Hiking The Narrows – Our Epic Adventure in Zion National Park
One of the most epic hikes you can experience is found within the stunning landscapes of Zion National Park. The Narrows offers an unforgettable hiking experience that draws adventurers from around the globe. Known for its towering canyon walls and the refreshing rush of the Virgin River, this iconic hike challenges the senses while rewarding explorers with breathtaking vistas at every turn. As you embark on this journey, prepare to be captivated by the raw beauty of nature and the exhilarating thrill of navigating through narrow passages where water and rock dance in harmony.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a day hiking The Narrows. You’ll read about our personal experience, plus tips for making the most out of this unique adventure. The Narrows promises an experience like no other, promising memories that will last a lifetime.
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Lesson 1 – You Can’t Get There Too Early
On our first morning camping near Zion National Park, our destination was to go hiking The Narrows. As the alarm rang in our trailer, we quickly put on clothes, skipped breakfast, and hopped in the truck for the drive into the park. Having read that an early arrival would be prudent, we were aiming for an arrival at 6 am.
We drove in the early morning hours from our campsite at Bauers RV Park in nearby Glendale, Utah. The route took us through the Zion National Park East entrance. Our drive was accompanied by the magnificence of the early morning sun shining its light on the dark brown mountains of Zion.
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Parking Is Limited
As we made our way through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, we soon came to a section of the road where car after car was pulled over. Surely, we have arrived at the gathering point for hikers headed to The Narrows. We kept our eyes open for any spot where we could fit our Ford F250. But the side of the road was just packed. Feeling a bit uneasy about our chances, we soon spied a section on the side of the road that, just maybe, would accommodate our truck. Pulling in at a slight angle, the truck just squeezed into the space. We made it! Or so we thought.
Out of the car we went, along with our backpacks and gear we packed for the day. And off we walked, in the same direction as the dozens and dozens of other folk, all headed in the same direction. And then a reality check. We came to the Canyon Junction T-intersection, where a new road presents the actual path to The Narrows.
We Arrived Too Late
National Park rangers manned this intersection, keeping out any new traffic. And here we learned that we had arrived too late. If we were to keep walking to reach the “starting” point of The Narrows hike, well, that would be another five miles in one direction. The parking lot far down the road had filled up within minutes after the clock hit 6 am. We learned that people would have been at the park entrance as early as two or three in the morning for the chance of getting through the park entrance upon its 6 am opening and off to the actual Narrows parking lot bright and early.
Reserve a Shuttle Ride For Your Narrows Hike
Our Day 1 attempt to hike The Narrows was a fail. As the car limit had been reached, we planned for a different approach on day two. (Hint: You have to be at the park entrance extremely early, before that opens, for a shot at parking your car close to The Narrows trailhead).
We stopped in at Zion Outfitters close to the Zion National Park Visitor Center to make arrangements for a shuttle the next day. We were going to do this. And making a reservation for a guaranteed ride the next day seemed like a good approach.
We had reservations for an early morning shuttle on our second day at Zion National Park. This transportation was arranged to pick us up just outside of Zion Outfitters.
Pick Up Supplies at Zion Outfitters
We took advantage of our wait time to take care of a few more supplies. At the Zion Outfitters store, you’ll find a variety of rental equipment for your day of hiking. Browsing the options for rentals, we selected sturdy hiking sticks that would be useful for trekking through the waters of the Virgin River. You’ll want a stick that is more sturdy than a hiking trekking pole.
As we were interested in capturing some photographs on this day, we also purchased a waterproof phone holder in which our iPhones could be used without risk of water damage.
Purchase a Waterproof Phone Pouch For Your Narrows Hike
Two Options for Hiking the Narrows
If you’re considering hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park, you have two incredible routes to choose from, depending on your adventure level:
Bottom-Up Route:
This is the most popular option and doesn’t require a permit. Starting at the Riverside Walk trailhead (accessible via the Zion Shuttle), you’ll hike upriver for several miles, taking in stunning canyon views. The farthest point you can go without a permit is Big Springs, which makes this a round-trip day hike of 9-10 miles. When you’ve soaked in all the beauty, simply turn around and retrace your steps.
Top-Down Route:
Perfect for the seasoned hiker, this route takes you on a one-way, 16-mile trek from Chamberlain’s Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava trailhead. A permit is required, and you can opt to make it a two-day adventure with an overnight campsite (reserved alongside your permit). This hike offers an immersive and challenging experience, following the river through its most dramatic sections. Be sure to do your research on this route to prepare for the adventure ahead!
Note: Getting a permit for Narrows hiking does not equate to safety. The Park Service is not responsible for your safety. That responsibility remains with you.
The Shuttle Ride to the Trailhead
The shuttle was well worth the cost, given the difficulty of getting to the trailhead. We boarded a full shuttle of about 10 people at 9 am, and shuttled on past the barricades to normal traffic at the scenic drive entrance. The $30 a piece shuttle ride, which guaranteed our way to the trailhead, was well worth the expense.
Riverside Walk
The Riverside Walk is your main starting point for hiking The Narrows on the bottom-up route. It is quite a lovely stroll. Starting at the Temple of Sinawava, the beauty of the mountains is something to behold. We took some time to marvel at the grandeur of these mountains, which show their awe-inspiring boldness in a way that is difficult to understand from photographs. Being in their presence is a unique and special experience.
You Will Get Wet
The first portion of the hike was on a normal walking path from the parking area. After maybe 10 minutes or so of such walking, we entered the water. First ankle level, then rising slightly higher. At its highest, it rose to just about a quarter inch south of my “zone of discomfort”.
Not Your Everyday Hiking Experience
We made our way for a good hour and a half in mostly water, watching our footing. There were lots of passages with places to be careful – some difficulty in seeing under the water, watching for slick rocks, and in a few places, holding firm when the water currents sped up a bit.
We felt well-suited for the adventure. Sturdy walking sticks helped a lot. So many others made their way without any walking stick at all, while a few folks had carbon hiking sticks, which, while awesome tools on mountain hikes, lack the stiffness that works better in moving waters. Some folks wore flip flops, some were barefoot. Several carried small children on their backs, no sticks. We watched and prayed that those folks especially didn’t slip and fall.
Ending Our Hike at the Temple of Sinawava
At the Sinawava formation, the canyon narrows abruptly. The color and texture of the cliffs provide a clue as to the intersection of two different rock layers. Here, the Virgin River is forced to slice straight down. It has created a tight perpendicular gorge. The scenery here evolves constantly. Tons of sediment cascade down the river, especially during flash floods.
Hiking The Narrows Was An Epic Experience
This was an epic hike, an experience. A great way to round out our visit to Zion. And we are determined to return someday, to venture even further into the high canyon walls than we did on our initial hike.
Hiking The Narrows – A Guide by Season
The Narrows in Zion National Park offers a unique hiking experience that varies greatly with the changing seasons.
In spring, as snow melts from the surrounding peaks, the Virgin River swells, creating higher water levels and a more challenging hike. The cooler temperatures and fresh greenery make it an exhilarating time to experience the Narrows, though caution is advised due to potential flash flooding.
Summer brings warm weather and lower water levels, making it the most popular time to hike the Narrows. The canyon’s towering walls offer shade from the heat, and the water provides a refreshing escape. Crowds are more prevalent, so starting early can provide a more peaceful experience.
Autumn paints the canyon in stunning shades of red and gold. The cooler temperatures and reduced crowds make it an ideal time for those who prefer a quieter, more contemplative hike. However, water levels can begin to rise again with the season’s rains.
Winter transforms the Narrows into a serene wonderland, with fewer visitors and the possibility of snow-capped scenery. The cold temperatures and icy water mean that specialized gear, like dry suits, is essential for safety and comfort.
Each season offers a distinct and breathtaking adventure in the Narrows, allowing hikers to experience a different facet of Zion National Park’s natural beauty.
Top Tips For Hiking The Narrows
- Start early – whatever early means to you, set off even earlier than that
- Shuttle Service – book in advance to guarantee your arrival at the trailhead
- Time: Plan for this to be your main experience for the day. We recommend a minimum of 6 hours.
Packing List For Hiking The Narrows
- Hiking clothes (wicking shirts, hiking pants)
- Waterproof bag to hold your cellphone.
- Sturdy walking stick for hiking The Narrows. Trekking poles aren’t suited for this hike. We rented ours at Zion Outfitters.
- Camera (protected from the water)
- Neoprene socks (if you plan to walk in the water)
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Water bottles and water jugs to fill up your bottles daily
- Food for your entire visit – this will help keep your food bill in check
- Sunscreen
- Backpacks – Consider a Waterproof Backpack
- Hat
- Sunglasses
Closing Thoughts – Hiking The Narrows
As we reached the end of our breathtaking adventure through the Narrows at Zion National Park, we left with a memory for a lifetime. Each step through the waters of the winding Virgin River brings with it a sense of awe and reverence for the untamed wilderness that surrounds you. This unique hike offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will linger in your memory long after you’ve left its shadowy embrace.
Thanks for reading this post. We hope to see you at the places where we go!
Julie & Art
Listen To Our Podcast Episode on Hiking The Narrows
We shared an in-depth review of our Narrows hike on The Places Where We Go podcast.
