Narrows Trail Zion: Wade the Slot Canyon

Wade into one of the world's deepest slot canyons and hike back out to completely different views

The Narrows Trail is a guided hike through Zion National Park's most dramatic slot canyon, requiring no permit for day use. You ride the shuttle to the trailhead, walk the flat mile-long Riverside Walk as canyon walls narrow, then wade upstream through the Virgin River for 2 miles, surrounded by water-carved cliffs and sky. The return journey through the same river reveals an entirely different landscape.

The experience

You start with a short shuttle ride to the trailhead, required for all Narrows hikers, then begin the Riverside Walk, a flat paved mile where the canyon walls close in with each step and the Virgin River runs alongside. The trail itself is easy going, but the scenery builds: the cliffs grow taller, the water runs deeper, and the slot canyon opens its scale to you gradually. At the end of the walk, you step into the river and begin wading upstream.

The wading section is 2 miles or 2 hours, whichever comes first. You'll move through one of the world's deepest slot canyons, the water cool around your legs, the cliffs rising sheer on both sides. Along the way you'll pass warm-water springs seeping from solid rock, spot tiny birds that walk along the riverbed, and find a giant boulder perfect for photographs. The canyon walls bear the scars of rockfalls (hundreds of damaged trees mark where stone has fallen), and if you look closely, you can find the world's tiniest snail. The views shift constantly as the water and light change.

The return hike follows the same river back, but the canyon reveals itself differently on the way out. Trekking poles, bottled water and snacks are provided. The whole outing takes about 7 hours from start to finish, and the wading itself is a low-impact core workout, though the day demands at least moderate fitness and comfort moving through water.

What’s included

• Trekking poles.
• bottled water.
• snacks.
• live guide in English.
• Zion Shuttle transport to the trailhead.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 07:00 and 07:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (8 to 80 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 75

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tour Zion and Bryce

Is this one for you?This is a shared guided tour, so you hike with other visitors and follow the guide's pace and route. Choose it if you want the safety and knowledge of a live guide navigating the water sections and pointing out details like the warm springs and wildlife, or if you're new to the canyon and want someone who knows where the best photo spots and rest points are.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need a permit to hike the Narrows Trail in Zion?

The Narrows Trail requires no permit for day use. Permits are only required if you plan to camp miles upriver. Day hikers can walk the trail freely during operating hours.

What is the Riverside Walk and how difficult is it?

The Riverside Walk is a flat, paved mile-long trail that leads to the start of the Narrows wading section. It is easy to moderate in difficulty and serves as the approach before you step into the river.

How deep is the water when you wade the Narrows?

Water depth varies along the 2-mile wading section, but the canyon is described as one of the world's deepest slot canyons. The Virgin River runs through it, and you'll be wading upstream. Depth changes with water flow and season.

What happens if I can't complete the full 2 miles?

The wading section is 2 miles or 2 hours, whichever comes first, so you turn around when you reach either limit. Many hikers don't complete the full distance, and the experience is rewarding at any point in the canyon.

Are waders and water shoes included, or do I need to rent them?

Waders, boots and neoprene socks are not included in the tour. You may want to rent them separately if you prefer extra protection from the cold water. Trekking poles are provided to help with balance in the river.