Zion National Park, Utah
Hiking the Narrows: What You Need to Know
If you can only do one hike in Zion make sure it is this one! The Narrows is one of my all-time favorite hikes, and every member of my family cannot talk about Zion without mentioning this hike! The Narrows hike takes you through a majestic slot canyon as you hike in the Virgin River. Just when you think it can’t get any better, you turn a corner and find something even more beautiful.
PREPARING FOR YOUR HIKE
Weather Conditions:
The Narrows is a slot canyon and is not open to hikers year-round. When the water flow rate is over 150 cubic feet per second or if there is a flash flood warning The Narrows will be closed. Click here to check the current conditions and keep checking in the days leading up to your hike.
Equipment:
Can you hike The Narrows without renting equipment? Of course! Would I ever want to hike without renting river hiking equipment? Definitely not! The majority of the hike is in the Virgin River, which can be anywhere from ankle to chest deep depending on the time of year. These waterproof socks, hiking boots, and wooden hiking poles were essential in making this hike a success for my whole family. While it is an added expense, the boots offered traction on the slippery rocks which helped all of us navigate the rocks and current of the river. The long wooden hiking pole helped with balance and was sturdy enough to hold up to the current. The rental company has a nice display of bent and broken hiking/trekking poles that fell victim to The Narrows. The wooden poles are a much better option.
There are several options for places in Springdale to rent equipment. We chose Zion Guru for our rentals and they were amazing. Scheduling the time to pick up our rental equipment and returning it when we were finished was easy. They have a variety of equipment available specifically for the time of year you are hiking The Narrows. The staff will also know exactly what you need for the current conditions. I highly recommend them for all of your rental needs!
TRAILHEAD:
The Narrows hike begins at Shuttle Stop 9: Temple Sinawava. After you get off of the shuttle you will head down the paved Riverside Walk Trail. This trail is 1.0 miles and ends with steps that lead down into the Virgin River. This is where The Narrows hike officially starts. Head into the river and hike as far as you wish. You can hike upstream to Big Spring (10 miles round trip from the shuttle stop) without a permit.
Savvy Sojourner Tip: Get the best pictures and beat the crowds by hiking The Narrows at the very beginning of the day. My best advice is to be the first person on the first shuttle of the day. You will be glad you got up early when you are hiking back to the shuttle and see the HUGE crowds fighting their way up the river!
Click here for more information from the U.S. National Park Service about hiking The Narrows
What to Bring on The Narrows Trail
Here are my hiking essentials:
- WATER!
Always bring more water than you think you are going to need when hiking at Zion National Park. I bring two water bottles (32oz or larger) per person when hiking. Hiking with heat and/or altitude can cause you to dehydrate quickly and Zion has both. There are water refill stations located at the Visitors Center. - Salty Snacks
Replenishing your electrolytes is always important, but especially when hiking in the heat. Salty snacks and electrolyte mixes (such as Liquid IV) for your water bottle are a great way to make sure you stay hydrated. Some of my favorites are jerky, pretzels, and roasted nuts or trail mix. - Sun Protection
Make sure to apply (and reapply) sunscreen often, wear long sleeves, and never forget a hat that shades your face and neck! - Phone/Camera
There are so many great photo opportunities along this hike. Don’t forget to capture every single angle of this amazing slot canyon! Since you are hiking in the river, make sure to take extra care to protect your phone from water damage by using a dry bag or something similar. Also, make sure that your cell phone has a full charge when you start your hike. - First Aid Kit
It is always a good idea to pack a small first aid kit in your hiking backpack. I like to include bandaids, Advil, items for scrapes, and moleskin for blisters in my hiking first aid kit.
Last Minute Advice…
When it comes to hiking my number one piece of advice is to stop and enjoy where you are! Hiking is about the journey as much as it is about the destination. So make sure to look around, enjoy where you are, and soak in your surroundings! Trust me, you won’t want to miss a minute of this hike!
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Happy Sojourning!
Meghan
