Walk-Up3/10
Narrows bottom-up permit
The day hike upstream from the Temple of Sinawava needs no permit. Only the 16-m...
The Narrows Overnight Permit
Zion National Park · Utah
Each entry point carries its own quota
Overnight camping in the Virgin River Narrows. 12 designated campsites along the route.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Narrows Overnight were gone within 10 minutes.
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Narrows Overnight Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh8/10
Narrows Overnight Permit Facts
- As of September 2026, Narrows Overnight in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation.
- Narrows Overnight is a high-demand permit, rating 8/10 on PermitSnag's demand index.
- The Narrows Overnight route covers 16 miles with 400 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous.
- Cancelled Narrows Overnight permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level8/10
LocationUT
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
16 miles
Elevation Gain
400 ft
Route Type
Point to Point
Duration
1-2 nights
Difficulty
StrenuousElevation Range
4,411 - 5,840 ft
Highlights
- •16-mile point-to-point route over 1-2 nights
- •Constant river wading in 56-68°F water
- •12 designated campsites with fire rings and pit toilets
- •No maintained trail, the river IS the route
- •Solitude in the upper canyon, crowds below Big Springs
Best Time to Visit
Late May through September offers warmest water (65-68°F) but highest flash flood risk during monsoon season (July-August). Spring and fall are colder but more stable weather.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Flash floods. Canyon offers no escape. Check weather for entire watershed.
- !Hypothermia from extended cold water exposure
- !Deep pools requiring swimming (some sites require crossing deep water)
- !Slippery bowling-ball rocks in riverbed
- !No cell service or emergency communication
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (4,411 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Today: Extreme heat (95°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
Today
☁️
95°
76°
Sun
☁️
92°
74°
25%
Mon
☀️
89°
69°
24%
Tue
☁️
88°
72°
Wed
🌧️
89°
70°
21%
Thu
☀️
88°
71°
Fri
☀️
91°
70°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a National Park Service account
Sign up at National Park Service if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
Learn More
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand4/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill2/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk3/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment4/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Backpackers comfortable with extended river travel, cold water immersion, and primitive camping conditions.
Recommended Experience
River crossing experience helpful. Should have completed multi-day backpacking trips. The Narrows day hike is good preparation.
Not Recommended For
Those under 4'8" (deep crossings require swimming), non-swimmers, anyone uncomfortable with constant wet feet, hikers with mobility limitations.
About This Permit
The Narrows Overnight permit allows camping at one of 12 designated riverside sites along the Virgin River's North Fork. This transforms the famous top-down hike into a two-day wilderness experience, giving you time to explore side canyons and photograph the slot in changing light.
All overnight trips must start from Chamberlain's Ranch (north) and exit at Temple of Sinawava (south). Same-day permits are rarely available; plan to reserve months ahead for peak season.
The Experience
Why It Matters
The Narrows Overnight transforms an already iconic hike into a complete wilderness immersion. While day hikers turn back at Big Springs, overnight permit holders venture into the most remote and spectacular upper sections of the canyon. You'll fall asleep to the sound of moving water and wake up to walls glowing orange in the first light.
The Route
From Chamberlain's Ranch, the first 3 miles follow a sandy road before dropping into the riverbed. The canyon walls grow steadily higher as you pass North Fork Falls (bypass on the left) and approach Deep Creek confluence at mile 9.
The 12 designated campsites are spread between miles 6 and 13. Sites 1-6 offer more solitude in the upper canyon, while sites 8-12 are positioned in the famous narrow sections. Wall Street, with its towering thousand-foot walls just 20 feet apart, lies between sites 10 and 11.
The final push past Orderville Canyon and along the Riverside Walk completes the 16-mile journey at Temple of Sinawava.
The Feeling
There's something surreal about making camp in the bottom of a slot canyon. The river flows past your feet while walls taller than skyscrapers rise on both sides. At night, you see only a narrow ribbon of stars directly overhead. Dawn arrives late here. The canyon holds the darkness until sunlight finally crests the rim and the walls ignite in color. By the time day hikers appear, you've already had the canyon to yourself for hours.
Rules & Regulations
- •Maximum 12 people per group
- •Camping only at designated numbered sites
- •WAG bags required for human waste (no pit toilets at all sites)
- •No fires except in provided fire rings
- •Permits void if river flow exceeds 150 CFS
- •One night minimum, two nights maximum
Gear Checklist
Required
- Dry bags for sleeping gear and electronics
- Canyon shoes with good drainage and grip
- Walking stick or trekking poles
- WAG bags for waste (pack everything out)
- Water purification (river water is your only source)
Recommended
- Neoprene socks for cold water
- Wetsuit or dry top in spring and fall
- Camp shoes for evenings
- Tarp for rain protection (camps have no shelters)
- Extra dry layers in waterproof bag
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Narrows Overnight
🚐
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Key Landmarks
↑
400ft
Gain↓
1,829ft
Loss⛰️
5,840ft
High📏
16.0mi
Distance📐
0.5%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•10 landmarks
Landmarks (10)
Narrows Overnight FAQ
How do I get a Narrows Overnight permit?
Narrows Overnight permits use a reservation system. PermitSnag sends lottery open, deadline, and results reminders; you can also enable cancellation alerts if spots open later.
When is the best time to visit Narrows Overnight?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Narrows Overnight permit?
This permit has a demand score of 8/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Narrows Overnight permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
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Trip Reports
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Write the First ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
The canyon floor rarely sees direct sun, but reflected light creates a soft glow on the walls during midday. Camp at sites 8-10 to photograph Wall Street in the best light.
Best Light
Overcast days provide even light throughout. When sun beams penetrate the slot (typically 10am-2pm in summer), the walls glow orange.
Beat the Crowds
Camp at sites 1-6 for near-complete solitude. The lower sites are closer to day-hiker traffic from Temple of Sinawava.
Classic Shots
- 📍Wall Street section with hikers for scale
- 📍Light beams penetrating the slot
- 📍Big Springs hanging gardens
- 📍Camp setup with canyon walls towering above
- 📍Dawn light hitting the upper walls
- 📍Reflections in still pools
Can't Get a Narrows Overnight Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
The Narrows Top-Down (Day Permit)
Easier AlternativeSame route completed in a single 10-14 hour push. No camping gear required, but no time to savor the canyon.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Faster and lighter, but you miss the magic of camping in the slot and the solitude of dawn in Wall Street.
West Rim Trail Overnight
Similar ExperienceRim-top backpacking with views into the canyon rather than from inside it. 9 designated campsites.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Completely different experience. Views instead of immersion. No river wading. Better in wet weather.
🏕️
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Narrows Overnight trip
Very HardIn Demand26 sitesCanyonlands National Park Needles District Campground
Canyonlands National Park
Book campsite
Very HardIn Demand3 sitesCanyonlands National Park Needles District Group Campsites
Canyonlands National Park
Book campsite
Very HardIn Demand57 sitesDevils Garden Campground
Arches National Park
Book campsite
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