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RiverBrain

Utah – US

Class
III+
Length
16 Mile(s)
Gradient
87 FPM
Put-in elevation
5,850 Feet
Typical season
January to January

Current Flow

23 CFS

Gauge height: 6.93 FT

Reading from Jul 10, 2026 10:20 PM

-0.09/hr (12h) -0.05/hr (24h)

Too Low

Don't bother

Primary gauge
NORTH FORK VIRGIN RIVER NEAR SPRINGDALE, UT Gauge detail & alternatives Live gauge ↗ NOAA river forecast ↗

Recommended levels

Minimum400
Average600
Maximum1,600

Recommended use

  • Kayaking
  • Rafting
  • Canoeing
  • SUP
  • Packrafting
  • Fishing

Struck-through craft are not recommended for this run.

Flow history — last 6 days

Photos

No photos added for this run yet.

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Description

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.

Rapids

No rapids added yet.

Access

Type Name Elevation Camping Water Boat ramp Vehicle access Description
Put-In in 5,850 Feet No No No All Vehicles

Chamberlain's Ranch

Put-In out 4,423 Feet No No No All Vehicles

Temple of Sinawava

Camps

No river camps added yet.

Permit

No permit is required, or permit info hasn't been added yet.

Fishing

No fish species have been associated with this run yet.

Community Run Notes

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