Best River Hikes Near Zion National Park (The Ultimate Trio)

River hikes are one of the best ways to experience nature at its most immersive. Getting your feet wet while towering canyon walls rise around you adds an entirely different layer to the adventure. We absolutely love river hikes and seek them out wherever we travel. And luckily for you, Zion National Park is home to three incredible river hikes located close together. And they just happen to be some of the coolest ones around.

In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know about the three best river hikes near Zion, including what to expect, how difficult they are, and why each one deserves a spot on your Zion itinerary.

Kanarra Creek

First I want to start off with a lesser known river hike near Zion National Park: Kanarra Creek. This one is not actually located in the park, but it’s close by, therefore needing to make it on your Zion National Park bucket list.

Kanarra Creek is an easy 3.5+ mile round-trip hike. But, if you’re not ready for the adventure to end, the trail does continue beyond the main waterfall for those wanting to explore a bit further. The hike is located in Kanarraville, Utah, about an hour from Zion National Park.

Throughout the hike, you’ll frequently walk through ankle- to knee-deep water as the trail follows Kanarra Creek upstream. About a mile in, towering canyon walls begin to close in, creating a stunning slot canyon feel as you approach the waterfalls.

Once you reach the main waterfall, you’ll encounter a series of man-made ladders that allow you to climb up and over it—and yes, this is also where you can snap the iconic Kanarra Creek photo.

👉There are a few important things to know before hiking Kanarra Creek, including permits and trail conditions, which we cover in our full Kanarra Creek guide.

The Subway

Next on the list is one of our all-time favorite river hikes near Zion National Park: The Subway. This iconic hike is considered moderate to difficult and can be completed as a 9-mile out-and-back or a 9.5-mile top-down route. Located just outside Zion National Park in the Zion Wilderness, The Subway is hands-down our favorite river hike in the area.

The trailhead is accessed via Kolob Terrace Road, and this hike requires a permit, which must be applied for online or obtained through the Zion Visitor Center. Permits can be competitive and are not guaranteed, so planning ahead is key.

For most of the hike, you’ll be crossing and hiking through the Left Fork of North Creek, with frequent stretches of ankle- to knee-deep water. As you approach the famous subway-shaped canyon walls, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, making every creek crossing worth it.

👉 Because this hike requires more planning, permits, and the right conditions, we cover everything you need to know: including routes, permits, gear, and safety tips, in our complete Subway hike guide.

The Narrows

Last but certainly not least is the most famous hike in Zion National Park: The Narrows. This iconic river hike is a challenging 16-mile trek that winds through one of the most scenic sections of the park. While many visitors experience The Narrows as a shorter day hike from the bottom up, completing the full route requires a permit, which can be obtained online or from the Zion Visitor Center. Permits can be competitive, so advance planning is highly recommended.

If you choose to hike The Narrows top-down, plan on turning it into an overnight backpacking trip, as it typically takes two days to complete. For most of the hike, you’ll be walking directly in the North Fork of the Virgin River, with water depths ranging from ankle- to waist-deep depending on the season, weather conditions, and water flow.

👉 Because conditions, permits, and safety considerations can change quickly, we break down everything you need to know—including route options, permits, gear, and timing—in our full guide: Narrows Backpacking Guide.