The Narrows Bottom-Up to Big Spring
The maximum permit-free bottom-up Narrows hike, continuing through the river to Big Spring.
Route overview
The Narrows Bottom-Up to Big Spring in Zion National Park, Utah.
Big Spring is the permitted turnaround limit for bottom-up day hikers and creates a full-day river journey. The route includes long sections of slippery upstream travel, deep pools, cold shade and no quick escape from the slot canyon. It should be treated as an expert-level objective despite modest mapped elevation gain.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Zion National Park, Utah
- Distance
- 16.1 km
- Typical duration
- 7–10 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- Variable and minimal; prolonged upstream river travel
- Best season
- Summer to early autumn only when official flow and flash-flood conditions are suitable
- Trail type
- Out and back in river
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No wilderness permit required up to Big Spring; travel beyond Big Spring is prohibited for bottom-up hikers without the appropriate through-hike permit
Safety context
Confirm flow below closure threshold, no Flash Flood Warning and stable upstream weather; cold stress and exhaustion can occur even in hot weather Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Confirm flow below closure threshold, no Flash Flood Warning and stable upstream weather; cold stress and exhaustion can occur even in hot weather
Highlights
Big Spring, Wall Street, Orderville junction, deep Narrows scenery
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.