The day hike upstream from the Temple of Sinawava needs no permit. Only the 16-mile top-down through-hike from Chamberlain's Ranch does.
Other permits in Zion National Park we can check
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Walk-up permit
How to get Narrows Day Hike
Narrows Day Hike is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
No. The Narrows bottom-up day hike in Zion National Park needs no permit. NPS says hiking upstream from the Temple of Sinawava does not require a permit, and you can go as far as Big Springs, up to 10 miles round trip. The 16-mile top-down trip from Chamberlain's Ranch does need one. That trip needs the Zion Narrows permit.
How to get a Narrows Day Hike permit
- Type
- Day Use
- Location
- UT
How this permit is issued
Get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone.
Official permit page →Step 1: Check the agency page for the process
This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued (and any fee) at National Park Service before your trip.
Step 2: Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served. Where the agency sets a daily quota, popular trailheads can run out on weekends and holidays.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Popular trailheads fill fast. Know alternate routes or dates.
More on Narrows Day Hike: Live availability activity
Guides: Narrows Day Hike permit guideThe Subway permit guideZion Wilderness permit guide
When to hike Narrows Day Hike
Weather Forecast
Trailhead
Backcountry Tips
- Day 3: 63% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
- Day 4: 63% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
- Day 5: 91% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
Today
72°
52°
Thu
73°
54°
Fri
68°
55°
63%
Sat
65°
53°
63%
Sun
58°
51°
91%
Mon
59°
44°
71%
Tue
62°
43°
Narrows Day Hike rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Narrows Day Hike.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Narrows Day Hike · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Narrows Day Hike FAQ
Do you need a permit to hike the Narrows from the bottom?
No. NPS says "Hiking upstream in The Narrows does not require a permit" for trips starting at the Temple of Sinawava. The top-down 16 mile trip from Chamberlain's Ranch and any overnight trip do need one.
How far can I hike the Narrows bottom-up without a permit?
As far as Big Springs, up to 10 miles round trip from the Temple of Sinawava. Big Springs is where bottom-up hikers turn around, and you need no permit and no trailhead shuttle to get there.
Where does the no-permit Narrows bottom-up hike start?
At the Temple of Sinawava, Shuttle Stop #9. There is no parking there, so you ride the free Zion Canyon shuttle from the Visitor Center.
How do I get a permit for the Zion Narrows top-down hike?
Reserve it in advance on Recreation.gov. The top-down permit costs $15 and groups are limited to 12 people. It covers the 16-mile trip from Chamberlain's Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava.
What should I check before the no-permit Narrows bottom-up hike?
The weather and the river. Flash floods are the main hazard in the canyon, so check the forecast for the whole Virgin River watershed, not only Zion. Zion also posts cyanobacteria advisories for the Virgin River, so carry the water you need from the filling station at the shuttle stop.
Narrows Day Hike trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
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Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Narrows Day Hike permit
- Similar ExperiencePermit required
Zion Narrows permit
The 16-mile top-down through-hike from Chamberlain's Ranch, walking the whole canyon in one direction. This is the version that needs a reservation.
Tradeoffs
A full day of wading and a shuttle to the trailhead, against a day hike you can turn around on whenever you like.
Where to stay near Narrows Day Hike
- South Campground (Ut)Zion National Park
- Watchman CampgroundZion National Park
- Lava Point CampgroundZion National Park
- All Utah campgrounds
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