Barracks Trail

The Barracks is the local name for the narrow, walled section of the East Fork of the Virgin River — Parunuweap Canyon — a close cousin to the Narrows but far less traveled. The route runs mostly across Bureau of Land Management ground east of Zion, starting near Mount Carmel Junction and threading downstream toward the park's east boundary near Checkerboard Mesa.

What to know before attempting it

• This is an off-trail, strenuous route through a river canyon, not a marked hiking trail — expect wading and stretches of knee- to chest-deep water, poor cell coverage, and route-finding on your own.
• Like the Narrows, this is a flash-flood corridor; check current conditions and forecasts before entering. Most of the route sits on BLM land and doesn't require an NPS wilderness permit, though the standard park entrance fee applies where the exit route crosses into Zion near Checkerboard Mesa.
• Most parties treat it as an overnight backpack rather than a day hike, given the distance and terrain.
• This is a backcountry objective for experienced canyon hikers, not a casual outing.