The Narrows (Zion)
~2 days · 15 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the The Narrows (Zion) is known for
The Narrows is Zion National Park's canyon route along the North Fork of the Virgin River, known for hiking in the river itself between towering sandstone walls. The top-down through-hike is done as a single long day or with one night.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 4,593 ft to 5,899 ft over 15 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 5.6 mi · 37%
- Downhill 7.3 mi · 49%
- Flat 2.2 mi · 14%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the The Narrows (Zion)?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the The Narrows (Zion) scores 48/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Late spring through early fall; closed during high water and flash-flood risk.
Permits: A permit is required for the top-down through-hike.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the The Narrows (Zion) take?
Most backpackers hike the The Narrows (Zion) in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 15 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How high does the The Narrows (Zion) go?
The The Narrows (Zion) tops out near 5,906 ft over its 15 miles.
When is the best time to hike the The Narrows (Zion)?
Late spring through early fall; closed during high water and flash-flood risk.
Do you need a permit for the The Narrows (Zion)?
A permit is required for the top-down through-hike.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.