The Narrows Top-Down Permit
Through-hike permit for The Narrows from Chamberlain's Ranch to Temple of Sinawava.
“Wade 16 miles through the Virgin River with canyon walls towering 2,000 feet overhead.”
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Narrows Top-Down Quick Facts
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Booking Method
- Reservation
- Demand Level
- High
- Cost
- $15
- Max Group Size
- 12 people
The Experience
Why It Matters
The Narrows is Zion's most iconic canyon hike. You walk in the river itself for most of the route, surrounded by sandstone walls so tall they block out the sky. The through-hike from Chamberlain's Ranch is the full experience: 16 miles of river walking, slot canyon exploration, and wilderness immersion.
The Route
Start at Chamberlain's Ranch, outside park boundaries. A shuttle drops you at the trailhead around 6am. The first few miles are mellow walking along North Fork. Then the canyon closes in. By mile 5, you're in the river for good.
Wall Street comes around mile 10: the narrowest section where walls approach 20 feet apart while soaring 1,500 feet high. The last miles pass Orderville Canyon junction before emerging at Temple of Sinawava.
Key Landmarks
Bulloch's Cabin
Historic cabin. Last dry ground for a while.
First Narrows
Canyon begins to close in.
Deep Creek Junction
Side canyon worth exploring.
Wall Street
The narrowest and most iconic section.
Orderville Canyon
Popular side canyon junction.
The Feeling
Water rushes around your ankles. The canyon narrows. Walls rise 1,500 feet on either side, close enough to touch. Light plays on the stone in patterns that change with every step. You round a corner into Wall Street, the narrowest section, and the world shrinks to a ribbon of blue sky overhead.
Permit Details
When to Go
Conditions
High water possible. Flash flood risk elevated. Cold water.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Waterfalls at peak flow
- +Fewer crowds
Challenges
- !Water may be impassable
- !Cold temps
- !Flash flood season
Difficulty Assessment
Fitness and endurance required
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Route finding and trail clarity
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Fit hikers comfortable with river crossings and long days.
Recommended Experience
Experience with river crossings helpful. Good fitness required.
Not Recommended For
Non-swimmers. Those uncomfortable in swift water.
How to Get This Permit
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
Narrows Top-Down FAQ
How do I get a Narrows Top-Down?
Narrows Top-Down is obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to get a Narrows Top-Down?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Narrows Top-Down?
This permit has a demand score of 7/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What happens if I can't get a Narrows Top-Down?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Midday when light penetrates deepest into the canyon.
Best Light
Wall Street section is best with overcast skies or midday light.
Beat the Crowds
Start early. Most bottom-up hikers arrive late morning.
Classic Shots
- 📍Wall Street looking up
- 📍River bend reflections
- 📍First light in the slot
Can't Get a Narrows Top-Down Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Bottom-Up Day Hike
Easier AlternativeStart at Temple of Sinawava and walk upriver. No permit needed. Go as far as you want.
Tradeoffs
Only see lower section. Crowds. Walking against current on return.
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Consider these alternatives or add them to your tracking list
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