Zion Narrows

Eine der größten Attraktionen im Zion Nationalpark sind sicherlich die Zion Narrows. Sie gehören zu den populärsten Slot-​Canyon Wanderungen.
Der Nationalpark ist autofrei, so dass man mit dem kostenfreien Shuttlebus bis zur Haltestelle «Temple of Sinawava» fahren muss. Die ca. 25 minütige Fahrt ist sehr beeindruckend und der Fahrer erzählt dabei sehr viel wissenswertes über den Canyon.
Jetzt muss man den Riverside Walk wählen, der an den Felswänden des Zion Canyons und am Virgin River vorbeiführt. Der Weg zum Einstieg in die Zion Narrows ist keine besondere Herausforderung und kann von jedermann gemeistert werden. Dadurch ist der Hike an Wochenenden und Feiertagen auch sehr gut besucht.
Am Ende des Wanderweges kommt der Einstieg in den Virgin River und man watet jetzt durch knietiefes Wasser. Da wir keine Wanderstöcke und geeignetes Schuhwerk hatten, haben wir nach einer halben Stunde die Wanderung abgebrochen. Der steinige Grund war im milchigen Wasser nicht zu erkennen und ab und zu knickt man ein wenig um und es besteht immer die Gefahr ein unfreiwilliges Bad zu nehmen. Aber auch die kurze Wanderung durch das seichte Wasser und den schroffen Felsen war wirklich beeindruckend.
Tipp: Am Eingang des Nationalparks kann man sich geeignete Wasserschuhe und Teleskopstöcke ausleihen, die das versehentliche Umknicken verhindern. Ein wasserdichter Rucksack für die Wertsachen sollte ebenfalls nicht fehlen.
Mit dem entsprechenden Equipment kann eine Wanderung durch die Zion Narrows ein wirkliches Erlebnis werden.

A lot of people already have great tips posted so I’ll keep mine short.
— Neoprene Socks
We hiked in our Nike trail running shoes and didn’t rent water shoes. But, we did buy neoprene socks to prevent blisters and those were great.
— Joto Waterproof Case
We used this to keep our phones dry. I fell about 4 times and the case saved my phone.
Hiking Poles
— rent one from the park for $ 8
Put your iPhone camera setting on Chrome for sharper colors. I learned this from our Antelope Valley tour guide.
GO EARLY! We went around 8 AM and there were about 6 people hiking up with us. I would say 8 AM is already kinda late. We eventually split off from them due to different hiking paces and enjoyed a lot of peaceful alone time. The way down was a totally different story. The masses of people hiking up the river looked like zombie hoards. It was loud and crowded.

–Purchase water shoes. They have these moon boot looking shoes and hiking sticks that they rent out. Or just go to your local sports store and invest in water shoes. Boyfriend and I hiked in our nikes and our shoes were filled with so much dirt. And walking in and out of water with wet squishy socks is not fun at all. And don’t even think about trying to do it barefoot! You will hurt yourself!
–Bring a zipock bag or some kind of waterproof casing for your electronics. You will get wet!
–Trekking poles are not necessary but if you have them you should bring it. There are random deep spots in the water so having some sort of stick/​pole is really helpful.
–Wear some type of quick dry material. I did it in long yoga pants and really wished I was wearing some type of quick dry shorts.
This hike is SO BEAUTIFUL. I felt like I was in a scene from Jurassic park. It started sprinkling mid way through our hike so we had to turn back. But being surrounded by such beautiful greenery and hiking through the river in the rain… Seriously a moment I will never forget.

On our 6 week road trip this ranked in the top tier of hikes that we did. We loved the adventure of going through a narrowing slot canyon, going on side trails down slot creeks, hoping from rock to rock and jumping into deeper pools. We did this hike in early July and it was 90 °F air temp and 58 °F water temp. We went ahead to buy the specialty warm water shoes and although they were comfortable and performed great we realized they were not necessary after the fact. THe water was warm enough that a pair of regular shoes would have performed just fine, as long as you don’t mind them taking the damage of several wet house and sand. It’s not a tough hike, mostly flat and water at least while we were there was not in any way overwhelming. The side canyons were by far our favorites because of the big jumps.

I’m so fortunate that I got to hike here with my sister. We both hiked and walked I the river. Yes, you would have to put everything in a ziplock bag. Yea, it was a pain taking in and out the camera out of the bags. It’s so worth it though! Right when I got into the water, my camera was out. I lost my balance and fell into the water. Yup, camera got wet. It didn’t work anymore until my weekend trip was over and it was dried. Good thing, I bought my selfie stick and iPhone. *wink* We went all the way till the end… farther then we thought we would hike. The earlier you go, you will get better pictures because of the lighting and there’s less of a crowd. Also, if you go early, other people have left walking sticks for you to use on the hike. The only thing that is asked of you is to bring it back and leave it where you got it… where you started the Narrows hike. That is what exactly what my sister and I did instead of renting it. Yes, the walking sticks did help, but it wasn’t necessary.
Some people camped on top of the canyon and hiked down in the morning. I think you need a permit for that. The hike was well worth it! I would go again. Don’t worry of how wet, you’ll get. You’re already wet!!!
Just be careful where you step and wear closed toe water shoes. I did see people wear like regular shoes and open toe reefs and sandals. I don’t recommend it because there are sharp rocks.
Wear clothes that you can layer and bring snacks. I saw some people when we were hiking back, they had neither and the sun was setting. They did not prepare themselves for the return hike. When the sun sets, it gets cold. Already, you are on the bottom of the canyon and in water, it’s cold.
Also, check for flash floods! If there’s a chance of a flood, don’t chance your life! Your life is not a joke!

This is a great experience, but it is a crowded one early on in the trail. Although this is a unique experience, I preferred the Kolob Canyon section of Zion because it had fewer visitors.
We started a little later in the day, which was a mistake as we didn’t go quite as far as we wanted. If you can stomach colder morning temperatures, start early. A wind or fleece jacket that will dry out quickly is essential. I’d also invest in a dry bag at REI. Save your camera, phone, and a change of dry clothes from getting wet. Although the water may never get past your rear if you’re tall enough, you may slip in the water and your items may be ruined.
Next, yes you should rent canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks, and a wooden hiking stick (even if you have your own). The shoes and socks will not keep your feet dry, but they’ll keep you from getting blisters and from slipping as much as you otherwise would have. The wooden hiking pole will also help you maintain your balance without getting clogged with sand. Most hiking poles have either latches or screws that will no longer work well once sand gets in. As it is included with the shoe and sock rental, just take it.
Photographs are hard to take in the Narrows unless you have a tripod to assist you with longer exposure in low light. That selfie stick is likely useless unless your arm is as stable as a tripod. While there is enough light to take a photo of yourself, it won’t be a great photo. So set your expectations accordingly.
Finally, take plenty of food and water and LISTEN to any posted flood warnings. People have died doing this memorable hike. Don’t be added to that list.

MUST DO HIKE! This is one of the most unique hikes ever! Arguably, one of the best hikes of all the national parks. You get to hike IN the Virgin River. How cool is that?!! This is by far the my favorite hike of my trip. The Narrows is approximately 16 miles long, 2,000 feet deep and at times only 20 to 30 feet wide. At least 60% of the hike is in the river. Water depth can range from ankle high to neck high. The further you go, the deeper the water is.
There are three ways to hike the Narrows:
1) Day Hike From the Bottom and Back: This is the most popular option since you don’t need a permit. Start at the Temple of Sinawava (8^th Stop of the Zion Canyon Shuttle) and hike one mile to the end of the Riverside Walk and into the river. This hike took approximately 20 – 30 mins. Once in the water, you can hike however long you want. It is a one way in and one way out of the Narrows. Try hiking to «Wall Street» which is the narrowest part of the hike. If i remember correctly. that is approximately 5 miles into the Narrows. Unfortunately due to time restraints, my friends and I couldn’t hike to this part of the Narrows :(
2) Day Hike From Top to Bottom: This is a strenuous 16-​mile all-​day hike that requires a permit and a private shuttle to the trailhead. For more information, visit the Wilderness Guide or inquire at the Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk.
3) Overnight Hike From Top to Bottom: This two-​day hike request a permit and a private shuttle to the trailhead. Maximum stay is one night. For more information, visit the Wilderness Guide or inquire at the Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk.
Remember:
— to check the weather and flash flood forecasts before you make your trip.
— wear closed-​toe shoes or sturdy boots with ankle support and good bottom tractions
— take a walking stick (this was super helpful in support and determining how deep the water is)
— carry out trash! Let’s keep it clean people!
— bring lots of water to stay hydrated!
— wear fleece or windbreaker since it can get pretty cold. It is much cooler at the Narrows than other areas in Zion Canyon
–waterproof your bags and gears
— use the restroom at the beginning of the trail before going out since there are no restrooms at the Narrow
My friends and I rented the Narrow gears from Zion Adventure Company (across the campground and RV park) in Springdale. They offer shoes, neoprene socks and a walking stick for $ 23 (before taxes). They were super helpful when hiking the Narrows. I highly recommend it. We didn’t know but you can also rent it at the Zion Outfitters just behind the Visitor Center so you don’t have to go out to Springdale. When renting from the Zion Adventure Company, they don’t rent out the gears past a certain time and require you to watch a video before renting the gears out. We went around 2pm to rent the gears and they didn’t allow us to rent it since they didn’t think we would have enough time to hike the Narrows and return the gears by 7pm. Plus the video and fitting would take approximately 20−30mins. So instead, they suggested we come between 4−6pm to watch the video and rent the gears so we can hike the Narrows the next day. So plan accordingly!
To avoid the crowd, I would recommend going EARLY! We took the first shuttle out at 7am and arrived at the Temple of Sinawava at around 7:40am. There was barely anyone there so it was nice that we could take our time and have pictures with no people in it. The water was a bit cold but it was bearable (we went early October). Plus your body adjusts and gets used to the temperature so we felt fine after a couple mins. When we were hiking back at around 10am, already the crowds started coming. Anyways, this is my favorite hike ever and I would highly recommend doing this. The trip to Zion isn’t complete without a hike to the Narrows!

5 stars all the way! The most intriguing and beautiful water hiking ever! Without a permit you hike from bottom up for up to 5 miles (10miles RT) with a permit you can do the full thing (16miles and takes 2 days). The good stuff, 5 miles is good enough, you get all the picture perfect spots.
Tip: Rent water boots and neoprene socks at the local store in Springdale. It’s about $ 23 for he shoes, socks and walking stick. $ 5 for a waterproof bag. Is it worth it? We found it was extremely comfortable and since it’s made specifically for this, you can’t feel the rocks and it keeps your feet warm. The walking stick also helps you balance yourself on the rocks or in the water when it’s fast. Do you really need it? No. You can probably hike in your tennis shoes or water shoes but it’ll be hard on your knees and your shoes might tear. It’s good to have.
Go early! We got on the trail at 9. There wasn’t a lot of people, when we were coming back here were tons of people. Lots of inconsiderate hikers who don’t know how to trek through water. They were stomping and splashing everyone in the way… That’s one way to put strain on your knees and feet. Try gliding your feet in the water not lifting up every time. Most of those inconsiderate splashes were tweens.
The mountains were majestic and eerie at times when no light shined on it. The narrows were beautiful. We hiked til the end of Wall Street. There will be a fork in the road but stay to your left and you’ll be on Wall Street. Go to the end to see the beautiful orange and red mountains in all of the famous photos of the narrows.
If you could do one hike, I suggest you do the narrows here! It was breathtaking and I would totally do it again and do the full 16 miles! Be aware of flash flood and be safe! Avoid deep green spots and always walk on shore/​land if you can! And lastly be considerate of others yet still have fun.
PS. Bring a jacket, as it’s cold in the morning and not a lot of sun hits you from up there. Water was about 50 degrees but the neoprene socks helped us out a lot!

My family and I visited Zion over Labor Day weekend on a whim. Getting lodging for this time felt like winning the lottery, because all the places had booked way in advance. But win the lodging lottery we did, and soon enough, the four of us were packing up our van and saying goodbye to L.A.
The Narrows had actually been on my mind for more than a year. A friend and I had been planning to go on a Grand Circle Road Trip (this includes Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Grand Canyon National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park), but we were never able to find a time when both of us could go during the summer. So when the opportunity arose for me to go to Zion with my family, I went for it! :)
PREPARATION FOR THE HIKE:
1) Gear:
To prepare ourselves for the Narrows, we rented gear from the Zion Adventure Company, which is located in Springdale, UT, the night before we were to go on the hike. It’s located a few minutes from the entrance to the park, so it was convenient to rent from them. We got neoprene socks, water shoes, and hiking sticks. All three helped tremendously during our hike, and I recommend that everyone make sure to have those items. I also rented a waterproof case for my DSLR for a decent price, and it did come in handy during the hike.
2) Food/​Water:
We each had about 1.5 L of water, lots of energy bars, and apples. We were running late and couldn’t pack a lunch which we later regretted. DON’T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE WE DID. PACK LUNCH. I’d also make sure that the food is packed in a ziplock of some sorts — there is a chance you may get submerged in the water, so it’s best to be prepared for that kind of situation.
THE HIKE ITSELF:
1) Distance: As long as you want to make it, but if you’re going to Big Springs, it’s about 10 miles. Big Springs is an area with waterfalls.
2) Shuttle: You will take the Zion shuttle to the trailhead. Driving to the trailhead is actually not allowed, but that’s okay, because the shuttles run quite frequently. Get off at the Grotto Stop.
3) The Trail: Though the first mile of the hike is on a paved path, you will be hiking in the water for most of the hike, and there will be times when the water is up to chest level or head level, depending on your height. I am 5’2, so I was completely submerged in the water at one point during the hike (this was towards the latter part of the hike — most people turn back at this point.) Thankfully, I was fished out by a man who was swimming nearby after a woman who had been waiting to cross after me screamed for help. Beware that it gets really cold once the sun sets, since you are in a canyon AND hiking in water. Make sure you’re wise about your time, and go as early as possible. People say 7 a.m. is usually the best time to start hiking.
4) Bathroom Situation: There is a bathroom at the trailhead, but there are no bathrooms on the trail whatsoever. Most people go in the river, and there were sections in the trail that smelled horrible as a result. But then again, you can’t blame them… You’re hiking 10 miles and drinking lots of water!
5) The Hike: IT IS GORGEOUS. My goodness. Words cannot describe how beautiful the trail was. Everything felt so surreal! On a geological level, the Narrows was also incredibly impressive. The gorge walls are a thousand feet tall, carved out by the Virgin River. It’s crazy to think how strong flowing water can be to carve out a massive canyon like the Narrows. It’s no wonder so many people flock to this place year after year :)
OVERALL:
Since you can turn back at any point during the hike, I think this trail is suitable for anyone who wants to experience the Narrows. I highly recommend ANYONE and EVERYONE to go on the trail, because it really was a once-​in-​a-​lifetime experience. As I mentioned before, there really is a reason why people keep flocking here :)

One of the best experiences of my life!!! The narrows river walk is a different and unique way to experience Zion National Park.
Essentials for this river walk: trekking poles/​walking stick, water proof shoes, and snacks, & water.
The water moves in different directions and speeds and is ankle low to knee high at times. It was so refreshing and relaxing that I did not realize how many miles in was!
It could be difficult for a child to do this walk but not impossible. It just depends on the child’s height and fitness level.
The Narrows are unbelievably beautiful and the beautiful Browns among the narrows is unlike any other. Best to get here as early as possible and when the weather permits.
We walked a total of 18 miles round trip and enjoyed every second of it! We will be back!

Such an amazing hike that you must check out. The hike is about 1 mile from the start of the Colorado river. So walk with your hiking shoes into the trail, then change into your water shoes once you arrive at the river. There is about 2 miles into the river. The farther you walk, the higher the water rises. It can be as high as 4 feet depending on the time of the year. I even have seen ppl swimming through the river. I highly recommend to hike into the river with a hiking stick! Some parts of the river current is strong and the rocks can be slippery. So be careful while you cross the river.
The water temperature is cold. This hike is perfect on a hot day in the summer. Round trip is around 5 miles! Enjoy! And have fun! I can’t console this hike to anything I have ever done! I’ll come back soon!

One of the best experiences and hikes of your life can be found at Zion Narrows in Zion National Park. The hike is accessible at the last shuttle stop at Zion National Park.
The best time to go on this hike is around 7−10am. Getting to the park this early will allow you to get on the shuttle quickly without having to wait in line, rent waterproof hiking boots, socks and walking stick ($ 25 pp) without them running out, and allow you to take pictures with breathtaking views without a crowd being behind you.
You’ll experience 90% of the hike in the water, which makes it one of the most unique hikes available anywhere. The hike can be as long as you want it to be; I believe the entire trail is about 8 miles long. This hike recently went viral on social media, so get there early to avoid the crowds.

I went to Zion back in December 2013, but it was too cold to hike The Narrows, and we didn’t have the gear, so my boyfriend and I had to return this summer for the warmer weather. And let me tell you: It. is. AMAZING!!! This should be on your travel bucket list because you will not be disappointed. I promise. Unless you come unprepared. Then that’s on you.
The water temperature will be the warmest during late spring and summer, and even extending to late summer and early fall. During the winter, the water will be freezing. However, water during the summer won’t be as clear during the winter, because summer time means monsoon season. This means that there’s a lot more rain, and more debris in the water, which turns the water a brown color. If you want to hike in clear waters, I recommend going late spring/​early summer. Or even late summer.
My boyfriend and I rented gear from Zion Adventure Co. (check out my review for them!), and it made the hike into the Narrows a lot more enjoyable. I feel like the gear, but mostly being prepared, allowed us to hike further. We had neoprene socks, special shoes, and hiking sticks. You might think that hiking sticks aren’t necessary, but they are helpful. They helped me feel for rocks in front of me so I wouldn’t fall and eat it.
If you’re going during the summer, you are want to check the weather. The weather varies a TON during the day. On our hike, my bf and I encountered sun, clouds, thunder, sprinkling, and rain. All of this raining makes flash floods very possible, so you would want to educate yourself about them and what to do in case you get caught in one.
To get to The Narrows during the summer, you’ve got to take the shuttle. Start at the Visitor Center and take the shuttle to the very last stop — Temple of Siniwava. From there, it’s about a mile hike until you reach the river, and the beginning of The Narrows hike.
[[Tips]]
1. Wear shorts, and clothing that are NOT cotton. If you get wet, cotton clothing will not be your friend. Shorts, because water level can get high. Plus, shorts will dry faster.
2. Gear — rent them or bring your own. Renting them will include hiking stick, neoprene socks, and hiking shoes. They will help you out so much, and will allow you to hike further. You obviously can wear normal, closed toed shoes, but I have read that you’d be more prone to slipping on the rocks in the river.
3. Water. Have lots of water on hand, as this is more of an all day/4−6 hour thing.
4. Food. You’re gonna need some fuel!
5. Backpack with a water proof bag to put all your belongings in it. You can rent these bags for $ 5 – 10, and they will save you all the money that would be needed to replace your items if you didn’t use the waterproof bags.
6. Arrive as early as you can. Take the first shuttle if you can. Because come midday, there will be A LOT of people. Obviously, the further you hike, the less people there will be.
7. Keep track of time. Since you are at the bottom of the canyon, it will get darker a lot quicker.
8. Bring a camera! Have it in a bag so it can be water resistant. Or even bring a waterproof camera. You definitely do not want to miss out on taking some epic photos. Your cell phone camera will also work, but there will not be any service once you’re in The Narrows.
9. Be careful. There are no park rangers or anything during your hike, only other hikers. So just be careful of where you step and don’t do anything stupid.
10. Have fun! This has been one of the most amazing hikes I have done, as it was a river hike and the views were absolutely to die for!
Everyone can do the day hike of The Narrows (bottom up), but you are going to stop half-​way and hike back.
**If you want to hike all 16 miles of the hike (top to bottom), you would need a pass for that. I hear that the passes are hard to come by, so if you’re serious about the hike, search for those passes and you will for sure have a great time!

Do this hike if you have the time in Zion. You will be rewarded with one breathtaking view after the other.
Tips: rent the proper gear — we used Zion Outfitter for nice Adidas high top waterproof shoes, water socks and a thick walking stick. $ 25 on 8÷28÷15. We saw so many ppl without the right gear falling, hurting themselves, and ruining their phones and cameras. A broken ankle is a sure way to ruin a vacation. Today there were parts that were chest high so either leave your electronics at home or buy a waterproof pouch. Go early as the narrows fill up quickly and it’s better to be out there on your own. You take the shuttle to the last stop and hike half a mile to get to the start. Plan for 6 – 7 hours to complete the whole 9 mile hike (down and back). Bring lots of water, snacks, hat, sunscreen, a light jacket bc it’s cool down there and have fun! It’s truly beautiful out there and deserves its spot as the #1 thing to do in Zion.

The Narrows. Its wet. Its Steep. Its Awesome. Its an adrenaline rush. Its Dangerous. Its Deadly. Its a site to behold. Literally the Narrows is many things that combine together to be one of the most unique and special spots on the entire planet, let alone is a place that you can gain easy access to.
Pro Tip #1: Do not hike here during the rainy season or the cold season. Well unless you have a death or frostbite wish…
The views here are unparalleled almost anywhere else on earth. Perhaps a handful of other places have such special canyons worn through the plateaus/​mountains of other regions over the eons, but this one is definitely special. Various minerals color the rocks as they seep out and down the sides. These minerals paint the rocks, Orange, Red, Purple, Black, Blue, and several others. The views up and out of the Narrows from the river bed are extraordinary and spectacular. Even at the beginning where you are surrounded by people, the scenery is unique and brilliant. Toss in the flashes of green from trees grasses shrubs and well it just enhances the beauty here.
It’s a trudge to get through the water as you hike into the Narrows. Sometimes it is up to waste deep with an occasional pool that is about 7 feet tucked into a random corner. The one pool I found like this, I went and cliff jumping into from about 15 – 20 feet up. Definitely a big thrill and lots of fun. However the water is a constant and ever changing part of this canyon. Sometimes great and sometimes a pain, it definitely is a huge part of what makes up Zion National Park.
Pro Tip #2: If you don’t own waterproof boots/​shoes and having wicking or neoprene socks, rent some! It is a wise and cheap investment.
I love the sign at the foot of the Narrows that warns you how to avoid flash floods and that you are taking your life and anyone who enters with you lives at your own risk. People can and have died here. A flash flood is not a joke at all. Be wary and pick where you will go should a flash flood come upon you. It may be raining 15 miles away and you are in imminent danger in the sunshine and not even aware or cognoscente of the issue.
However the water is also a life saver. It lowers your body temperature unbelievably as you are hiking through upwards of 90 degree weather in the summer and makes it seem as though it is a perfect 70 – 75 degree day.
Essentially this is a must see place at least once in your life if you like the outdoors and or beautiful scenery. You don’t have to be a super outdoorsy or in shape person to be able to enjoy a short trek into this canyon in order to behold how special it truly is. Just be careful, the river is full of shifting rocks in places and that can twist or break an ankle.
I cant wait to return to this place with my daughter so she can see it too!

A great way to spend my 52^nd birthday. THE most bizarre hike I have ever taken. I was one of those saps who rented water socks, water boots and a hiking stick for $ 25. Yes, I’m glad I did. It was super nice to have traction on the rocks and ankle support. It made the water hike much more enjoyable. Picture taking a hike through a narrow slot canyon with vertical cliffs on both sides. But the only way through is walking up a river, mostly calf high deep. Super fun, very unique, unbelievable scenery. Not to be missed if you are physically up to it.

Hi Zion, I’m back!
My first trip to Zion was a spontaneous trip. Didn’t really know much about the park, I missed out on their two most popular treks. The best excuse to head back and enjoy nature at its finest.
Tip: Make sure you check the weather, especially during the summer time they have very high chances of rain. Flash flood warnings are very common during this time and can make trekking through Narrows pretty dangerous! Just YouTube Narrows flash flood and you will get the point.
First stop: Visitor Center
Great place to go and get a better grasp of what kind of hike you are about to do. The staff here are very helpful and knowledgeable about the park and are able to lead you the right direction as far as weather and timing goes. They also have a white board with information about the present day and the day after. The day we decided to do Narrows there was a 0% chance of a flash flood! Perfect time to go.
Second stop: The Shuttle
The shuttle will take you to each trailhead. At each trailhead there are bathrooms before you start your hike.
We started off on the paved road that lead you directly to the entrance of Narrows. The water never got any deeper than right about my waist. Walking through Narrows was like walking on bowling balls in the water. The rocks are very smooth and can get pretty slippery, especially with the force of the water, take your time and don’t be so concentrated on not slipping, you miss the beauty of your surroundings.
Keep in mind the way you walk in is the way you walk out so keep an eye on time and mileage. Narrows can be scary at night since you are nestled in between tall canyons. It gets dark a bit quicker. So we made sure we knew what time we started and we decided to walk 4 miles in and 4 miles out which took us about 5 hours. We took a ton of pictures going into the canyon and were able to enjoy the sights on the way back.
What to bring: (in no particular order)
* Waterproof shoes. Even the under water shoes that you can get an any convenience store seemed okay to wear, but in my case I wore some all trail waterproof Sauconys.
* Backpack. Depending on how high the water is, keep in mind things may get wet. Pack snacks in a ziplock if possible. Bring bars, fruits and pack lots of water!
* Walking sticks. We were fine without them, but a lot of people had them and it seemed like it made it easier to hike. At the end of our hike, which was about 5ish we saw a row of walking sticks.
Soak it all in, I can’t even begin to tell you how beautiful this place is. I am in love.
Happy Hiking!

Zion is one of the most breathtaking places I have ever visited. It’s lush and dramatic and clean. It is what I imagine heaven looks like. If you are contemplating a trip here, stop contemplating and COME!
I had a fine time with very little preparation, but to get the most out of your trip I would do the following:
1. Come early. As close to opening time as possible. The car line up can be long.
2. Check the weather and prepare. The weather can change 10 times while you are in the park, so prepare for it all. (Sweater, sunscreen, hat, layers)
3. Rent/​Buy a walking stick and boots if you plan to do the narrows. I did NOT do this and I was fine, but I ruined a pair of Nike’s and I almost ate it a few times as the currents are surprisingly strong. I hear you can rent them in the park, but I did not find where that place was. At the very least bring a walking stick or find a thick branch and wear shoes you don’t mind messing up. Also, pack a change of socks.
4. Pack snacks or a picnic. There are so many places to park it at take in all the beauty. There are eateries on site and immediately outside the park too. We were so famished that we cut our exploring short just to eat… that was a bit of a bummer, so prepare.
5. Make sure you have space on your camera and phone to take pictures, there are ENDLESS opportunities. None of which will do the park justice of course…
6. ENJOY! There is NO reception once you get deeper in the park which is my FAVORITE thing about it. It’s just YOU & Nature. No instagram, facebook or twitter — Hallelujah!

Suzie Q’s Fun Facts:
Most people hike The Narrows in the late spring and summer when the water tends to be at its warmest, and the water level drops. However, this is also the time of year that sudden storms can cause life-​threatening flash floods.
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Pop quiz, hotshot: You’re thinking about hiking through a rocky, swiftly-​flowing, freezing cold river in the rain. Do you: (a) Plan ahead, wearing suitable hiking sandals designed for water and light shorts or quick-​drying pants, and carry a walking stick; or (b) wear heavy hiking boots and jeans, no walking stick in-​hand?
If you answered (b), then you must have been a member of my hapless group, who hiked The Narrows for about 3 hours in precisely the wrong clothing, with exactly no way of staying upright against the slippery rocks and rushing currents.
The paved path to The Narrows is clogged with annoying, loud, inconsiderate tourists. But once you get off the path and into the water, things improve considerably — at least as far as the crowds are concerned. Most people dip their feet into the water, squeal at the cold, and quickly turn back around.
Here’s the thing: I *have* water sandals. I even brought them with me to Zion. But I left them in the car, as my group had planned to hike Angel’s Landing, not The Narrows… right up until we got in line for the shuttle bus (when everyone changed their minds). So my companions and I were all stuck wearing heavy leather hiking boots in the river, which quickly became waterlogged and a massive hindrance. (Not to mention increasingly filled with gravel). We had no walking sticks, either, which would have helped considerably.
You may be wondering: Why rate The Narrows a four-​star, considering all the whining I’m doing here? Because my lack of preparation was MY fault — not the Narrows’ fault. Hiking the Narrows, while exhausting and turning my feet blue with near-​hypothermia, was also exhilarating. It made me feel happy and alive. The sights and experience were breathtaking. I’m SO glad I did it, though it was certainly uncomfortable and a challenge.
Next time, I’ll come prepared.

You have to experience this at least once in your life to take in the beauty of this hike. Wintertime hike is not the norm for Zion Narrows, but honestly, you get unobstructed views of the narrows since it is not crowded at all, plus the snow-​kissed landscape as you hike your way through.
However, the biggest difference and necessity for winter hiking in the narrows would be the equipment — you need to be prepared for the body-​trembling, face-​numbing cold water and air by equipping yourself with a waterproof dry suit, neoprene socks, proper shoes, and hiking stick (at the very least). I got all my rental equipment at Zion Adventure Company, so be sure to check them out.
You must start the hike at least by 10−11am if you want to get to Wall St. Even earlier if you want to get to the Springs at the very end since that would be almost an 8 hour hike (to and back). Account for even more time due to all the tempting times you will want to just stop and snap endless pictures and admire this wonderful place.
Cannot wait to come back in the warmer weather and hike this again!

Seriously, how can one not give the Zion Narrows five stars? I was fortunate enough to hike the «top-​down» route and it was one of the most memorable hiking experiences I’ve enjoyed in my life. Unlike the day hikers, «top-​down» hikers have to have a permit to enter the Narrows from, yes, the top. The 16 mile route winds through slot canyons all the way down to the Riverwalk, the point at which most day hikers enter the Narrows. My party of 4 opted to do the top-​down route as an overnight backpacking trip and were treated to gorgeous views and solitude for more than half of our time in the Narrows.
The details:
Gear — we rented walking sticks at Zion Adventure Company. Highly recommended, as the thick wooden sticks will not bend or break whilst digging around in the water. We did NOT rent boots, as we chose to wear old hiking boots that we could basically trash and wool socks; this worked really well, kept our feet warm and protected, and saved us some money.
Getting to trailhead — there is a shuttle that you can take from the Zion Adventure Company (ask them for more info) that costs about $ 40/​person and drops you off at Chamberlain’s Ranch trailhead. The drive takes about 1.5 hours and it is twisty and bumpy. I got a bit of motion sickness, but that went away as soon as I got out of that van!
Weather — we had PERFECT weather for our overnight backpacking trip. If the Narrows receives a lot of rain, there is a high chance of flash floods, which means that there is a good probability that the Narrows will be closed to the public. Always check with the park office/​visitor center.
The «Duh» factor — you WILL get wet. Wear quick-​dry clothing, bring extra clothing in a dry sack, line your backpack with a garbage bag to help keep the inside dry. Walking on slippery rocks can pose a danger for those who are clumsy by nature! (That is why a sturdy walking stick is invaluable.) Water depth varies within the slot canyons and at different times in the year; most of the time, I was wading through ankle to knee deep water. There were a handful of points where the water level came up to my neck, but then again, I am short.
Other stuff — Leave No Trace. Whatever you bring in, you take out with you, including your garbage and poop! (Upon signing in at the visitor center, you will receive a poop bag.)
FANTASTIC. We have such a treasure in our national parks! Go out and enjoy them!