The Narrows at Orderville Canyon

Make An Informed Decision
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:

Weather Forecast for Zion Canyon

Virgin River Stream Flow Rate

Flash Flood Potential Ratings

The Zion 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 Zion Narrows; walking in the shadow of 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 Zion 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.

Your safety is your responsibility.

Weather forecasts, flash flood potential ratings, and stream reports are available at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, (435) 772-0170. Permits are not issued when the flow is greater than 120 cubic feet per second.

When To Hike The Narrows
Entering the Narrows is safest when the Virgin River is low, clear, and relatively warm. Conditions change from day to day, and are impossible to predict. Check at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center for the latest weather forecast and possible advisories. Flash floods can occur at any time, but are more common in mid-summer and early fall. From November through May, trips through the Narrows usually require wet or dry suits and special cold-weather preparation.

Ways To Hike The Narrows
Day-Hike From the Bottom and Back
This is the easiest way to experience the Narrows. Ride the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava, walk one mile to the end of the paved Riverside Walk, and begin wading up the river. Almost immediately the views are breathtaking, and each bend of the river brings new delights. There is no formal destination, and you return the same way you came. Many hikers try to reach Orderville Canyon, a tributary creek approximately 2 hours upstream from the end of the paved trail. In the vicinity of Orderville Canyon the Narrows are at perhaps their most majestic. No permit is required for this day-hike.

Day-Hike From Top to Bottom
Walking the entire length of the Narrows can be a grueling experience. Under favorable conditions, the 16-mile route takes an average of 12 hours. Even for well-conditioned hikers, this makes for a long and strenuous day. Because the trailhead at Chamberlain's Ranch is a one and one half-hour drive from the Temple of Sinawava, either two vehicles or a shuttle is necessary. A backcountry permit is required. Permits may be obtained at either visitor center, on the day before you plan to hike. A maximum of 40 people daily will be granted permits.

Overnight Hike From Top to Bottom
To enjoy the Narrows at a more leisurely pace, some visitors choose to spend a night in the gorge. There are 11 numbered campsites, each located above the high water mark at a different spot along the route. Only one-night stays are allowed. Reservations are recommended for weekend trips. Campsite capacity is limited, and only one site can accommodate groups larger than six people.

Human Waste Disposal Project
With the increase in recreational use along Zion National Park waterways, the National Park Service has introduced a human waste disposal program for overnight users in the Narrows. An environmentally friendly human waste disposal bag, complete with use and
disposal instructions, will be provided to all party members with every Narrows overnight permit. The bag is called Restop 2. It is a lightweight, sanitary way to pack out waste. The bag within a bag design and ziplock closure securely contains waste and odor, while the special blend of polymers instantly breaks down waste and turns it into a deodorized gel. The contents of the bag are safe for landfills and may be deposited in the
trash. Use of this waste disposal system is strongly encouraged as a means for protecting the Virgin River.

Transportation
If you are hiking the Narrows from top to bottom, there are several ways to arrange transportation:

Commercial shuttle service is available to Chamberlain’s Ranch. There is a fee charged per person and seating is limited.

Current shuttle services in the area include;

The Zion Adventure Company at 435-772-1001 

Red Rock Shuttles at 435-635-9104

Zion Rock and Mountain Guides at 435-772-3303

Other shuttle companies may become available as the 2009 season begins to get busier.

•If you have two vehicles, you can shuttle yourself by parking one vehicle at Chamberlain's Ranch and the other at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
•In either case, at the end of your hike at the Temple of Sinawava, you must catch the Zion Canyon Shuttle back to the visitor center.

Directions to Chamberlain's Ranch: Chamberlain's Ranch is a 1½-hour drive from Zion Canyon, along paved and dirt roads. The dirt roads are passable for normal cars only when dry. When wet, they may be impassable even for 4-wheel-drive vehicles. Snow closes the road in winter. From the park’s East Entrance station, drive 2½ miles east on Route 9. Turn left on a paved road and continue 18 miles to a bridge that crosses the North Fork of the Virgin River. Turn left beyond the bridge and drive ¼ mile to the gate of Chamberlain’s Ranch. Please close the gate behind you. Drive ½ mile further and park just before the road crosses the river. To begin our hike, cross the river and follow the road for approximately 3 miles. Enter the river at the end of the road. Chamberlain's Ranch is a private ranch outside of Zion National Park. Please respect private property.

Group Size Limit
Large groups produce increased 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.

Water Depth
Water level varies in the Narrows. Under ideal conditions, when flow is under 70 cubic feet per second, most crossings are around knee-deep. Higher flows mean higher water, a stronger current, and may include wading in waist-deep water. Be prepared to swim. Even when the river is low, chest-deep holes are common.

Hypothermia
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.

Timetable

This timetable is approximate. The trip may be done in less time, but allowances have been made for rest stops and slower hikers. Track your progress by recognizing side canyons and landmarks. Deep Creek, Kolob Creek, the Grotto and Big Springs are all fairly obvious, but watch closely for the mouth of Goose Creek.


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