Zion Narrows

Zion Narrows is considered a class III run, however, given it's committment, portaging and potential for wood, class IV boating skills are recommended. Incredible class III (remote) run that has a short window when the road in is driveable and the river is flowing. Bony (20 cfs?) 5-6 mile hike/drag/float through cow pastures that slowly drops into the Virgin Narrows. Deep in the gorge and about 5 hours later you hear the rumble of a clean 18'-20' fall. Easy to portage river left or scout and plug it. Shortly after there is one more good rapid amidst the mank and then the steam picks up considerably with the confluence of Deep creek. The next 2 hours the river changes its pace significantly with boulder garden rapids. Be on your toes for log jams, portages are likely. You know you are close to the take out when you see the heads of photographers suddenly disrupt the incredible scenery. Wave to the hoards as you pass and run the last rapid of the Narrows somewhere in the III /IV- range...great 5' boof river center to left. The final mile follows the footpath to the Temple of Sinawava bus stop. Take out here, leave your gear, and hop on the bus to go get your shuttle rig. The park bus will shuttle you for free back to the visitor center. Permits are required. They are free at the backcountry desk at the visitors center in the Park.

Suggested river levels for paddling this section of the Virgin River are between a bare minimum of 400cfs and a high of 1,600cfs. River conditions sourced from USGS 09405500, the North Fork Virgin River Near Springdale Remember only watercraft are permitted at Zion Narrows.