Chamberlain's Ranch Trailhead

Chamberlain's Ranch Trailhead, also called the North Fork Trailhead, is the start of the top-down route into the Zion Narrows, reached by driving about 16.7 miles up North Fork Road from State Route 9 to a junction with BLM Road 93. From here the route follows the North Fork of the Virgin River downstream, undeveloped and unmarked after the first few miles, through the North Fork Virgin River Wilderness Study Area and into the deepening walls of the Narrows before reaching the Temple of Sinawava, roughly 16 miles and often two days downstream.

Good to know

• A Zion Wilderness Permit is required for this route, and the park does not issue permits when river flow reaches 120 cubic feet per second or higher; flash flooding and high water are real, documented hazards in this canyon.
• There is no trail or amenities past the trailhead, and river crossings on uneven, submerged rock are constant.
• Check current flood potential and permit availability with the park before committing to the route.