Virgin River Narrows

The Virgin River has carved a spectacular gorge in the upper reaches of Zion Canyon: 16 miles long, up to 2000 feet deep, and at times only 20-30 feet wide. The Narrows, with its soaring walls, sandstone grottos, natural springs, and hanging gardens can be an unforgettable wilderness experience. It is not, however, a trip to be underestimated.

Hiking The Narrows means hiking in the Virgin River. At least 60% of the hike is spent wading, walking, and sometimes swimming in the stream. There is no maintained trail; the route is the river. The current is swift, the water is cold, and the rocks underfoot are slippery. Flash flooding and hypothermia are constant dangers. Good planning, proper equipment, and sound judgment are essential for a safe and successful trip.

This area is best in the summer and fall. The winter tends to be too cold and the trailhead is inaccessible due to snow pack. The spring runoff makes the water levels too high for hiking. In the summer and fall the water levels are lower and the temps are warmer.

Camping is in designated sites only and is available for reservations online or on a walk-up basis. Please see The Narrows for more information.

Campsites

 

Campsite #1 (Deep Creek)
At the confluence of Deep Creek. The site is located on the left side of the river. This site has a maximum group size of 4 and is available for reservations online or on a walk-up basis.

 

Campsite #1 and view from the site

 

Campsite #2 (River Bend)
A 10-15 minute walk beyond Deep Creek, River Bend is located on the right side of the point of a sharp bench 10 feet above the river. This site has a maximum group size of 4 and is available for walk-up permit only.

 

Campsite #2 and view from the site

 

Campsite #3 (Right Bench)
A 10-15 minute walk from River Bend, this is located on the right hand bench in a stand of maples 20 feet above the river. This site has a maximum group size of 6 and is available for reservations online or on a walk-up basis.

 

Campsite #3 and view from the site

 

Campsite #4 (Flat Rock)
Flat Rock is a 5-10 minute walk beyond Right Bench, located beside a large flat rock next to the river. The site is next to the rock, on a 6 foot high bench next to the canyon wall. This site has a maximum group size of 2 and is available for walk-up permit only.

 

Campsite #4 and view from the site

 

Campsite #5 (Ringtail)
A short 5 minute walk beyond Flat Rock, Ringtail is located on a right bench in a sandy area. Just before Kolob Creek. This site has a maximum group size of 6 and is available for reservations online or on a walk-up basis.

 

Campsite #5 and view from the site

 

Campsite #6 (Kolob Creek)
At the confluence of Kolob Creek. The site is located on the right side, 20 feet above the river on a bench. This site has a maximum group size of 12 and is available for walk-up permit only.

 

Campsite #6 and view from the site

 

Campsite #7 (Box Elder)
A 10 minute walk beyond Kolob Creek. This site is located on the left about 30 feet up on a bench. This site has a maximum group size of 6 and is available for reservations online or on a walk-up basis. (Picture coming soon)

 

Campsite #8 (Boulder Camp)
Across the river from Box Elder, a 10 minute walk beyond Kolob Creek around a sharp bend. The access trail is to the right up slope about 50 feet. This site has a maximum group size of 6 and is available for walk-up permit only.

 

Campsite #8 and view from the site

 

Campsite #9 (Left Bench)
A 10 minute walk beyond Boulder Camp, on the left. Located on a 10 foot bench next to the canyon wall in a grove of maples. It can be easy to miss. This site has a maximum group size of 6 and is available for reservations online or on a walk-up basis.

 

Campsite #9 and view from the site

 

Campsite #10 (West Bend)
A 5 minute hike from Left Bench. This site is on a high bank located on a western bend. This site has a maximum group size of 6 and is available for walk-up permit only. (Picture coming soon)

 

Campsite #11 (Spotted Owl)
This sunny site is located on the left side, immediately after the first stream crossing. It is up a slope 10 feet above the river. This site has a maximum group size of 4 and is available for walk-up permit only.

 

Campsite #11 and view from the site

 

Campsite #12 (High Camp)
High Camp is a 15-20 minute walk beyond Spotted Owl on a slow, difficult section of the river, 300 yards before Big Spring. The site is on the left side of the river on a 25 foot high bench in a stand of maple and Douglas-fir. It can be easy to miss. This site has a maximum group size of 12 and is available for reservations online or on a walk-up basis.

 

Campsite #12 and view from the site

 

Water Sources

 

Big Springs
Big Springs flows out of the canyon wall about ten feet off the ground. It produces a large amount of water and typically flows year-round. It is located just downstream from the campsite 12 and is the turn around point for hikes coming from the bottom up. The spring is on the right side and difficult to miss.

 

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