The Premiere canyon hike in southern Utah, the narrows begin at the Temple of Sinawava, and end when you decide to turn around. Featuring the Virgin river's path carved through the stone walls, this hike remains a fun option in the summer, no matter how hot it is.
Trail Info
Shuttle Stop to Start from: #9 Temple of Sinawava
Pets: No
Trailhead Location: Adjacent to shuttle stop and restrooms.
Distance (roundtrip): up to 9.4 mi / 15.1 km
Elevation Change: 334 ft / 102 m
Estimated Hiking Time: up to 8 hours
Description: This route is known as the bottom-up Narrows and does not require a permit. Hike in as far as you like, then hike back the way you came. Upstream travel beyond Big Spring or in Orderville Canyon is prohibited. At least 60% of the hike is spent wading, walking, and sometimes swimming in the river. Travel is rough and slippery in cold, fast flowing water. High water levels can prevent access. Obtain additional information prior to starting this hike. Use appropriate equipment and clothing to help protect you. Before your hike, always check the weather and flash flood potential (information updated at the Visitor Center). Flash floods are deadly.
The Iconic view looking out of the canyon, Angels Landing is a 5 mile, up-and-back hike beginning at the Grotto, and ending with a panoramic view of the canyon like no other. If you don't want to go the full distance, Scout's lookout gets you within 1 mile of the top, without navigating the sandstone cliffs.
Trail Info
Shuttle Stop to Start from: #6 The Grotto
Pets: No
Trailhead Location: Across the road from the shuttle stop and then across the footbridge.
Distance (roundtrip): 5.4 mi / 8.7 km
Elevation Change: 1,488 ft / 453 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 4 hours
Description: Long drop-offs. Not for young children or anyone fearful of heights. Last section is a route along a steep, narrow ridge to the summit.
Beginning at either the Grotto or the Zion Lodge, Emerald Pools is a relaxing hike to a pool, tinted by the rock around it to be green. From there, you can expand your hike to the upper pools, angels landing, or just head back to the trailhead.
Trail Info
Shuttle Stop to Start from: #5 Zion Lodge
Pets: No
Trailhead Location: Across the road from the Zion Lodge.
Distance (roundtrip): 1.2 mi / 1.9 km
Elevation Change: 69 ft / 21 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 1 hour
Description: Minor drop-offs. Paved trail leads to the Lower Emerald Pool and waterfalls. (Trail connects to the Kayenta, Middle and Upper Emerald Pools trails, for a longer, moderate hike.) Swimming is prohibited in the Emerald Pools. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Zion Lodge.
Heading to Middle and Upper Emerald Pools?
Simply take the turnoff after lower emerald pools if going as part of a loop.
Middle Emerald Pools Trail
Trailhead Location: Same as Lower Emerald Pools
Distance (roundtrip): 2.2 mi / 3.5 km
Elevation Change: 150 ft / 46 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
Description: An unpaved climb to a sandstone ledge that parallels the lower trail, but at at a higher level. Moderate drop-offs. Connects to the other Emerald Pools trails and the Kayenta Trail. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Zion Lodge.
Upper Emerald Pools:
Trailhead Location: Starts from the end of the Kayenta Trail.
Distance (roundtrip): 1.0 mi / 1.6 km
Elevation Change: 200 ft / 61 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 1 hour
Description: Minor drop-offs. A sandy and rocky trail that climbs to the Upper Emerald Pool at the base of a cliff. No swimming is allowed in the Emerald Pools. This is actually a 3 mile (5 km) hike when added to the Kayenta Trail.
Beginning from the Visitor Center, this trail winds its way along the side of the virgin river to the Canyon Junction. Its paved surface makes it perfect for those who are seeking something slightly easier.
Trail Info
Shuttle Stop to Start from: #1 Visitor Center or #3 Canyon Junction
Pets: Yes
Trailhead Location: Up canyon from the Visitor Center and across the bridge adjacent to the South Campground. This trail can also be accessed from the Canyon Junction shuttle stop.
Distance (roundtrip): 3.5 mi / 5.6 km
Elevation Change: 50 ft / 15 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 2 hours
Description: A paved trail that follows the Virgin River from the South Campground to Canyon Junction. This trail is handicap accessible, but wheelchairs may need assistance. Trailside exhibits. This is the only trail in Zion National Park that allows both pets (on a leash up to 6 feet) and bicycles. You can access this trail from the Museum (Shuttle Stop #2) by using a short connector trail that is not designed for wheelchairs and not approved for bikes or pets. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Visitor Center.
Wanting to go to the Narrows, but not sure if you can do it? The riverside walk is the perfect hike for you. Comprising the first mile of the Narrows trail from the Temple of Sinavawa, this paved, wheelchair-accessable hike takes you right up to where the canyon walls begin to narrow, giving you wonderful views, without the trouble.
Trail Info
Shuttle Stop to Start from: #9 Temple of Sinawava
Pets: No
Trailhead Location: Adjacent to restrooms and water refill station.
Distance (roundtrip): 2.2 mi / 3.5 km
Elevation Change: 57 ft / 17 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
Description: Minor drop-offs. Paved trail follows the Virgin River along the bottom of a narrow canyon. Trailside exhibits. The first 0.4 miles of the trail is accessible but past that point there are several steep slopes. Deep sand may be present on pavement after heavy rain. Some wheelchair users may need assistance.This trail accesses the bottom-up Narrows route (see below). Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Temple of Sinawava.
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