Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The hike
Take the park shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava, the last stop in Zion Canyon. The paved Riverside Walk follows the Virgin River for a mile to the place where the canyon walls close in. From there the river is the trail: you wade upstream over slippery cobbles, past Mystery Falls, to the mouth of Orderville Canyon on the right, about two and a half miles from the start. Beyond it is Wall Street, where the walls stand closest. This walk turns round a short way into it. Return the same way.
It is 5.7 miles (9.1 km) round trip with 250 feet (76 m) of climbing; allow about 5 hours. The grade is Hard: more than half the way is wading on uneven rock in cold, moving water, far slower than a path. The climb is the river's own rise, and the time allows for the wading.
No permit is needed to walk upstream from the Temple of Sinawava as far as Big Spring. The park closes the Narrows when the river runs above 150 cubic feet a second and whenever a flash flood warning is issued, so check the flow and the forecast on the day. Toxic cyanobacteria are present in the river: do not drink the water, even filtered, or put your head under. There are restrooms and water at the trailhead only.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with the distance and time worked out from it. The climb is the published figure: height data cannot be trusted on this ground. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Up the Virgin River between walls up to 300 m high, wading much of the way
- Turn back in Wall Street, the tightest stretch, just above Orderville Canyon; no permit needed
- Closed when the river runs above 150 cfs or a flash-flood warning is issued
Summits on the way
- Imlay Temple 5,046 ft (1,538 m) · passed close by
Getting there
Start: Temple of Sinawava. 37.28519, -112.94741
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Zion: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.