Explore the heart of Zion National Park by trekking through the Virgin River in the iconic Narrows. These guided hikes provide essential water gear and expert naturalists to help you safely navigate the towering slot canyons.
Free Cancellation Explore the Zion Narrows on a private guided hike tailored to your group's pace and skill level.
Free Cancellation Hike through Zion’s red rock canyons and emerald pools on a guided small-group tour limited to eight people.
Trek through the Virgin River into the heart of Zion's Narrows, a world-famous slot canyon with towering walls.
Free Cancellation Hike through the Virgin River into Zion’s famous slot canyons with a private guide and all necessary gear provided.
Free Cancellation Wade through the Virgin River to explore the towering walls and hidden springs of Zion's iconic Narrows.
New Hike the Virgin River through Zion's towering slot canyons on a private, 6-7 hour guided trek.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Zion — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Hiking the Zion Narrows is a bucket-list adventure where the Virgin River literally becomes your trail. Guided tours take the stress out of this unique trek by providing specialized water gear, expert navigation through the slot canyons, and deep insights into the area's geology.
You will spend the majority of your hike walking directly in the flowing waters of the Virgin River, navigating over smooth, slippery river rocks.
As you travel further upstream, the canyon narrows dramatically, surrounding you with sheer, 1,000-foot tall red and orange sandstone cliffs.
Tours provide critical equipment to keep you safe and comfortable, including canyoning boots, neoprene socks, and sturdy wooden walking sticks.
Your journey begins on a scenic, paved 2.2-mile path that runs parallel to the river, featuring lush hanging gardens and weeping rock walls.
Many tours trek far enough upstream to reach this stunning tributary, known for its tighter slot canyon formations and dramatic lighting.
Before you secure your spot for a Narrows hike, it's important to understand the physical demands of the trail and exactly what your tour covers.
Most Narrows tours are either private or capped at very small groups (around 8 people). This ensures the guide can set a safe pace tailored to your group's physical abilities.
National Park admission is rarely included in the tour price. You will need to pay the $35 private vehicle fee, the $20 individual pedestrian fee, or show a valid America the Beautiful pass upon entry.
This is a moderately strenuous activity that requires walking on unstable, slippery rocks against a river current. It is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, spinal injuries, or severe balance issues.
The majority of guided hikes include a Narrows gear kit, which usually features specialized canyon boots, neoprene socks, a walking stick, and sometimes watertight bib waders for colder months.
Due to the physical nature of wading through moving water, many operators do not recommend this specific hike for children under the age of 8.
The Narrows is highly susceptible to deadly flash floods. If the National Park Service issues a flash flood warning, your tour will be canceled or rerouted for safety, usually with a full refund or reschedule option.
Logistics vary by operator. Some offer hotel pickups in the town of Springdale, while others require you to meet at paid parking lots near the park entrance, such as Zion Outfitter.
| Private Narrows Hike | Small Group Narrows Tour | Express Narrows Guided Trek | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 6-7 hours | Up to 7 hours | 6 hours |
| Group Size | Private (your group only) | Max 8 people | Small Group |
| Gear Included | Yes (Boots, Socks, Stick) | Yes | Varies by operator |
| Price From | $299 | $354 | $375 |
Zion National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. However, the facilities inside the park operate on seasonal schedules.
Keep in mind that the free Zion Canyon Shuttle, which you must use to reach the Narrows trailhead at the Temple of Sinawava, operates from early morning until the last bus leaves the canyon at 8:15 pm in the summer. Missing the last shuttle means an 8-mile walk back in the dark.
Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah, easily accessible from several major hubs.
Once in Springdale, you can walk across the pedestrian bridge into the park or ride the free town shuttle to the main entrance.
The timing of your Narrows hike can completely change the experience.
Zion National Park strives to be accessible, but the Narrows hike itself is inherently rugged.
Planning ahead for parking and basic needs is essential for a smooth trip.
Zion National Park strictly enforces rules to protect both visitors and the delicate desert ecosystem.
If you are doing the standard bottom-up day hike starting from the Temple of Sinawava, you do not need a permit. Permits are only required if you are hiking the Narrows top-down from Chamberlain's Ranch or camping overnight.
Most tour operators do not include the park entrance fee in their pricing. You will be responsible for paying the $35 private vehicle fee or the $20 individual pedestrian fee when you arrive.
Guided tours typically provide a specialized Narrows gear kit. This usually includes supportive canyoning boots, neoprene socks to keep your feet warm, and a sturdy wooden walking stick to help you balance in the river current.
No. The Virgin River has an active warning for toxic cyanobacteria blooms. Standard water filters cannot remove these toxins, so you must bring your own drinking water—at least one gallon per person per day.
The hike is considered moderate to strenuous. You will be wading through moving water and walking on slippery, uneven river rocks for several hours. It requires a moderate level of fitness and is not recommended for people with balance or joint issues.
No, pets are strictly prohibited in the Narrows and on the park shuttle buses. In Zion, dogs are only allowed on the paved Pa'rus Trail and must be kept on a leash at all times.
Slot canyons like the Narrows are incredibly dangerous during rainstorms due to the risk of sudden flash floods. If the National Park Service issues a flash flood warning, your tour will be canceled or rerouted to a safe trail.
The last available restrooms and water filling stations are located at the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop. Once you start the Riverside Walk and enter the river, there are no facilities.
While families do hike the Narrows, many guided tours do not recommend the trek for children under 8 years old. The river current can be surprisingly strong, and the water can be quite deep for smaller kids.
The Visitor Center's 350 parking spots usually fill up by 8:00 am. If you arrive late, you can park in the town of Springdale for $15 to $25 per day and take the free town shuttle to the park entrance.
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This private tour takes you into the heart of the Zion Narrows, where you'll walk through the Virgin River between towering canyon walls. Since we don't mix groups, you'll have a dedicated guide focused entirely on your party. This allows us to set a pace that works for everyone, whether you want to cover as much ground as possible or stop frequently for photos. Your guide handles the navigation and safety decisions while sharing insights about the canyon's geology and history. We tailor the route based on current water levels and your personal preferences, ensuring you get the most out of your time in the canyon without the pressure of keeping up with strangers.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour provides a detailed look at the geology and natural history of Zion National Park. With a group size capped at eight hikers, you will walk among the park’s famous sandstone cliffs and visit the emerald pools while your guide shares information about the landscape's formation and local history. The itinerary includes a stop at Zion Outfitter before entering the park so you can rent or pick up reserved gear for the Narrows. If the Narrows are closed on the day of your visit, the tour will proceed with a full schedule of other scenic locations throughout the park to ensure you see the best of the canyon. Please note that our tours require a minimum number of participants to run. If this minimum is not met, you can choose to upgrade to a private tour for an additional fee or receive a full refund. International visitors should also be aware that additional National Park fees may be collected on-site, as these are not included in the booking price.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This guided hike takes you deep into the Narrows, where the Virgin River has carved a path through massive sandstone cliffs. You will navigate the riverbed on foot, experiencing one of Utah's most iconic landscapes from the water level. Be prepared for a physical adventure, as the route involves wading through currents that can reach waist-deep. Please note that specialized water gear is not included in the tour price. You must rent river equipment from Zion Outfitter in Springdale prior to your arrival. They offer seasonal packages, and we highly recommend renting waterproof bibs for tours scheduled in the fall, winter, or spring. For the best rates, you can find our company name under the 'Additional Info' section and book directly through our website. If you do not receive a check-in from your guide within 72 hours of your tour date, please contact our office directly.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
This private tour takes you into the heart of Zion National Park to hike the Narrows, where the Virgin River serves as the trail. The journey begins with a one-mile walk along the paved Riverside Path before you enter the water to navigate the towering slot canyon walls. Your guide manages the logistics, from monitoring water conditions and finding the safest routes through the current to timing the hike to avoid the heaviest crowds. We provide all specialized equipment needed for the river, including canyon boots, neoprene socks, and trekking poles. During the winter and early spring, we also include waterproof dry bibs to keep you warm. The tour includes snacks and uses the park’s shuttle system for transport, though tours scheduled between January 1st and March 6th start at 8:00 AM and require guests to provide their own transportation to the trailhead. A minimum of two tickets is required to book. This hike involves several miles of walking on slippery, uneven river rocks and is not recommended for those with balance issues or anyone unable to walk at least four miles. Group discounts are automatically applied for parties of four or more, and we encourage you to message us directly if your preferred date appears unavailable on the calendar.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
The Narrows is one of Zion’s most famous treks and remains the only major hike in the park that does not require a permit for day trips. The journey begins on a flat, paved path along the river before transitioning directly into the water. As you move upstream, the canyon walls tighten, creating a dramatic slot canyon experience where you will spend much of your time wading through the river flow. The environment inside the canyon is filled with unique geological and biological features. You will pass weeping walls where water seeps from solid rock, warm-water springs, and sections of forest showing the impact of historical rockfalls. Keep an eye out for American Dippers—small birds that hunt underwater—and the rare, microscopic snails native to the area. A massive boulder sitting mid-river serves as a popular landmark for photos before you head back down canyon.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This private 6-7 hour tour takes you deep into the Narrows, Zion National Park’s most iconic slot canyon. Following your guide, you’ll trek directly through the Virgin River as it flows between thousand-foot sandstone walls. The route leads upstream toward Orderville Canyon, allowing you to see the park's most dramatic geological features at a pace that suits your group. Your guide provides context for the landscape, explaining the 250 million years of geological history visible in the canyon strata. Because this is a private outing, the itinerary is flexible, focusing on your interests while navigating the river's unique terrain. All specialized equipment is provided to ensure a comfortable hike. This includes canyon-specific boots for traction, neoprene socks, a sturdy hiking stick, and a dry bag for your belongings. During colder months, dry waders are also included to keep you warm in the water.
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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