The Zion Narrows is the most popular hiking route in Zion Park, and one of the world's best canyon hikes. The trail is the Virgin River, walking in the river water makes this hike tolerable during the hot months of summer. About sixty percent of this hike is in the water and the remaining time is on the riverbank. The water depth varies from knee-deep to waist-deep or higher. The longest exposure to waist-deep water is about twenty yards.
Located off I-15, Zion National Park East Entrance is three hundred and twenty miles south of Salt Lake City, Utah, or one hundred and eighty three miles north of Las Vegas, Nevada.
A flash flood or high river runoff will close the trail to hiking. Regular runoff usually occurs in April and early May. Late summer thunderstorms can also produce flooding. You must check at the visitor center for current conditions and specific rules and regulations governing this hike. Technically you can hike this trail year round as long as the river isn't flooded. However, where hiking during summer and fall is pleasant, few people hike during winter and spring when the water is cold unless they are wearing wet or dry suits.
There are three ways to hike the narrows. The most popular way is to hike in from the bottom. Go as far as you're comfortable and then hike out the same day. First-time river hikers or visitors with only a short time in the park will need to choose this option. Depending on water flow, this hike is rated easy to moderate, in summer months and most kids four feet or taller can manage the hike. From the parking lot, it usually takes about two to three hours until you reach the section of Narrows known as Wall Street. It generally takes two-thirds the time to hike back as it did to hike in.
If you're a serious, prepared hiker you can start at the top and hike the entire sixteen miles as a long day hike. This is the most strenuous option and is only recommended for athletic people who are very agile hikers. The best time for this hike is May through September when days are longer. This is usually a ten to fourteen hour hike for most athletes. A permit is required for this hike.
The third option is to hike from the top down and backpack in for one or more nights. With the overnight or more option hikers include additional trails along the route. You will have to get a hiking permit if you start at the top. This is the way to have the full Narrows experience.
Tips for visiting:
October and November visitors find less people in the river.
Best light for photography is from May to September between the hours of 10am and 3pm.
Average hikers travel three to four miles up the canyon. (This means it's also three to four miles back.)
A June 2009 review states, "We just returned from a trip that took us to Zion for a few days. We took an entire day to hike the Narrows. We hiked about 3 miles up to the narrowest part of the canyon. The first mile is on paved area and is somewhat boring. But once you hit the water, it is amazing. The scenery is great...the walls of the canyon are so close. You will be hiking up stream in water the entire way until you decide to turn back. I would definitely recommend a hiking stick, as the rocks are hard to maneuver on your own. When we went, the water was relatively low. Most was ankle deep with the deepest spots being a little below waist deep. Our seven-year-old boy went and he had a great time. He played in the water, found rocks and just had a ball. I would recommend this be your number one item when visiting Zion...it was by far the best hike there. We left around 10am and didn't return until around 6...we took our time, played in the water and again, hiked 3 miles up the water. It gets really cool in late afternoon and evening, so I'd recommend you plan for this when you are going. It was downright cold on our walk back out. The walk back goes a bit faster than the walk up as you are going downstream on the way out.''
A July 2009 review reports, "I absolutely can't imagine this hike without a hiking stick to help gauge the water depth as well as to support against the current. The shoe rental ones looked cumbersome as they are wooden, resembling a 5-6 foot pencil with a point that is smashed flat by the time you finish hiking. I think they do a better job of advertising. When we went we seriously debated renting the shoes and were glad we just wore hiking boots and our teens wore old sneakers. We went in late June and were glad to be cooled by the water on a 90-degree day. There will be some spots that are at least waist deep so be prepared to keep valuables, cameras, etc dry. Also there are sand bars that have some drops, so use your hiking stick to avoid surprises. Suggestion: wear swim trunks or quick dry clothes for your comfort, especially on the shuttle ride back.''
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