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Zion Narrows (top-down)

Zion Narrows (top-down) — the trail guide

The Zion Narrows (top-down) is a 24.2 km trek in United States, typically walked in 1–2 days, with 1685 m of total ascent. It rates Hard on our published rubric (70 m of gain per km, topping out at 1797 m).

The top-down Narrows is Zion National Park's signature canyon hike, running sixteen miles from Chamberlain's Ranch down the North Fork of the Virgin River to the Temple of Sinawava. Much of the route is spent wading — occasionally swimming — through a slot canyon where sculpted sandstone walls soar over a thousand feet.

Quick facts

Distance24.2 km
Total ascent1685 m
Typical duration1–2 days
Difficulty (computed)Hard
Steepness70 m gain per km
High point1797 m
CountryUnited States
RegionUnited States

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Hard" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Elevation profile

Low point 1456 m · high point 1797 m · 1685 m total ascent over 24.2 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 1798 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan4°-6°81 mm
Feb5°-6°65 mm
Mar9°-3°77 mm
Apr15°1°25 mm
May20°5°25 mm
Jun28°12°6 mm
Jul30°15°30 mm
Aug29°14°41 mm
Sep25°10°28 mm
Oct18°4°32 mm
Nov11°-2°35 mm
Dec6°-6°56 mm

Planning notes

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Zion Narrows (top-down)?

The Zion Narrows (top-down) is 24.2 km, and most hikers complete it in 1–2 days. Total elevation gain is 1685 m.

How difficult is the Zion Narrows (top-down)?

It rates Hard on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 70 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 1797 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

Can this climate table tell me when the Zion Narrows (top-down) is open or safe?

No. The table contains historical ERA5 averages, not a forecast or a report of snow, flooding, fire, closures or route condition. Check the responsible land manager and a current local forecast before departure.

Where is the Zion Narrows (top-down)?

In United States. The route starts near 37.385, -112.839 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

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