hiking the narrows: zion national park
If you’re visiting Zion, chances are you’re considering hiking the Narrows.
In case you haven’t heard of the Narrows — it is the narrowest part of Zion canyon, leading up the Virgin River where you can hike in the river. The hike is super popular among visitor’s to Zion and for good reason - the river winds its way through one of the most impressive slot canyons with walls up to 1500 feet. Of all the hikes I’ve done, this is definitely one of the cooler, more unique experiences.
Hiking the Narrows
Interested? Here’s what you need to know:
Choose your path.There are two ways to hike the Narrows: bottom up or top down. Top down is a 16 mile hike through Chamberlain’s Ranch and requires a wilderness permit. I have not done this so cannot provide specific recommendations :) Most people do the bottom up hike; no wilderness permit is required for this. You’ll take the shuttle up to the Temple of Sinawava, the last stop on the shuttle route and start the trail from there. From there, you’ll take the Riverside Trail up about 1 mile to the Gateway to the Narrows, where there is a small set of stairs down to the river.
Gear up. Consider what time of year you are going and what kind of gear you need. We visited Zion at the very end of October, so while it was beautifully warm during the days, mornings and nights were cool and the water was already starting to get cold. Keep in mind that much of the hike up the narrows is in the shade of the canyon and will feel much cooler than other parts of the park. You can rent boots, pants, and walking sticks right at Zion Canyon Outfitters, located right near the entrance to the park and where you get on the shuttle. We did the “Dry Pants Package” which is recommended for September-December. While we saw plenty of people going up the Narrows in their sneakers or sandals, I don’t recommend this. The neoprene boots are super helpful in making it much easier and less treacherous to walk up the river, especially in parts with a rockier bottom and stronger current. Worth the money to me!
along the way, the Narrows, Zion
3. Be safe! Check the conditions for the day before heading out. You can do this at either the Zion Canyon Outfitters or at the ranger station. Two things you want to check for: flash flood warnings and flow rate. Flash floods can happen in the canyon causing water levels to rise significantly in seconds to minutes. Flow rate will tell you how strong the current is. While the park will close the Narrows if the flow rate is too high (over 150CFS), you should also consider your athletic ability, who you’re hiking with (kids, older adults, etc).
4. Pace yourself. You can hike as much or little as you want up the Narrows. While the hike is fairly flat throughout, you are walking through water so it will get tiring. Remember that you still have to make your way back down the river afterwards.
Slot Canyon, the Narrows, Zion
5. Enjoy! This is truly such a unique hike and unlike any other I have done. Soak it in, stop along the way, take plenty of photos, and enjoy!
Questions about the Narrows? Let me know!
