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So you’re contemplating hiking The Narrows in Zion National Park?? This is one of the coolest and most unique hikes in the United States. And this hike is a great alternative if you did not score an Angels Landing permit. After hiking the Narrows three times from the bottom during various seasons, I wanted to give you all of the details to help you prepare for one of the most exciting hiking experiences in Utah (and maybe in the US!)

Important Things to Know for The Narrows in Zion National Park

Let’s start with some of the most important things that you need to know for your Zion Narrows hike:

1. There are two ways to hike The Narrows in Zion National Park. The most popular option is to hike this as a “bottom-up” route or “out and back”. You do not need a permit to hike The Narrows from the bottom up. However, you can also do this hike an alternate route called “top-down” or a “thru hike”. You do need a permit to hike The Narrows from the top-down.
2. If you are hiking from the bottom-up, you will need a shuttle ticket, private shuttle, or bike to access the trailhead for the majority of the year. See the caption of this Instagram post for more details (you can also scroll down to see this). NOTE: As of 5/28 shuttle tickets are no longer required. However that same day the park hit capacity at 8:30am with 4 hour shuttle wait times. Still consider a private shuttle or bike.
3. You will get wet. This isn’t one of those hikes where you can tiptoe across the river & avoid it. It’s happening.
4. You can rent gear for your hike at any of the local outfitters – will discuss more details below.
5. This hike will *close* sometimes (usually spring/summer) due to high river flow. Do not hike it anyway. This means danger that should be taken seriously. This happened to me – my top/down permit was canceled a few years ago due to high river flow & it hasn’t worked out to do it again. Instead, plan on taking advantage of one of the many other fun things to do near Zion National Park that day and try again either the next day or next trip to Utah.
6. Avoid the Narrows with a risk of rain locally or anywhere within the region. It can be sunny where you are & still have a flash flood. Know how to identify the warning signs of flash floods. Unfortunately people have died in the Narrows.
7. Zion National Park is experiencing very high numbers of visitors and this hike is one of the most popular. Therefore it is recommended to start as early in the day as possible during peak visiting times (March-October).
8. Always practice Leave No Trace principles on this hike and in nature in general.

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Must-See Spots Along the Narrows Trail

Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park is like unlocking the beautiful mysteries of nature. So, be on the lookout for jaw-dropping spots like the “Subway” rocks.

Also, try to pause at the “Pine Creek Waterfall” for a chill moment since the views are exceptional here.

Afterward, marvel at the Floating Rock since it appears to defy gravity in the river.

Next, look for Veiled Falls alcove if you want to savor a bit of tranquility before continuing your hike.

Afterward, take a moment to marvel at the Emerald Pools. It is a green paradise that sits within the towering sandstone of the surrounding landscape.

Trust me, you don’t just want to hike the Narrows. You want to experience its awe-inspiring beauty since the natural landscape is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Prepare for the Weather Before Your Hike the Narrows in Zion National Park

If you want to hike the Narrows in Zion National Park it’s always a good idea to wear plenty of layers.

After all, summers can be super hot, winters can be extremely cold, and weather can change rapidly.

Therefore, wearing layers ensures that you are well-prepared, especially in the early mornings. After all, this is a great time to hike since it is cooler and the trails are less crowded.

Additionally, watch out for monsoon season late in the summer since flash floods can make narrow canyons extremely dangerous.

You’ll also want to wear sturdy footwear, and pack essentials like water, snacks, and a first aid kit.

The Narrows in Zion National Park Hike Details

To get started on this hike you have to get to the Temple of Sinewava and do the Riverside Walk. This is one mile on a paved path before the you get to the river where the real fun begins. Depending on river flow, you may be able to cross the river while only getting wet to your ankles leading you to (incorrectly) think you don’t have to get wet on this hike. Don’t be misled. Very quickly it will become much deeper.

The actual bottom-up Narrows hike in Zion can be as long as you want it to be as you start and end at the same place so you decide when you turn around. However, if you hike all the way to Big Springs and back (which is the required turnaround point for doing this hike from the bottom-up), it will be just under 10 miles, and longer if you add on a portion of Orderville Canyon.

Look at/take a picture of/download the map from AllTrails ahead of time. There is only one junction on the trail right before you get to the most impressive section of the Narrows, called Wall Street. The junction is where Orderville Canyon joins up with the Narrows.

You can’t really get lost hiking the Narrows in Zion (not a challenge) but I heard many people say they had “made it to Wall Street” when they were still over a mile away. It’s fine if you don’t make it all the way there, but it sure would stink to turn around just because you didn’t know.

What Gear do you need for Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park?

Since The Narrows hike is in water, your gear is the most important thing to consider when making your plans. You have a few options depending on weather and your overall cold tolerance. Purchase your own apparel or rent apparel from a gear shop. Regardless of if you purchase alternate hiking apparel or rent it, you want something other than your main hiking shoe as you will be wet and you want don’t want to do any other hikes in wet shoes.

1. Renting Gear: Reserve it in advance as Zion is a popular place these days. The rentals can be anything from shoes/neoprene socks and a stick, to dry pants, to a full dry suit. Adventure companies to rent from include Zion Adventures, Zion Guru and others.
2. Buying your own Gear: If you go in the summer when both the air and water are warm, you might not need to rent gear. Instead, consider wearing Keen’s and neoprene socks. When considering your footwear, know that there are a ton of large and small rocks. Shoes like Chaco’s and Tevas may not protect your toes enough (but if these are your go to, then do it!) You likely will still want a stick.

How to decide which gear to go with to Hike the Narrows in Zion

There are a few factors to consider when deciding what type of gear you should rent or buy. These include the time of year, the temperature of the water, the temperature of the air, and how cold you tend to be in general. If you are a really cold-natured person, then you might want to rent a dry-suit or dry pants year-round. I also saw some crazy people hiking in the winter with shorts on (and I would have been MISERABLE).

You can also check trail conditions on AllTrails to see what others are recommending and you can call the outfitters you plan to rent from to gauge what they are recommending.

For your reference these were my personal apparel choices according to the time of year and temperature:

1. Mid-March, (That specifc day was a High of 55 °F, low of 31 °F): Dry-suit, two pairs of neoprene socks, fleece-lined leggings, a midweight wool long sleeve and a down puffy jacket. Half way through my hike, I took off my down puffy jacket. However when we stopped to have a snack, I needed to put it back on.
2. Early-April, (That specifc day was a High of 80 °F, low of 55 °F): Dry pants, one pair of neoprene socks, one short-sleeved wool shirt, down puffy jacket. I only took my jacket off for a few pictures. I was a little cold, but never enough to get an extra layer out of my bag.
3. Late-August, (That specific day was a High of 83 °F, low of 62 °F): Shorts, tank top, one pair of neoprene socks, Keen Sandals. I was totally comfortable

Other Gear for Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park

There are a few other important items that you should consider on your Zion Narrows hike since it is in the water. You want to make sure that your important items (phone, camera, extra layers) stay dry. Therefore you should consider a dry bag or dry backpack as well as a waterproof phone case.

Although it has been mentioned several times, make sure to bring a walking stick – either by renting one or bringing your own hiking poles. I normally don’t use hiking poles (but these are the ones that I have), but a stick is nice when you can’t see the bottom and you can use it to feel ahead. It also helps for stability.

Although this does not really count as gear, you definitely want to bring water, snacks, camera/phone (in your waterproof bag), and extra dry layers.

Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park FAQs

1. How Long Does it Take to Hike the Narrows in Zion?

The Narrows is a 16 mile hike and can take up to 12 hours to complete. However, most people stick to a 9-10 mile roundtrip hike.

2. What is the Best Month to Hike the Narrows?

The best time to hike The Narrows is in late spring or early fall. So, in May or September. That’s when the weather is just right, and the flow of the river is perfect for hiking.

3. Is the Narrows Hike Scary?

No, the Narrows hike is not scary when the weather is sunny. However, when it rains the hike can become extremely scary since flash floods can make it deadly.

So, always check the weather before tackling the Narrows hike in Zion National Park.

4. Can you Hike the Narrows in Zion Without a Guide?

You don’t need a guide to hike The Narrows. Just do your research and plan ahead for an amazing hiking experience.

If you want, try doing this 16-mile hike over the course of two days. This way you don’t have to rush and have ample time to enjoy this incredible hike.

5. Is the Narrows in Zion Hard?

The Narrows in Zion can be challenging due to the river trekking sections and rocky terrain. So, physically prepare for this hike and keep an eye on the weather before attempting this hike.

6. Is the Narrows in Zion Worth It?

Yes, the Narrows in Zion is worth doing! It is a truly stunning and once-in-a-lifetime experience as you walk past towering canyon walls and enjoy the Virgin River.

Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park

The Narrows in Zion is an absolutely incredible hike. It is such a unique experience and one you will likely never forget. Have you hiked the Zion Narrows?! Let me know in the comments if this hike is on your bucket list or you have already done it.

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

• Glamping near Zion National Park
• Best Hikes in Utah
• 21 Places to Visit in Utah that aren’t National Parks
• Epic Things to do in Utah
• 11 Things to do in Kanab
• Visiting the Utah Mighty 5 National Parks
• Best Scenic Drives in Utah

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