Landmark
Wall Street
MI 12.5 · 4,550 ft
The famous narrowest section: 2,000-foot walls squeezing to 20 feet wide.
One date at a time
The Narrows Top-Down Permit
Zion National Park · Utah
The complete 16-mile through-hike of Zion's most famous slot canyon, from Chamberlain's Ranch to Temple of Sinawava.
Get an alert when Narrows Top-Down opens on your dates.
Yes. You need a permit to hike The Narrows Top-Down in Zion National Park. It is The Narrows Top-Down Permit, and it is booked in advance through a reservation system rather than won in a lottery. Cost: $15. Groups are limited to 12 people.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Narrows Top-Down were gone within 30 minutes.
The Narrows Top-Down reservation dates
- route distance, point to point
- 16mi
- elevation gain
- 334ft
- max group size
- 12people
Narrows Top-Down elevation profile
Chamberlain's Ranch to Temple of Sinawava1,763 ft of descent · 0.4% average grade
Landmark
Chamberlain's Ranch
Northern starting point at 5,800 ft on private ranch. 1.5-hour shuttle from Springdale.
Mile 0 of 16
0 Chamberlain's Ranch16 Temple of Sinawava
- Mile
- 0
- Elevation
- 5,840 ft
Narrows Top-Down landmarks
Map of the The Narrows Top-Down, Chamberlain's Ranch to Temple of Sinawava
9 of 9 places in this section
Loading the map
Terrain USGS 3DEP · Water USGS NHD · Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors
1,763 ft of descent · 0.4% average grade
How to get The Narrows Top-Down permit
As of October 2026, Narrows Top-Down in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation. Narrows Top-Down is a high-demand permit, rating 7/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Canceled Narrows Top-Down permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The Narrows Top-Down route covers 16 miles with 334 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous.
- Type
- Day Use
- Location
- Colorado Plateau, UT
Step 1: Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Step 4: Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
More on Narrows Top-Down: Live availability activityWhen Narrows Top-Down permits open upChance of an openingDo I need a The Narrows Top-Down permit?
Guides: Narrows Top-Down permit guideNarrows Overnight permit guideNarrows Day Hike permit guide
How much The Narrows Top-Down permit costs
Narrows Top-Down permit fee: $15.
The Narrows Top-Down hike
- Distance
- 16 miles
- Elevation Gain
- 334 ft
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 10-14 hours
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Elevation Range
- 4,400 - 5,800 ft
Wade 16 miles down the Virgin River through walls that rise 2,000 feet overhead, the ultimate slot canyon experience.
About this permit
The Narrows Top-Down is a 16-mile through-hike down the North Fork of the Virgin River, Zion's most famous slot canyon. Unlike the bottom-up day hike, this route requires a wilderness permit and a shuttle to the remote Chamberlain's Ranch trailhead.
The hike can be completed as a strenuous 10-14 hour day or as a more leisurely 2-day backpacking trip with camping at one of 12 designated riverside camps. Most of the route involves wading directly in the river.
The route
From Chamberlain's Ranch, the first miles feel almost too easy: a gravel road through ponderosa pines and meadows. Then you drop into the riverbed and the transformation begins.
The canyon walls grow gradually at first, rising and narrowing imperceptibly. At Deep Creek confluence, the river doubles in volume and the real Narrows begins. The famous landmarks appear in sequence: Big Springs with its hanging gardens, Orderville Canyon entering from the left, and finally Wall Street, where the canyon narrows to 20 feet while the walls soar to 2,000.
The final mile along the Riverside Walk feels almost surreal: paved trail after 15 miles of river walking. You emerge at Temple of Sinawava changed, with wrinkled feet and a memory you'll carry forever.
Why it matters
The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, where the Virgin River has carved a slot so deep and tight that the walls tower 2,000 feet overhead while squeezing to just 20 feet wide. It is widely considered one of the top hikes in the United States and the defining experience of Zion National Park.
The feeling
There's no trail in The Narrows, only the river. For 16 miles, you wade downstream through water that varies from ankle-deep riffles to chest-deep pools. The walls rise around you like a cathedral, narrowing until you're in Wall Street, the famous section where 2,000-foot cliffs squeeze to 20 feet apart and you cannot see sky. The river is your highway, the canyon your temple.
Narrows Top-Down hike highlights
- 16 miles of river hiking with constant wading (ankle to chest-deep)
- 10-14 hours for strong hikers; 2 days for a more relaxed pace
- No maintained trail: the river IS the trail
- The famous Wall Street section with 2,000-foot walls narrowing to 20 feet
- Cold water year-round (56-68°F depending on season)
How hard the Narrows Top-Down hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required4/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills2/5
- Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential2/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
Best for: Strong hikers comfortable with extensive river travel and cold water immersion.
Recommended experience: River crossing experience helpful. Should have completed at least one full-day strenuous hike.
Not recommended for: Hikers under 4'8" (chest-deep crossings), those unable to swim, anyone uncomfortable in moving water.
Trailhead information
Chamberlain's Ranch
Primary5,800 ft elevation
Northern starting point for top-down route. Private ranch: shuttle or 2-car setup required.
- No restrooms
- No water
- No Service
Parking
No public parking. Must arrange private shuttle or two-car spot.
Getting There
1.5-hour drive from Springdale via Highway 9 East, then north on North Fork Road. Dirt road may be impassable when wet.
Nearest Services
None at trailhead. Springdale or Orderville have full services.
Trailhead information
Temple of Sinawava
Alternate4,400 ft elevation
Southern endpoint at Shuttle Stop #9. All top-down hikers exit here.
- Restrooms
- Water on site
- No Service
Before you rely on this water
A filling station at the shuttle stop only. The Virgin River is not a substitute - Zion posts cyanobacteria advisories for it, and filters do not remove cyanotoxins. Carry everything you need and check the park's current conditions page before you go.
Parking
No parking: shuttle access only. Take Zion Canyon Shuttle to Stop #9.
Getting There
Access via free Zion Canyon shuttle from Visitor Center.
Nearest Services
Zion Lodge (shuttle accessible). Full services in Springdale.
When to hike The Narrows Top-Down
Best time to visit
June through September offers the warmest water temperatures (65-68°F) but higher flash flood risk. Spring and fall have colder water but more stable weather. The route requires favorable river conditions. Check flow rates before planning.
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,840 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Day 6: 85% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
Today
☀️
72°
49°
Wed
☁️
72°
52°
Thu
☁️
67°
54°
Fri
🌧️
67°
54°
58%
Sat
🌧️
65°
52°
58%
Sun
🌧️
61°
51°
85%
Mon
🌧️
58°
46°
52%
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
Narrows Top-Down photography guide
Golden Hour
The Narrows is shaded most of the day due to the deep canyon. Wall Street photographs best when occasional light beams penetrate the slot (typically midday).
Best Light
Overcast days provide even, soft light throughout the canyon. Direct sun creates harsh contrast between lit walls and dark shadows.
Beat the Crowds
Top-down hikers have the canyon largely to themselves until Big Springs, where bottom-up crowds begin. Start early to reach Wall Street before the masses.
Classic Shots
- Wall Street section with towering walls and narrow river
- Light beams in the slot canyon (requires specific conditions)
- Big Springs hanging gardens
- Wading hikers dwarfed by massive canyon walls
- Orderville Canyon junction
- Reflection shots in calm pools
The Narrows Top-Down rules, gear and safety
Gear checklist
Required- Sturdy, high-top canyon shoes or boots with good drainage
- Walking stick or sturdy trekking pole (wooden stick recommended over metal)
- Dry bags for electronics, camera, and spare clothes
- Water and food for full day
- Headlamp (in case of extended time in canyon)
Recommended gear
- Neoprene socks to keep feet warm in cold water
- Wetsuit or drytop in spring/fall/winter
- Waterproof camera or underwater housing
- Gaiters to prevent rocks entering boots
- Spare dry clothes for shuttle ride back
Rules & regulations
- 01Wilderness permit required for all top-down hikers
- 02Day-hiking or overnight options available
- 03Group size limited to 12 people
- 04Trail closes when river flow exceeds 150 CFS (permits not issued above 120 CFS)
- 05Camping only at 12 designated sites (overnight permit required)
- 06No fires permitted
- 07Human waste must be packed out (WAG bags required for overnight)
Hazards & considerations
- Flash floods: the canyon is a death trap during heavy rain; check weather forecast for entire Virgin River watershed
- Hypothermia: water is cold year-round; extended immersion dangerous
- Deep water: some pools are chest-deep; short hikers may need to swim
- Slippery rocks: the riverbed is covered in 'bowling ball' rocks that roll underfoot
- No escape routes in Wall Street: once in the narrowest section, you're committed
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Narrows Top-Down.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Narrows Top-Down · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Narrows Top-Down FAQ
Do you need a permit to hike the Narrows?
Only for the top-down trip and for camping. NPS says "Permits are required for all top-down 16 mile trips from Chamberlain's Ranch," and an overnight trip needs a wilderness permit for your campsite. Hiking upstream from the Temple of Sinawava does not require a permit.
How much does a Zion Narrows top-down permit cost?
$15. You reserve it in advance on Recreation.gov.
How many people can go on one Zion Narrows top-down permit?
12. The group size limit for the top-down trip is 12 people.
When is the Zion Narrows top-down permit not issued?
When the river runs high. Permits are not issued above 120 CFS, and the route closes when the flow goes over 150 CFS.
Where does the Zion Narrows top-down permit hike start and end?
It starts at Chamberlain's Ranch and ends 16 miles downstream at the Temple of Sinawava, Shuttle Stop #9. Chamberlain's Ranch has no public parking, so you need a private shuttle or a two-car setup.
Can I camp overnight on a Zion Narrows top-down permit?
Only with an overnight permit. Camping is allowed at 12 designated sites. Fires are not permitted, and overnight hikers must pack out human waste in WAG bags.
The Narrows Top-Down trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions(6)
Alternatives to The Narrows Top-Down permit
- Easier AlternativeNo permit needed
The Narrows Bottom-Up (No Permit)
Day hike from Temple of Sinawava as far as Big Springs (up to 10 miles round trip). No permit or shuttle required.
Tradeoffs
Crowds are much heavier on this section, but no logistics or permit hassle. Sees the same Wall Street section.
- Similar ExperiencePermit required
The Narrows Overnight
Same top-down route with overnight camping at one of 12 designated sites, allowing a more relaxed 2-day pace.
Tradeoffs
Same experience spread over two days. Permits for camping are harder to obtain than day-use permits.
Where to stay near Narrows Top-Down
- South Campground (Ut)Zion National Park
- Watchman CampgroundZion National Park
- Lava Point CampgroundZion National Park
- All Utah campgrounds
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