Hiking Parunuweap Canyon: A Remote Zion Adventure

Parunuweap Canyon might not have the same name recognition as Zion’s Narrows, but for those seeking solitude and natural beauty, it offers a unique and rewarding adventure. Situated in the East Fork of the Virgin River, this remote canyon features towering Navajo sandstone walls, pristine pools, and a rugged wilderness experience.

Unlike the crowded trails in Zion National Park, Parunuweap remains relatively untouched, thanks in part to the inaccessibility of its lower section, which has been closed for habitat preservation. However, the upstream sections, located on BLM land, offer hikers an experience similar to the Narrows, but with fewer crowds and more adventure.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about hiking Parunuweap Canyon as an out and back starting at Checkerboard Mesa area of Zion National Park and turning around at the first waterfall, including its route details, difficulty level, best seasons to hike, and tips for capturing its beauty through photography.

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narrow slot canyon with high canyon walls and river running through — Parunuweap Canyon Zion National Park. Photo ©JJ. Trailwalker

Location and Trailhead Access

The hike begins near the east entrance to Zion National Park, but some of the accessible hiking is on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Look for a small pullout just past Checkerboard Mesa. From here, walk just west of UT 9 and look for a well-worn sandy trail on the south side of the road. See Google Map below.

Parunuweap Canyon Trail Overview

Length: 3.9 miles to the river, 3.1 miles to waterfall (where we turned around making it about a 14-mile hike) you can also continue upstream to 3.6 miles to Poverty Wash, 11.5 miles to Mineral Gulch as a backpacking trip.
Difficulty: Strenuous, with route-finding challenges, river wading, and minor scrambling over obstacles.
Duration: Plan for a full-day hike
Trailhead: From East Entrance south side of UT-9, 1.6 miles inside the eastern boundary of Zion National Park.
Best Season: Summer and Fall (Avoid during high water levels). Always check weather forecasts, current conditions, and be aware of flash flood risk.
Terrain: Navajo sandstone with river crossings, slot canyons, and quicksand patches.
Permits and Fees:
- No special permit is required for the BLM sections
- The $35.00 Zion National Park entry fee applies or an America the Beautiful Pass via Checkerboard Mesa route

man walking in narrow slot canyon with high canyon walls and river running through — Parunuweap Canyon Zion National Park. Photo ©JJ. Trailwalker

Day Hiking Parunuweap Canyon

The hike to Parunuweap is both a physical and navigational challenge. The initial route from Checkerboard Mesa involves crossing open slick rock and navigating down into the river canyon. You’ll encounter deep pools, and quicksand patches as you trek upstream, though none are so significant that they block the path entirely.

Once inside the canyon, the experience is serene. The towering, sheer Navajo sandstone wall creates a cathedral-like atmosphere, similar to the Narrows but far more remote.

While parts of the trail are well-defined, the remote nature of Parunuweap Canyon means that route-finding skills are essential. Be prepared with a detailed map, GPS, or a downloaded offline trail app. Cell service is non-existent, if you do this type of hiking a satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a necessity.

What to Bring

Sturdy hiking shoes suitable for water – I highly recommend La Sportiva Bushido III
Dry bags for electronics and spare clothes
Plenty of water and snacks
First aid kit
Wag Bags
Hiking poles (The moment we stepped into the water we said “We should have brought our hiking poles”) – Black Diamond Trekking Poles
Navigation tools (recommend Garmin inReach Mini 2)
Sun protection
Camera gear

Photography in Parunuweap Canyon

Parunuweap Canyon offers spectacular photography opportunities for those willing to brave the challenging hike. Here are some tips to capture its beauty:

Best Time to Shoot: The narrow canyon can be challenging to shoot due to limited light. Plan your visit mid-day when the light is overhead illuminating the canyon.
Best Location: The narrowest section is very close to when you enter the canyon. I found this to be the best location for photography.
Leading Lines: Use the river to create a leading line through your images to create a well-balanced scene.
Tripod: A sturdy tripod can help with lowlight situations and bracketing if needed in darker areas of the canyon.

For those seeking an adventurous alternative to Zion’s famous Narrows, Parunuweap Canyon delivers an equally stunning, but far more secluded, experience. From the dramatic sandstone walls to the peaceful river crossings, it’s a hike that offers both solitude and beauty.

man walking in narrow slot canyon with high canyon walls and river running through. Parunuweap Canyon — Parunuweap Canyon Zion National Park. Photo ©JJ. Trailwalker

FAQ’s

Is Parunuweap Canyon open to the public? The lower section within Zion National Park is closed to all hikers to protect the natural habitat. However, the upstream sections on BLM land are open for exploration.
Do I need a permit to hike Parunuweap Canyon? No permits are required for the BLM sections, but you’ll need to pay the Zion National Park entrance fee if accessing via the Checkerboard Mesa route.
What is the best time of year to hike Parunuweap Canyon? The best time to visit is during summer or fall when water levels are low, and temperatures are moderate.
How difficult is the hike? The hike is considered strenuous, with some route-finding, river wading, and light scrambling involved.
Are there camping opportunities in Parunuweap Canyon? Camping is possible on BLM land, but the remote nature of the canyon means it requires careful planning and preparation for an overnight trip.
How does Parunuweap Canyon compare to the Zion Narrows? Parunuweap Canyon is similar in geology and beauty to the Zion Narrows but receives far fewer visitors. It’s about two-thirds the size of Zion Canyon and offers a more solitary experience. The hike is generally more challenging due to the difficult access and lack of maintained trails.
How do I handle human waste in the canyon? Pack out all human waste using WAG bags or a similar system.
Is there cell phone reception in Parunuweap Canyon? Cell phone reception is non-existent in the canyon. Don’t rely on your phone for navigation or emergency communication. Bring a satellite communication device for emergencies and navigation.
How does the difficulty of Parunuweap compare to other Zion hikes? Parunuweap is generally more challenging than most day hikes in Zion due to its remote location, lack of maintained trails, and potential water obstacles. It’s more comparable to backcountry routes in terms of difficulty and required preparation.