of Utah’s most striking and unique natural treasures.

It’s not that there aren’t other iconic canyon hikes in the world; Utah alone boasts many incredible canyon trails including others within Zion National Park. But when it comes to sheer scale, setting, and in many ways accessibility, The Narrows definitely stand out.

Portions of the trail are in fact so accessible that hiking at least a portion of The Narrows is a dream nearly everyone can achieve. Starting from the Temple of Sinawava, the first mile —known as the Riverside Walk— is very wheelchair friendly. After winding past a lush oasis, waterfalls and hanging gardens, the paved path leads to the mouth of the famous river hike that stretches for 15 miles through some of the most incredible and unique canyon scenery found anywhere.

This video highlights the first 5 miles from the Temple of Sinawava to Big Spring. Traveling farther up river or taking the north to south route beginning at Chamberlain’s Ranch requires a permit available through the National Park Service.

Safety

The first key to staying safe when enjoying the outdoors is preparation. Do your homework. Know about weather, water temperature and regulations. Even during the summer, water and air temperatures in The Narrows can be quite cool.

Next, the riverbed is quite uneven and often concealed by murky water. Your footing and balance can shift unexpectedly. When hiking any distance through the Virgin River, make sure to wear closed-toe shoes and seriously consider bringing a walking stick for added stability.

While a generally tame trail, make sure your enthusiasm does not exceed your ability. There have been many overly ambitious hikers who have learned the hard way that walking the full 16 miles can be a grueling undertaking for the ill prepared or under-qualified adventurer. Make sure whatever length of trail you select is appropriate for you and your party.

Before entering The Narrows, it is critical that you first check the current flow rate and flash flood advisory with the National Park Service (information is available at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center). This is especially important during Zion’s monsoon season from mid-July to mid-September when floods are most common. Historically floods in The Narrows have produced rushing walls of water more than 12 feet tall.

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For other important information on staying safe while hiking The Narrows, click here.

Regulations

The Virgin River is an important water source for a generally dry desert so make sure you pack everything out. Do not leave trash or waste of any kind (including human waste) in the narrows. Restrooms are available at the trailhead.

Group size limits are strictly enforced. Parties numbering more than 12 individuals are prohibited beyond the Orderville Canyon junction (2.5 miles north of the Temple of Sinawava).

Permits are required if you are hiking any portion of the trail between Big Spring (5 miles from the Temple of Sinawava trailhead) and Chamberlain’s Ranch at the northern entrance of The Narrows.

The use of recreational tubes or floatation devices of any kind are prohibited within Zion National Park.

Also remember that leaving tags or graffiti of any kind is prohibited and carries with it a hefty fine and has even resulted in perpetrators being banned from all national parks.

While hiking, make sure to be courteous of others. The towering walls of Zion National Park produce a remarkable natural sound scape that is easily disrupted by raucous visitors. Be mindful of the noise you make and how it may affect the experience of others. Avoid shouting and allow others to enjoy both the sights and sounds of The Narrows.

For more information on regulations when hiking The Narrows, click here.

Preserving Zion and The Narrows

The Zion Narrows aren't only one of Utah’s most unique and iconic treasures, it’s also one of the most popular hikes in the national park system. Crowds have become a common fixture at most national parks, Zion National Park and The Narrows included. If possible, avoid planning a trip during the weekends and on holidays.

Year after year, visitation to national parks continue to soar, and so do the pressures that follow large groups of visitors. The National Park Service walks a thin line between maintaining accessibility to trails like The Narrows and protecting the land under its stewardship. Accomplishing both objectives is impossible without help from those of us who visit these majestic places.

More than following the rules, the survival of our national parks and wild lands rests with our choice to cultivate a culture of preservation and respect for the natural treasures that enrich our lives and our state.

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