Temporary access to the Zion Narrows Trail in Zion National Park has been extended through March while efforts continue to reach agreement on a permanent solution/NPS

Hikers looking to check off one of the most exhilarating treks in the National Park System can thank The Trust for Public Land, the landowner, and state and federal officials in Utah for negotiating an extension to access across private land to journey down the 16 miles of the Zion Narrows Trail into Zion National Park.

Access to the trail at the top of the canyon has been an issue since September, when a landowner posted No Trespassing signs on his property. At issue was how much compensation the landowner should receive for letting hikers pass through to reach The Narrows hike. The tract in question lies between the Chamberlain Ranch Trailhead and The Narrows section. A temporary recreational access license was granted to Washington County, Utah, through the end of 2018.

On Friday, TPL officials announced that access will be allowed through March while negotiations continue towards a long-term agreement. However, during the partial government shutdown the National Park Service is not issuing permits for the hike and urging visitors to stay out of the backcountry if they haven't previously received a permit.

The popular trail crosses Simon Gulch, a private property, before it enters Zion National Park.

"Currently, the Bulloch family is generously granting access to visitors crossing through their property on the trail," a TPL release said. "Washington County and The Trust for Public Land, along with the Bulloch family, Utah Department of Natural Resources, Forestry Division, the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service have been working for several years to provide permanent public access to this iconic wilderness experience. All partners continue to work in good faith to ensure a fair and permanent solution for public access to the Zion Narrows Trail."

The Narrows is one of the park's most popular attractions. A slot canyon 2,000 feet deep in places, only 20-30 feet wide in others, The Narrows is a popular draw for hikers and, on occasion, white-water aficionados. It is also one of the most dangerous journeys in Zion, as even during the dry season hikers can find themselves faced with cold water to wade, walk, or swim through, and flash floods spawned far upstream can scour the canyon with deadly floods.

“Washington County is delighted that the Zion Narrows Trail can remain open for public use and appreciates the Bulloch family working with Washington County, The Trust For Public Land, the National Park Service, and U.S. Forest Service in a collaborative manner to ensure the beauty of the trail can continue to be seen and enjoyed by all," said Washington County Commission Chair Dean Cox on Friday.

“Visiting the Zion Narrows Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we’re proud to be working to ensure that the trail is permanently accessible to the public,” added Diane Regas, TPL president and CEO. “The Bulloch family is committed to ensuring that visitors continue to be able to enjoy this special place, and we look forward to working with them and the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service and Washington County.”

Zion National Park is the third most visited national park in the country and The Trust for Public Land has a long history of working to protect the park. The trust was responsible in 2013 for the protection of Tabernacle Dome, which was a private inholding in the park. That same year, the organization protected the 300-acre Chamberlain Ranch, a private property outside the park that contains the trailhead for the Zion Narrows Trail. Last year, The Trust for Public Land helped protect a 35-acre property within the park, known as Firepit Knoll, in partnership with the National Park Foundation and the National Park Trust.