zions county
Narrows
Location: Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
Difficulty Level: Intermidate
Distance:: 5.8/miles roundtrip
Starts with the Deepest part
After finishing the Riverwalk, the trail immediately shifts into the Virgin River. Within just five minutes, you’ll reach the deepest section of the entire hike—waist-high water that cannot be avoided. Once past this point, the rest of the Narrows is generally much shallower and easier to wade.
Mystery Canyon Falls
Not far into the Narrows, you’ll reach Mystery Canyon Falls, a small but striking waterfall spilling into the river from a side canyon. It’s a favorite photo stop and a natural landmark along the way, marking your progress deeper into the gorge.
HOuse Rock
Continuing up the river, you’ll come to House Rock, a massive boulder that sits right in the middle of the Narrows. Hikers must wade around it, making it a fun obstacle and a memorable feature of the canyon.
Narrows Alcove
At a sharp bend in the river, the trail opens into the Narrows Alcove—a huge cutout in the canyon wall. Standing inside, you’re surrounded by towering cliffs with a sweeping 260-degree view both up and down the gorge, making it one of the most dramatic spots in the hike.
Orderville Junction
Orderville Junction is a major landmark where a side canyon meets the Narrows. Here, the narrower walls of Orderville Canyon spill into the main gorge, creating a striking contrast. Many hikers pause to explore a short way in before continuing, and from this point onward the crowds thin out, offering a quieter experience deeper in the canyon.
FLoating Rock
Floating Rock is a massive boulder balanced in the river that looks as if it’s suspended above the water. It’s a fun and quirky landmark along the hike, and by the time you reach it, the crowds have usually thinned, giving the area a more peaceful feel.
Wall Street
Wall Street is the most iconic section of the Narrows, where the canyon walls rise nearly 1,500 feet and squeeze the river into a passage only about 20 feet wide. This dramatic stretch feels like walking between skyscrapers of stone and is often considered the highlight of the entire hike.
trail name
TRAIL DETAILS
Round Trip
up to 9.5 miles
Hike Time
4-8 hrs
Rest Room
No.
Permit
no
Horse Ride
No
Pets
No
Difficulty
Hard
TRAIL MAP
DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD
From Springdale, the easiest and most enjoyable way to reach the Narrows trailhead is by bike. Head to the south entrance of Zion National Park, then follow the scenic Pa’rus Trail, which connects directly to the main canyon road. Bikes are allowed on the road, so you can ride all the way up-canyon without waiting for shuttles. It’s about 8 miles to the final stop at the Temple of Sinawava, where you’ll find the start of the Riverside Walk. At the end of this paved trail, you step directly into the Virgin River to begin the Narrows. Riding a bike not only saves time compared to the shuttle but also gives you the freedom to stop at viewpoints along the way..
