This is one of our favorite “walks” The quotations are because it’s more of a wade than a walk – most of the time you are walking up the river. Drive to the end of the Zion Park road and head into the canyon. The first half mile or so is easy and paved. Sandstone cliffs rise several thousand feet on both sides. At the end of the paved path, the canyon narrows and the virgin River fills the entire floor of the canyon. Grab a walking stick and wade off into the river. From here keep going upstream – the canyon gets deeper and narrower as you go. You can go as far as you wish but don’t stop before the first (orederville) canyon (about 2 miles) coming in from the right – this is where the “narrows” true begins. Another 1.5 miles and you get to the narrowest of the narrows – where the canyon is only 22 feet across. Turn around whenever you like and walk / float back to the road. You must turn around at Big Springs (5 miles) as you need a permit to go further,
A few caveats
- It can get crowded – start early
- Check the weather – flash floods are very dangerous – do not go if they are predicted (afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains cause these – another reason to go early)
- You will be walking on slippery walks in the river – decent water shoes are essential and tracking poles or at least a hiking stick are also very helpful
You can actually backpack through the whole canyon – starting above and walking down. There are designated camping areas high enough to avoid flooding. Permits are required and the transport logistics can be a bit challenging.