Zion Narrows Top-Down Hiking Route

The Narrows top-down route runs 16 miles point-to-point from Chamberlain's Ranch, outside the park's northeastern boundary, down through the North Fork of the Virgin River to Temple of Sinawava. Most hikers spread it over two days using one of 12 designated backcountry campsites, though experienced parties do it as a single long day.

Good to know

• A wilderness permit is required for every top-down trip, day hike or overnight — the park issues 40 per day, split between advance reservations and last-minute lottery slots
• Permits must be picked up in person at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Desk
• The route is often closed during spring runoff, roughly mid-March through late May, and whenever flow exceeds 120 cubic feet per second
• Flash flooding is a serious, well-documented hazard along this entire corridor — check conditions and ranger advisories before committing

Access to Chamberlain's Ranch is via North Fork Road, reached from just east of Zion's east entrance station.