Access to The Narrows section of Zion National Park has been temporarily regained/NPS

Access for those with permits to hike through The Narrows of Zion National Park has been regained at least through the end of the year while talks continue to reach a long-term agreement.

In a short news release, park staff said they again are issuing permits for the top - down Zion Narrows route for day hikes and overnight use. The permitted route was to reopen Saturday morning.  Permits for day use and Narrows backcountry camping reservations can be picked up at the park visitor center.

Access was blocked earlier this week when a landowner posted No Trespassing signs on his property. At issue is 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 through the end of 2018, park staff said Friday night.

“We greatly appreciate the goodwill of the landowners and the efforts of the Washington County Commission in quickly resolving access concerns at the entrance to the Virgin River Narrows,” said Zion Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh.

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.

Day hiking from the Temple of Sinawava at the end of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (accessible by park shuttle) is open to hiking north to Big Spring within the Narrows without a permit.