The Narrows Top-Down: A Complete Guide to Zion’s Most Iconic Adventure

Welcome, adventure seekers! Today, I'm sharing everything you need to know about hiking The Narrows in Zion National Park, one of the top-rated and most unforgettable hikes in the U.S. (and honestly, the world.,,probably). If you’re planning a trip to Southern Utah, hiking The Narrows should be high on your list. Located in the stunning southwest corner of the state, Zion is one of Utah’s famous "Mighty Five" national parks — and The Narrows is one of its crown jewels.

This post will walk you through the different ways to hike The Narrows, essential gear, permit info, safety tips, and everything I learned from my own experience

What is The Narrows?

The Narrows is a unique hike where the Virgin River is the trail. You’ll be walking through towering canyon walls, sometimes in water waist-deep (or higher depending on the season). It's truly a bucket-list adventure.

There are three main ways to hike The Narrows:

• Bottom-Up Day Hike: No permit needed. You start at the Temple of Sinawava and hike upstream as far as Big Springs (roughly 5 miles in). Then, you turn around and hike back.

  • Note: I have done this a few times and even walking up a couple miles is AMAZING!

• Top-Down Day Hike: Permit required. Hike from the top all the way down in one (very long) day.

• Top-Down Overnight Hike: Permit required. Backpack through the Narrows and camp about halfway. This is what I did in September 2024!

Photo of Big Springs behind my wife and I

How Long Does It Take?

• Bottom-Up: Hike as far as you want, but reaching Big Springs and back typically takes about 6-7 hours round-trip.

• Top-Down (Overnight): Plan for two full days of hiking. It's supposed to be 16 miles, but with all of the zigzags you make in the river, it ends up being closer to 20 miles.

  • Day 1: ~11.5 miles over about 7 hours (with stops).

  • Day 2: ~8.5 miles over about 5 hours (with stops).

Day 1 of our hike, tracked via Apple Watch

Day 2 of our hike, tracked via Apple Watch

Permits & Regulations

• Bottom-Up Day Hike: No permit needed.

• Top-Down (Day or Overnight): Permit required.

  • Reservation fee: $20

  • Plus $7 per person.

  • Free overnight parking at Zion Visitor Center (they’ll give you a pass to leave in your car).

Shuttle Info: To get to the trailhead (Chamberlain's Ranch for top-down hikes), you’ll need a private shuttle. For the bottom-up, you can take the park shuttle within Zion NP.

• We used Red Rock Shuttle, which was $60/person.

• Shuttle Map for Zion Canyon

Maps of the Narrows:

• Bottom-Up Map

• Top-Down Map

Gear & Clothing Essentials

• Footwear: Water-resistant hiking shoes or rent canyoneering boots from Zion Outfitters (includes neoprene socks and a walking stick — totally worth it).

  • Note: If you're only hiking the bottom-up for a couple miles then I would say skip the  canyoneering boots. If you're hiking all the way to Big Springs or doing the top-down then I do believe these are a good choice.

• Clothing: Quick-drying and moisture-wicking clothes. Dress in layers!

• Walking Stick or Trekking Pole: Even a basic walking stick was super helpful. Helps balance in the river's uneven, slippery rocks.

Narrows Overnight – Top-Down Summary

• Arrived Friday, the day before the hike; camped at Watchman Campground (just a 5-minute walk from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center).

• On Saturday, picked up the overnight Narrows permit and received an overnight parking pass for the car at the Visitor Center.

• Rented gear from Zion Outfitters (next to the Visitor Center) — $96 for a 2-day package for 2 people (shoes, neoprene socks, hiking poles).

• Met Red Rock Shuttle for a private pickup at the Visitor Center parking lot.

• Shuttle dropped us off at Chamberlain's Ranch, the starting point for the top-down hike.

• Day 1: Hiked ~11.5 miles to Campsite 3, where we set up camp, made dinner, and relaxed.

• Day 2 (Sunday): Hiked the remaining ~8.5 miles through the lower Narrows to finish the route.

What to Pack

• Dry Bags:Keep electronics and anything important dry.

• Food:Bring snacks or ready-to-eat meals. I highly recommend OMEALS — lightweight, no stove needed! (I carried a Jetboil setup but honestly could’ve saved the weight.)

• Water & Filtration: You need plenty of water. You can also bring a water filter — there's a reliable source at Big Springs.

• Daypack Essentials: Sunscreen, snacks, extra layers, first aid kit, waterproof cases.

Final Thoughts:The Narrows is one of the most unforgettable hikes you’ll ever do. Whether you tackle it bottom-up or go for the full top-down overnight experience, it’s a journey through some of the most breathtaking scenery on earth. Plan well, pack smart, stay safe — and enjoy every step through the magic of Zion.