•All narrow canyons are potentially hazardous. Flash floods, cold water, and strong currents present real dangers that can be life-threatening. Your safety depends on your own good judgment, adequate preparation, and constant attention. By entering a narrow canyon, you are assuming a risk. Your safety is your responsibility.
•Permits are required for all through hikes of the Virgin River and tributaries, the Left Fork of North Creek (the Subway), Kolob Creek, and all canyons requiring the use of descending gear or ropes. Permits are issued at both visitor centers the day before, or the day of your hike.

•Please check the main Backcountry Menu or the Backcountry News page for updates on costs and how to make a reservation. Thank you for your patience.

•Large groups increase impacts on the backcountry. Group size is limited to a maximum of 12 people sharing the same affiliation (school, club, scout troop, family, friends) in the same drainage, route, or backcountry trail on the same day. This is strictly enforced; violators will be cited.  

Flashflood Sequence
•All narrow canyons are potentially hazardous. Flashfloods, often from storms miles away, present a real danger and can be life threatening. By entering a narrow canyon you are assuming a risk. During a flash flood the water level rises almost instantly-within minutes or seconds. The Narrows are susceptible to flash flooding because much of the surrounding land is bare rock that does not absorb water. During storms, runoff water is funneled rapidly into the Narrows.

•Watch for these signs of possible flash flooding:

•Sudden changes in water clarity from clear to muddy (may be accompanied by floating debris)
•Rising water levels or stronger currents
•Build-up of clouds or sounds of thunder
•An increasing roar of water up-canyon
•Any deterioration in weather conditions

•If you observe any of these signs, seek higher ground immediately. Do not try to beat a flash flood out of the canyon. Remain on high ground until conditions improve; water levels usually drop within 24 hours. If caught by flooding in an area with no high ground, try to take shelter behind a jutting fin of rock that can break the initial mass of water and debris. It may be possible to wedge yourself into a crack above water level. Even climbing a few feet may save your life.

•In addition to the normal weather forecast, the National Weather Service also issues a flash flood potential rating for Southern Utah during the summer storm season. Although narrow canyons are inherently hazardous, you can make an informed decision by checking the most recent weather forecast and flash flood danger level report. These documents are posted daily at the park visitor centers and are available on the Web at:

•Hypothermia occurs when the body is cooled to dangerous levels. It is the #1 killer of outdoor recreationists, and it usually happens without the victim's awareness. It is a hazard in narrow canyons, even in summer, because immersion in cold water is the quickest route to body heat loss. To prevent hypothermia, avoid cotton clothing (it provides no insulation when wet) and eat high-energy food (especially sugars and starches) before you are chilled.
 

•Signs of hypothermia:

•Uncontrollable shivering
•Stumbling and poor coordination
•Fatigue and weakness
•Confusion or slurred speech

•If you recognize any signs of hypothermia, stop hiking and immediately replace wet clothing with dry clothing. Warm the victim with your own body and a hot drink. Shelter from breezes. A pre-warmed sleeping bag will help prevent further heat loss.

 
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