This epic national park hike is a wild and wet adventure you’ll never forget

Our national parks are full of spectacular hikes suitable for a wide range of ages and experience levels, but there are still a few standouts that appear on many bucket lists. One is in Utah’s Zion National Park and is unlike any other hike in that the “trail” is a river that winds through a narrow, high-walled canyon. Welcome to Virgin River Passage.

Often referred to simply as the Narrows or the Zion Narrows, this feature makes up the narrowest section of the magnificent Zion Canyon, which includes not only the Narrows, but also the imposing sandstone walls and spiers, as well as the town of Springdale.

Beyond Zion Canyon, the Virgin River, which rises over the tablelands north of the park, flows into Arizona, most of its course extending into the spectacular Virgin River Gorge, before entering Nevada and emptying into Lake Mead.

Of all the beautiful scenery along the Virgin River, many people consider the Narrows to be the best part, and it has to be earned since the only way to get there is on foot. No roads enter the Narrows and boats are not permitted.

There are two ways to reach the Narrows, and the vast majority of people start from Sinawava Temple, which is at the end of the road leading to Zion Canyon. For most of the year, the road is closed to private motor vehicles, but a free shuttle system is available to take you to different points in the canyon, and there are also stops in Springdale.

From Sinawava Temple, a paved trail leads about a mile to the start (or end) of the Narrows, since it’s at the south end and you’ll be hiking upstream. You must then enter the river itself to continue upstream.

It’s up to you how far upstream you go. Some go there just a little to enjoy the river and admire the colorful walls. Others travel about 3 miles to the junction with Orderville Canyon, where Zion Canyon is the most spectacular, narrowest, and tallest (30 feet wide and 1,000 feet high).

You can also hike about a quarter mile up Orderville Canyon until a waterfall blocks the way (with a canyoning permit and gear, you can descend Orderville Canyon and then hike via the Narrows).

Those who want to see more can hike to Big Spring. This is a 9.4 mile round trip and can take as many hours. Few go beyond Big Spring on day trips.

The other way to hike the Narrows is a downhill option that starts outside the park at a place called Chamberlain Ranch. From there it’s 25 kilometers to Sinawava Temple, but you get the full experience, and at least it’s all “downhill”!

This option requires a permit, and some make it an overnight trip because there is a designated camping area along the way.

Although hiking the Narrows is fun and beautiful, it can also be dangerous. There are places, even when water levels are at their lowest, that require wading and swimming.

Additionally, there are sections where the current is strong and the river bed below you is often very slippery, which can lead to injury. However, by far the biggest threats are hypothermia and flash flooding.

To protect yourself from hypothermia, make sure you have clothing appropriate for the season. Springdale outfitters have equipment to rent if you don’t have any. Never enter the Narrows if there has been heavy rain recently or if rain is forecast.

Water levels can rise incredibly quickly, turning the river into a torrent where heights are non-existent or difficult to reach.

With the right equipment, you can hike the Narrows in any season, but the most popular time is July through September, when temperatures are warmest and water levels are typically at their lowest.

The route often closes in spring and early summer due to melting snow clogging the river, making travel dangerous.

That said, hiking the Narrows is an incredible experience that you will never forget!