Utah is a hiker’s paradise, with hundreds of beautiful trails for all ages and abilities. Some of the most fascinating trails are found in Southern Utah, where you can hike amongst hoodoos and explore stunning slot canyons. The Zion Narrows Trail has been named as one of America’s best trails for years, but take caution: it’s not for everyone.
Zion National Park is one of the country’s most beautiful national parks, and it’s also one of the most crowded.
SirCadafael/Tripadvisor The Zion Narrows Trail, from the bottom to the top, is one of the most popular trails in the park, and it’s accessible to just about everyone who’s willing to get his feet wet, at least for the first mile or so.
While you can certainly enjoy a short foray into the canyon from the bottom, you’ll find a lot more peace and solitude if you take the trail from the top down.
Matteo Colombo/Moment Collection/Getty Images The trail starts at Chamberlain Ranch and proceeds 16 miles down the Virgin River.
First, you’ll need a permit, and that can be even more difficult than the hike itself.
Jordan Siemens/Stone Collection/Getty Images Just 24 hiking permits are issued every day. The permits become available on the Zion National Park website on the 5th day of every month, and can be reserved up to 90 days in advance. Day hikers will need to leave before sunrise in order to complete the trail before dark.
Not everyone should attempt this hike. It’s a grueling, 12- to-18-hour hike during summer months.
Tingwei Chang/Alltrails You’ll navigate over boulders and through the water. Hikers should have some skills and experience - this trail is not suitable for beginners.
For a more enjoyable adventure, you might want to choose an overnight camping pass.
claire wiese/Alltrails Permits are issued for one night only, and you must be prepared to Leave No Trace Principles, but a night spent along the river in this canyon is a unique experience.
The park won’t allow hikers to enter The Narrows if the river is running at 120 cubic feet per second or faster.
claire wiese/Alltrails Flash floods are always a very real danger in The Narrows.
If you can handle the strenuous journey of The Narrows, the top-down trail is absolutely magical.
claire wiese/Alltrails Don’t forget your camera! The views along this once-in-a-lifetime trail are worth capturing.
Have you hiked the Zion Narrows Trail? We’d love to hear about your adventure!
SirCadafael/Tripadvisor
The Zion Narrows Trail, from the bottom to the top, is one of the most popular trails in the park, and it’s accessible to just about everyone who’s willing to get his feet wet, at least for the first mile or so.
Matteo Colombo/Moment Collection/Getty Images
The trail starts at Chamberlain Ranch and proceeds 16 miles down the Virgin River.
Jordan Siemens/Stone Collection/Getty Images
Just 24 hiking permits are issued every day. The permits become available on the Zion National Park website on the 5th day of every month, and can be reserved up to 90 days in advance. Day hikers will need to leave before sunrise in order to complete the trail before dark.
Tingwei Chang/Alltrails
You’ll navigate over boulders and through the water. Hikers should have some skills and experience - this trail is not suitable for beginners.
claire wiese/Alltrails
Permits are issued for one night only, and you must be prepared to Leave No Trace Principles, but a night spent along the river in this canyon is a unique experience.
Flash floods are always a very real danger in The Narrows.
Don’t forget your camera! The views along this once-in-a-lifetime trail are worth capturing.
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