For any outdoor enthusiast, this is a bucket list checkmark! I had been looking to hike The Narrows for a long time and when the opportunity came up I jump on it. A little about this trip. I had been planning this road trip for a few months and asked my friend Jodi to join me. To say Jodi isn’t much of an outdoor person would be an understatement. The Narrows at Zion National Park would be one of our longer hikes.
Jodi and I are travel buddies, you would have seen her in my girls weekend posts. I’m outdoorsy, and well, as I said she is not. I was so afraid we would not be friends after this adventure. I planned this trip to change her mind on all things hiking and mother nature. Zion National Park was our second stop on the loop and it did not disappoint. I was so thankful that Jodi also loved it, although she did tell me after she wouldn’t have made it much further. I completely agreed with her. I love the outdoors but don’t carry as much endurance as I use to. So lets get to it.
Where is Zion National Park
Zion National Park main entrance is located just outside of Springdale Utah. It is 160 miles from Las Vegas, about 3 hours drive. About 300 miles from Salt Lake City Utah, so about 4.5 hours.
What are The Narrows
The Narrows at Zion National Park is a river hiking trail. Yes, you will be walking in water, over rocks and if you’re lucky sandy areas. This is the narrow area of Zion Canyon that the Virgin river runs through. It can be a 2 mile hike, the Riverside walk, or it can be a 10 mile hike to Big Springs.
Getting to the Narrows
There are a few ways of getting to The Narrows in Zion National Park. First is driving yourself. You can during certain parts of the year. During the busy season and most weekends the roads are closed to the public and you will need to take a shuttle or ride a bike. The are 3 shuttle options. Zion National Park shuttle which starts at the visitor center with the last stop being Temple of Sinawava, this is a free option. The second is the Springdale Shuttle which has many pick up points in Springdale and heads to the same destination point, also free of charge. The third is a one way shuttle, you will need to book and it comes at a cost. This is a great option if you want to hit the trail earlier. You can check out Zion Guru or Red Rock
Who can hike The Narrows
Getting here is easy. The hard part is the actual hike. The Riverside Walk is a mile in and a mile out walk. The path is smooth for the most part with small inclines and declines. This can be done by anyone. Once you get to the river that is where it changes. It’s not a challenge because you can turn around at any point. The difficult part is the uneven ground. As I said before you will be walking on rocks, stones or sand going up river to start. I seen young kids, including toddlers in backpacks (brave parents) to seniors (great job!). So moral of the story, if you can balance your walking skills you can do The Narrows!
The Narrows hiking trails
There are two trails in The Narrows. The bottom up which is the one we did, it is an in and out trail, meaning you go out the same way you came in. You do not need a permit for this hike and it’s a max of 10 miles in and out. The second is top down trail. This one you do need a permit for and is an overnight hike as it is a 16 mile through trail from Chamberlain’s ranch
*be sure to check the flash flood possibility when doing either trail as well as the toxin and water levels. See in the FAQ for more on that
What to wear
So first we are going to start with footwear. This is so important and should not be ignored. I seen so many people going in flip flops and had to turn to bare feet. The rocks are slippery and sharp and the water is cold, it should not be done barefoot. At Zion Outfitters you can rent neoprene socks, hiking boots (for water) and a stick. You can also rent dry pants or dry suit for colder temps as well as dry bib (overalls) and a dry bag.
Next thing to think about is what clothing to wear. I would suggest quick dry shorts and shirt. You will get wet on this adventure. Depending on the depth of the water in some areas you will go waist deep up to chest and even over your head. Most of the path during our time (June) was knee deep up to upper thigh on me 5’3″.
Check out Valley of Fire in Nevada
What to bring
Dry bag if you have things you do not want to get wet. Even if you go our route, there is still a chance of slipping and falling into the water. WATER!!!! it’s a must and lots of it. We brought 2 liters of water in our hydration backpack and 2 bottles of water with electrolytes. Food and snacks are also a must if you plan on being on the river for a long time. We brought sandwiches and snacks (pepperoni sticks and granola bars) and with the energy we used getting up the river it was a great treat. If you plan to take pictures get a waterproof case for your camera or phone. You can also purchase that at the Zion Outfitters or bring with you. Lastly, a first aid kit. You can never pack to much when it comes to safety. Make sure your bandaids are waterproof.
When is the best time to go
Summer and early Fall is the busiest time as the water levels are lower and the water warmer. We went the first week of June and the water levels were still a decent depth and the water really was not that cold. Be prepared as the summer is when most of the storms hit and is at the highest risk of flash flooding.
Another one of my favorite hikes is Big Beehive in Banff Alberta
Winter and Spring are the coldest times and the river being at it’s highest water levels. Spring is also when the river can close due to winter snowmelt and this should be checked before you plan to hike.
As for the time of day, early! The earlier the better. One, for parking. We got there about 6:00am and got a good parking space, during busy times we would have been too late. Also, this is a time where the start of The Narrows is not that busy or overcrowded. You will however see those larger crowds on your way back.
*the further you go in The Narrows the less of a crowd, so by the time you hit Wall Street you will see only a few people and you will be able to get those stunning pictures with no one in them.
FAQ
Is the water deep in The Narrows at Zion National Park? Yes in some areas the water can be deep at The Narrows in Zion National Park and depending on the time of year the water will be deep through out the Narrows. Best to check out the forecast of the river and also watch those hiking around you.
Is the water cold in The Narrows at Zion National Park? Yes, depending the time of year the water can be cold in the Narrows at Zion National Park. If you go later in the summer you will find the water warmer.
Is there Cyanobacteria Toxins in The Narrows? Yes this is a strong possibility of Cyanobacteria in the Narrows at Zion National Park. These toxins can make you very sick if you drink the water. This is why I stress you need to bring enough water with you, as there is not a filling station on the river.
Do you need a permit to take the Narrow at Zion National Park? To do the bottom up you do not need a permit on The Narrows at Zion National Park, but you can only go as far as Big Springs. If you plan to do the top down you will need a permit.
How long does it take to do the Narrows at Zion National Park? The Narrows at Zion National Park are in and out the same way. You can do the 2 mile stretch, about an hour round trip, on the Riverside Walk or you can do the full 10 mile in and out hike to Big Springs which will be about 8 hours.
What is the best time of day to visit The Narrow at Zion? The best time of day to visit The Narrows at Zion National Park are well, the early bird gets the people free pictures. You will hit the crowds on the way back and will thank me for sending your earlier. I would suggest get the first shuttle out from the visitor center.
Where is the best place to stay to visit The Narrows at Zion? You have many options to sleep by Zion National Park. You can stay in the park at the Zion Lodge, camping at one of the 3 campgrounds, Springdale is the closest town right outside of the park, or you can stay like we did a little ways from the park in La Verkin or Hurricane. La Verkin is 25 minutes from the gate.
Where do you go to the bathroom in The Narrows at Zion? Well there is nowhere to go after you leave the Temple of Sinawava inside The Narrows at Zion . Along the river you will find areas of dry land and red signs marking (bathroom area) and this is a do not leave evidence spot. Meaning you take your toilet paper and poop with you when you leave. My suggestion eat a banana, I do this to stop from doing #2 on my hikes.
Final thoughts
I loved this hike and will go back once I’m in better shape and do the whole trail. It is strenuous and battling the river is a little draining, but it was so worth it. Try to go as far as you can, I promise the way back is a little easier as you won’t be beating yourself against the river.
Stop and take it all in. DON’T RUSH! Stop a few times along the way when you find a good space of land and sun. Take in the world and cliffs around you.
This is a trail that is stunning all the way as it changes every corner. You will be so mesmerized by the beauty that the pain disappears.
Happy hiking and as always plan ahead. Poor planning makes for disappointing results.