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The Narrows is the most unique hike I've done. You hike in water that can go deep up to your waist in the Virgin River. We rented dry bibs and boots from Zion Outfitter, which didn't keep us dry, but they were supposed to. It was fun struggling against the current with our walking sticks for support, and the first section was sunny and warm, but it became more shady and cold the farther we trekked into the canyon. The water was very cold in March, so renting gear is highly recommended. We just hiked to Wall Street and back, which is the recommended route, as well as a side path, for about a total of 8.5 miles.
The Narrows offers a very unique and special hiking experience. Come prepared knowing what to expect (water level, shuttle info, gear to rent) and you'll have a great time. We got up early to pick up breakfast and lunch, and to get on one of the first shuttles out. We were rewarded with many moments of feeling like the canyon was all to ourselves. From when we first stepped into the water; it took us about two hours to get to Wall Street. You can add 45 minutes for the shuttle from the visitor center and maybe another 30 minutes from the shuttle stop to where you get into the river. This is definitely a hike that meets expectations !
Absolutely amazing hiking experience. Even as a kid I loved going on nature trails and walking through streams and shallow rivers. Well, the Narrows is a hikers dream come true. We went during the summer so the trail was actually cool (with regards to weather). The highest the water went up was up to my chest area. Epic hiking trip. If you are in Zion, I would advise you check it out (although I am not sure if I would/could) during the winter months. Tip: Your shoes will get wet and it is pretty rugged so sandals will wet. I had a older pair of hiking shoes I didn't mind getting soaked so I used that. Hiking stick(s) is recommended as well as it can get slippery
If I had to express my first impression in one word... wow~. I've been on many trails, but this is the first time I've walked along a stream without stopping. It's midsummer so the water is warm... The water is cloudy due to the sudden rain so I can't see the bottom Where else can you have this ultimate experience if not in the US?? Important tips for walking the trail/ Sturdy hiking boots (rental available), aqua socks, a walking stick, waterproof pack/ water, snacks
A truly unique experience you can only find at Zion. If you can only do one thing there, it should be this river hike. Some tips to make your expedition through the Narrows unforgettable: * Rent waterproof shoes and a walking stick from Zion Outfitters; you'll need it! * Come as early as you can, since this hike and the shuttle to it fills up like Disneyland. * Turn back after a few hours, as the best parts are 1-2 hours in and the whole hike is too long to complete unless you want to spend the day there. * You will get wet, potentially to your chest.
This is a beautiful national park. Huge cliffs and mountains rise thousands of feet from the canyon bottom in a range of colors. Plenty of great hiking like The Narrows. The narrows is an 8-hour hike, but we only did 4 hours as we arrived late, but next time we will want to make it to the end. I highly recommend bringing shoes for the narrows and hiking sticks; it's a must!
One of my absolute favorite hikes to date. It's rated as difficult, but I thought it was easy and doable for anyone that is up for the challenge. Just be prepared. Definitely an unforgettable, unique and beautiful experience. There are many things to consider - flow rate, weather, water bacteria, flash flood warning, etc. Be sure to check with the park rangers about these things. There are slippery and jagged rocks, the flow can definitely knock you down if strong enough, there are some parts that are deeper than others, plus the water is cold - which varies depending on what time of year you go. You can rent dry gear from the outfitters, but in September, our crew did fine with neoprene socks and good quality water hikers. But the views are breathtaking and there are some flat parts that are along the River. The most asked question I get is how long is the hike. It's totally up to you since the Virgin River goes for miles. We entered through Zion National Park by way of the Riverside Walk (1 mile). We hiked over 4 miles in, so it was an 8-9 mile round trip not including the 2 miles RT for the initial walk to the river. Made it past Wall Street to areas that were truly slot canyons. You'll get a large crowd at the mouth of the river and up until 1-2 miles in, then it becomes sparse. One of the tips we got was to keep an eye on the color of the water, it should be clear but if it starts to change color, then turn around -- which is what we did. There was a storm in another part of the state the moved toward us that night. I noticed when we started our hike, the water was halfway up my calf. Hiking back, it was halfway up my thigh. Trekking poles are a necessity. You can bring your own, rent them, or take advantage of the many wooden poles that are left where you enter the river.
Hiking the Narrows was one of the most incredible, truly special moments I've had in my life. A hike into the Zion Canyon through the Virgin River? Are you kidding me? Sure, most of the time knee or hip deep water, over rocks and uneven sandy bottoms. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done but I'm so incredibly happy I did it. I was in Zion by myself and a little nervous about doing it alone but after a visit to Zion Outfitters to get my gear (neoprene socks, boots, dry pants, dry bag, and walking stick) and chatting with other people getting their gear, I felt confident that I could at least TRY it, and that I would be surrounded by fellow hikers that would keep an eye out. I'm proud to say I made it to my goal, the end of Wall Street. 5+ hours and 7+ miles traversing through a river by myself? Incredible. In the summer this can be really congested but in mid October it was quiet and more than once I was the only one around, which meant I was able to enjoy some lovely solitude. If you want this, I'd recommend planning your trip outside of peak time. Admittedly it was a little chilly this time of year so dress warmly, but with my boots and dry pants I never felt cold in the water. The beautiful thing about this trail is you can turn around at any time and no matter what you see if going to be stunning. If you're on the fence, I say give it a try. Just make sure you get the gear and go prepared to ensure you can go as far as possible. And take it slow and enjoy every view and moment of it.
This hike has been on my list for quite some time. I finally was able to secure a date to complete this year. This is one of America's Top 100 hikes and after completing it, I can see why. My friend and I started out on the trail about an hour after sunrise. We drove up the day before and secured our equipment at one of many Outfitters in the town of Springdale, Utah. This is the home of the world famous Zion National Park. This hike is unique as it is a water hike and you can hike it all year. In order to really enjoy the hike you need to rent neoprene socks, special boots that prevent you from slipping on the river rocks, and a walking stick which helps you maintain your balance while hiking in the Virgin River. When completing the hike in the winter, you can rent the special wader pants to stay warm. I saw people hiking in waterproof trail shoes, flip flops (stupid), workout sneakers, and two people were barefoot (crazy). Be smart and rent the equipment. This hike is doable two ways. We hiked "bottom up" and hiked to the Big Spring. This is the farthest you can go without a permit. It is roughly 4.5 miles. At this point you must turn around and return. The other option is to hike top down. This requires hiring a shuttle to take you to Chamberlin Ranch and you must obtain a permit. This is a 16 mile trail and are backpacking down. Our hike was so much fun and we ran out of adjectives to describe just how beautiful and incredible this scenery was. There were quite a few people hiking the same day we were as the pandemic has unleashed a whole new breed of outdoor enthusiasts. So it was a little busy the first two miles. Many people turn around at the two mile mark, we did not. We wanted to see as much of this Canyon as we could without a pass. We got back to the shuttle stop at 5ish and we were a little tired, but we were so pumped up from the day. I highly recommend when you are here to complete this hike. Even if you can are not a seasoned hiker, just complete a mile or two. You won't regret taking in this outdoor experience. Remember to pick up lunch the night before, pack lots of snacks, plenty of water especially when hiking in the summer. Most important reminder to Leave No Trace. Enjoy the magic of this hike.
Narrow is one of the most fun trails in Zion. Make sure to bring a change of clothes and walking sticks to help you traverse the river. Unless you have ankle protection level water shoes, I would recommend wearing hiking shoes to protect your ankles. The entire water trail can be quite long; we only did 2 miles, which took about 1.5 hours. It was super fun!
You get to The Narrows by taking the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava, which is shuttle stop #9 when the shuttle is running, and going on the Riverside Walk which is a nice paved two mile round trip walk alongside the Virgin River. That trail ends at the river where The Narrows begin - aptly named as it's the most narrow part of the gorge. I spent a little bit of time in the river, but nothing serious as I didn't have enough time to dedicate to the trek to Wall Street. It's on my list of things to do for a future trip. You shouldn't enter the The Narrows if there's any rain in the weather forecast or any rain in the surrounding areas. It's too risky to be caught in the canyon with any chance of flash floods. There are port-a-potties and water at the shuttle station. Even though you're hiking in a river, that water should not be consumed as there have been cyanobacteria and their associated toxins found in the Virgin Riven. There is no known recreational water filtration or disinfection method that can reduce the toxins to a safe level for drinking! read more
23 days ago
2 months ago
So full disclosure I did the river walk out to the start of the narrows. And while I KNOW this full hike is a stunner I opted not to go farther than a short wade in up to my knees because I did not want to get wet!! I asked some folks going in about their waders; most people get them from Zion outfitters and I was told they're about $60 per person to rent (most including at least one, if not two walking sticks to help you keep your balance). I was also told they don't keep you fully dry, water still gets in but they do help keep you warm. If you go far enough in, the water comes up to your chest (assuming you're average height). Plan accordingly with your bag(s) etc. This hike is as long as you want it to be, the whole thing is the "view" within one of the deepest and most iconic slot canyons in the state - carved by the Virgin River itself that you're walking in. You can go up to 8-10 miles but most folks don't go that far before turning back. Even just the river walk out to the start of the river is really lovely though. One day I'll come out and hike beyond knee-deep :) read more
The Narrows is the most unique hike I've done. You hike in water that can go deep up to your waist in the Virgin River. We rented dry bibs and boots from Zion Outfitter, which didn't keep us dry, but they were supposed to. It was fun struggling against the current with our walking sticks for support, and the first section was sunny and warm, but it became more shady and cold the farther we trekked into the canyon. The water was very cold in March, so renting gear is highly recommended. We just hiked to Wall Street and back, which is the recommended route, as well as a side path, for about a total of 8.5 miles. read more
The Narrows offers a very unique and special hiking experience. Come prepared knowing what to expect (water level, shuttle info, gear to rent) and you'll have a great time. We got up early to pick up breakfast and lunch, and to get on one of the first shuttles out. We were rewarded with many moments of feeling like the canyon was all to ourselves. From when we first stepped into the water; it took us about two hours to get to Wall Street. You can add 45 minutes for the shuttle from the visitor center and maybe another 30 minutes from the shuttle stop to where you get into the river. This is definitely a hike that meets expectations ! read more
Absolutely amazing hiking experience. Even as a kid I loved going on nature trails and walking through streams and shallow rivers. Well, the Narrows is a hikers dream come true. We went during the summer so the trail was actually cool (with regards to weather). The highest the water went up was up to my chest area. Epic hiking trip. If you are in Zion, I would advise you check it out (although I am not sure if I would/could) during the winter months. Tip: Your shoes will get wet and it is pretty rugged so sandals will wet. I had a older pair of hiking shoes I didn't mind getting soaked so I used that. Hiking stick(s) is recommended as well as it can get slippery read more
If I had to express my first impression in one word... wow~. I've been on many trails, but this is the first time I've walked along a stream without stopping. It's midsummer so the water is warm... The water is cloudy due to the sudden rain so I can't see the bottom Where else can you have this ultimate experience if not in the US?? Important tips for walking the trail/ Sturdy hiking boots (rental available), aqua socks, a walking stick, waterproof pack/ water, snacks read more
8 months ago
A truly unique experience you can only find at Zion. If you can only do one thing there, it should be this river hike. Some tips to make your expedition through the Narrows unforgettable: * Rent waterproof shoes and a walking stick from Zion Outfitters; you'll need it! * Come as early as you can, since this hike and the shuttle to it fills up like Disneyland. * Turn back after a few hours, as the best parts are 1-2 hours in and the whole hike is too long to complete unless you want to spend the day there. * You will get wet, potentially to your chest. read more
1 year ago
Highly recommend this hike. I would say you need hiking water shoes. You need a stick or some type of hiking handle, for stability. I would say anyone under 7 would not be able to handle it. My kids was 7 and handled it okay. read more
1 year ago
This was beautiful! Perfect for our family because on it we could go out and back how ever far our family could! Great hike highly recommend!! read more
This is a beautiful national park. Huge cliffs and mountains rise thousands of feet from the canyon bottom in a range of colors. Plenty of great hiking like The Narrows. The narrows is an 8-hour hike, but we only did 4 hours as we arrived late, but next time we will want to make it to the end. I highly recommend bringing shoes for the narrows and hiking sticks; it's a must! read more
One of my absolute favorite hikes to date. It's rated as difficult, but I thought it was easy and doable for anyone that is up for the challenge. Just be prepared. Definitely an unforgettable, unique and beautiful experience. There are many things to consider - flow rate, weather, water bacteria, flash flood warning, etc. Be sure to check with the park rangers about these things. There are slippery and jagged rocks, the flow can definitely knock you down if strong enough, there are some parts that are deeper than others, plus the water is cold - which varies depending on what time of year you go. You can rent dry gear from the outfitters, but in September, our crew did fine with neoprene socks and good quality water hikers. But the views are breathtaking and there are some flat parts that are along the River. The most asked question I get is how long is the hike. It's totally up to you since the Virgin River goes for miles. We entered through Zion National Park by way of the Riverside Walk (1 mile). We hiked over 4 miles in, so it was an 8-9 mile round trip not including the 2 miles RT for the initial walk to the river. Made it past Wall Street to areas that were truly slot canyons. You'll get a large crowd at the mouth of the river and up until 1-2 miles in, then it becomes sparse. One of the tips we got was to keep an eye on the color of the water, it should be clear but if it starts to change color, then turn around -- which is what we did. There was a storm in another part of the state the moved toward us that night. I noticed when we started our hike, the water was halfway up my calf. Hiking back, it was halfway up my thigh. Trekking poles are a necessity. You can bring your own, rent them, or take advantage of the many wooden poles that are left where you enter the river. read more
4 years ago
Hiking the Narrows was one of the most incredible, truly special moments I've had in my life. A hike into the Zion Canyon through the Virgin River? Are you kidding me? Sure, most of the time knee or hip deep water, over rocks and uneven sandy bottoms. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done but I'm so incredibly happy I did it. I was in Zion by myself and a little nervous about doing it alone but after a visit to Zion Outfitters to get my gear (neoprene socks, boots, dry pants, dry bag, and walking stick) and chatting with other people getting their gear, I felt confident that I could at least TRY it, and that I would be surrounded by fellow hikers that would keep an eye out. I'm proud to say I made it to my goal, the end of Wall Street. 5+ hours and 7+ miles traversing through a river by myself? Incredible. In the summer this can be really congested but in mid October it was quiet and more than once I was the only one around, which meant I was able to enjoy some lovely solitude. If you want this, I'd recommend planning your trip outside of peak time. Admittedly it was a little chilly this time of year so dress warmly, but with my boots and dry pants I never felt cold in the water. The beautiful thing about this trail is you can turn around at any time and no matter what you see if going to be stunning. If you're on the fence, I say give it a try. Just make sure you get the gear and go prepared to ensure you can go as far as possible. And take it slow and enjoy every view and moment of it. read more
This hike has been on my list for quite some time. I finally was able to secure a date to complete this year. This is one of America's Top 100 hikes and after completing it, I can see why. My friend and I started out on the trail about an hour after sunrise. We drove up the day before and secured our equipment at one of many Outfitters in the town of Springdale, Utah. This is the home of the world famous Zion National Park. This hike is unique as it is a water hike and you can hike it all year. In order to really enjoy the hike you need to rent neoprene socks, special boots that prevent you from slipping on the river rocks, and a walking stick which helps you maintain your balance while hiking in the Virgin River. When completing the hike in the winter, you can rent the special wader pants to stay warm. I saw people hiking in waterproof trail shoes, flip flops (stupid), workout sneakers, and two people were barefoot (crazy). Be smart and rent the equipment. This hike is doable two ways. We hiked "bottom up" and hiked to the Big Spring. This is the farthest you can go without a permit. It is roughly 4.5 miles. At this point you must turn around and return. The other option is to hike top down. This requires hiring a shuttle to take you to Chamberlin Ranch and you must obtain a permit. This is a 16 mile trail and are backpacking down. Our hike was so much fun and we ran out of adjectives to describe just how beautiful and incredible this scenery was. There were quite a few people hiking the same day we were as the pandemic has unleashed a whole new breed of outdoor enthusiasts. So it was a little busy the first two miles. Many people turn around at the two mile mark, we did not. We wanted to see as much of this Canyon as we could without a pass. We got back to the shuttle stop at 5ish and we were a little tired, but we were so pumped up from the day. I highly recommend when you are here to complete this hike. Even if you can are not a seasoned hiker, just complete a mile or two. You won't regret taking in this outdoor experience. Remember to pick up lunch the night before, pack lots of snacks, plenty of water especially when hiking in the summer. Most important reminder to Leave No Trace. Enjoy the magic of this hike. read more
3 years ago
Narrow is one of the most fun trails in Zion. Make sure to bring a change of clothes and walking sticks to help you traverse the river. Unless you have ankle protection level water shoes, I would recommend wearing hiking shoes to protect your ankles. The entire water trail can be quite long; we only did 2 miles, which took about 1.5 hours. It was super fun! read more
3 years ago
10/10 recommend this trail at Zion! This is where you'll see all of the squirrels that let you basically get as close as you want. Don't feed them - I know some have food that people gave them, and some were clearly over weight lol but don't give them food, just enjoy seeing them so closely! This one is moderate and the beginning wasn't difficult, but unfortunately we turned around once we got to the water. Still a good trail even if you do that, but I know the really cool spot is going through the water and to the other side. The only way through is by walking through water that can come up to chest-high. You at least need a change of shoes and probably clothes if you want to be comfortable and do this one. We only had one pair of shoes and didn't want to be uncomfortable for the rest of the day with wet shoes and clothes because we did several other trails after. ***SUMMARY*** Great trail - all the friendly squirrels! Bring shoes/clothes for chest-deep water if you want to do the whole trail. read more
3 years ago
This was my second time doing the Narrows and I fell even more in love. Hiking directions from the park entrance: park at visitor parking after entering the park. From there take the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava and start on the Riverside walk to the Narrows entrance. Tips for the hike: Remember to wear sturdy, waterproof, hiking shoes, as most of the hike is very rocky and uneven. It's advisable to bring plenty of water and snacks, especially during warmer months. A camera is a must, as you'll encounter jaw-dropping scenes and photo opportunities along the way. Also, don't forget to pack a wet bag because there are parts of the hike where the water is to your waist and sometimes event to your neck. read more
One of the most beautiful and once in a lifetime experience hike I've done. Wish I would have known a few things before I went. 1. Wish I would have stayed in Springdale. Cute little town just outside Zion National Park. I don't think you would go wrong staying anywhere. Lots of hotel/motel/B&B/lodge options to choose from. 2. Wish we would have checked it out the day before to understand how it all works. - rental equipment from Zion Outfitters getting this the night before would have saved a bit of time. For us less crowds the better on the trail so get an early start. 3. Wish we would have brought a change of clothes and shoes for after the hike instead of leaving behind in the car. There are lockers in the parking lot at Zion Outfitters if you can't park there. 4. Wish we would have parked at Zion Outfitters which is daily pay parking but if you can't get parking in the park then this was the next best thing. Parking inside the park was full by the time we arrived which was 8:00am. There are plenty of parking options costing between $25-$40 and there is a free shuttle that will take you to the entrance of the park. 5. Definitely rent the equipment. We would not have made it to Wall Street without the proper attire. Not many made it that far. Probably due to the water temperature being so cold. 6. Definitely bring snacks. after 2 hours of hiking in water and maneuvering over slippery rocks made us seriously empty on fuel. 7. Go before you go!Bathrooms were closed at the start of the trail. Portable Bathrooms were unusable for me. They were baaaddddd Yuck!! So I didn't drink a lot and by the end after 5 hours I held it until we got back to the main entrance. Have fun! This is the best hike ever and you will seriously get some amazing pics! read more
Narrow Escape The Narrows is the moniker given to Zion's infamous slot canyon hike. This hike can be as little as a 2-mile round-trip from the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop to the Riverside Walk--or as much as a 34-mile round-trip from the Temple to Chamberlin's Ranch**. The length you choose to do is entirely up to you, with a two-mile minimum, of course. We ended up hiking probably something in the 6-8-mile range, and it was honestly the most fun I've ever had on a hike. But in order to have a good time, you need a quickie survival guide I've thoughtfully put together just for you! 1) Good sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support are a must. I don't think Tevas®, flip-flops or tennis shoes (i.e., sneakers) are a good idea and a guaranteed way to turn your ankle on the slippery bowling ball-sized boulders below your feet. You can rent some kind of neon "water-proof" shoes from the Zion Canyon Village, but I honestly don't think they're necessary and just a way to bilk money from unprepared tourists. 2) A hiking stick or trekking pole is also a must-have. Unless you have the balance of a gymnast on the balance beam, then I can almost guarantee you're gonna fall at some point during the hike. The rapids are (duh) rapid, and the aforementioned bowling ball-sized rocks are very slippery. I mean, you could *not* have one, but it's just a recipe for disaster, imo. 3) If your camera/phone is not waterproof, bring a good watertight zip-lock bag to keep it in. Of course, they have some to sell you at the Zion Canyon Village that comes with a fancy lanyard. 4) Be prepared to get wet! Yeah, baby! This is what this hike is all about! Getting wet and wild hiking up a river for no other reason other than it's just there. I'm 6'5", and I was up to my belly button at several points throughout the hike. I've heard there's sections that, at certain times of the year, you'll have to physically swim from one point to the other. If you're a whiny baby who doesn't like being slightly damp, then you should reconsider this hike because you'll be miserable. 5) If you don't like dealing with crowds, get here as early as possible. The later in the day you come, the more people you'll have to deal with. The largest crowd will always be at the Riverwalk, and it'll thin the deeper you go into the Narrows. Most folks wade in enough to get their Insta selfie, so everyone thinks they're some kind of hiking god. 6) Remember this is nature and not Disneyland®, so there's real danger here of flash-floods, and you will have to have a little bit of athleticism and be in somewhat decent shape to navigate this hike. Don't bring your elderly grandparents here unless you're looking for that inheritance money, in which case carry-on good sir or madam, whichever the case may be. ;) I think that about covers it for a rudimentary survival guide for The Narrows™. The biggest thing you'll need is a sense of adventure, good attitude and know your limits. Have fun and happy hikes! :) **This hike requires a shuttle and permit fyi. Check-in at the Visitor's Center for more info. read more
The most beautiful hike I've ever done! The Narrows was such an incredible hike during my trip in Zion. Decided to rent water shoes from a company near the national park and was so glad that I did. The water shoe rental also came with a long wooden stick that was integral in my hike. It was a really great day for the hike quite hot so the water felt pretty chilly at the beginning but quickly the water was refreshing. We brought a waterproof bag to put any electronics keys snacks and water bottles in and we're glad as that was getting lighter throughout our hike as we were consuming things. We decided to go up about 4 miles so the hike ended up being about 8 miles round-trip and took us about 3 1/2 hours. We really enjoyed the hike and feel that anyone over the age of eight could do it quite easily and enjoyably. There were some slippery areas that might be tougher for anyone with mobility issues but we definitely recommend giving it a try! We will absolutely be back. read more
3 years ago
Beautiful! Highly recommend bringing a walking stick because you're mostly walking upstream and even a little water can have a lot of force. The water can be really cold even when the temps outside are hot so neoprene socks are a lifesaver too. I went in Summer and it was 100+ deg outside but the water was still a cool 50-55 deg. It's especially cold in the mornings when you're trying to avoid the crowds. The canyon stays cool because the sun doesn't reach it very early. read more
Waterproof hiking shoes Waterproof socks Walking stick 100% get the walking stick. It saved me about 3 times from falling in. The currents are tricky but, if you aren't paying attention, you'll fall straight in shoulders deep in some spots (which I saw people next to me do). The stick gives you an idea of how deep it is and helps you stay up in the rougher parts. I originally didn't want the walking stick but I am happy I had it. Got it from the Zion Outfitter right at the park entrance. The waterproof shoes and socks are a must, but honestly, in hindsight I wish I had hiking sandals (close toe). The water got right into the socks (I bought my own, high rated on REI and Amazon). Horrible. The water got in and stayed in the sock the whole time. Great amazing hike. Not hard at all really, not that most people finish it, it's 15 miles. It does take work. Absolutely put this on your list of hikes. IG Tip: There are so many scenic spots. Snap away and enjoy! read more
3 years ago
Get there early. Try to be the first on the bus and the first on the river if you are visiting during summer. It gets crowded is both a cliche and an understatement. That is, if you plan to hike any real distance. If you just want to get your feet wet and take a picture, doesn't really matter, except there will be no parking available to jump on the bus later in the day. This is like Nature's Disney, you don't drive anywhere in the park, you have to catch a bus, and they run just as efficiently as Disney. Great/funny/informative drivers, plenty of stops, frequent busses. Yes, your kid can do this. My 6 year old hiked 3 miles in and 3 miles back. Mind you, that took most of the day, because this is slow hiking, walking in the river, on slippery moving river rocks. Sometimes in pools deeper than him. But he loved it. He was probably the youngest doing it himself. There are crazy athletic people wearing their kids or people with older kids, but not many kindergartners walking it on their own. You know your child's abilities. Have water shoes and water socks. Have a walking stick. You can rent these, and I recommend rental reservations, but we preferred to buy them and have them in advance... just in case. We only had 2 days in Zion and we wanted to limit the number of things that could wrong. Especially with 3 kids, sizing for rentals can be difficult. DO NOT TRY TO WALK THE RIVER IN REGULAR SNEAKERS. Not only for traction, but also because having your feet submerged in water with cotton socks and sneakers for hours is no bueno. They don't recommend open toed sandals either. rocks get in. rocks fall on. toes get stuck and bashed. You really need actual closed toed water shoes. Depending on season/weather. You might need dry pants. Not only plenty of food and water, but doggy bags for in case of #2. There are no facilities and you need to pack out EVERYTHING that you bring in. Include your own human waste. Don't be an asshole. Make sure your camera is protected and charged. Scenery is breathtaking. Even on busy days, the farther in you go, the less crowded. Most tourists can't hang. read more
6 years ago
First timers at The Narrows! It was awesome! The views were Amazing! Breathtaking! Exhilerating! Strenuous at times, when walking up stream, or to cross the river. It's very rocky, which vary in size, and sometimes cannot be seen due to the depths of the water (2-3ft). So, you can easily lose your balance or slip! It's all good though. It's part of the EPIC experience! Making memories!! Just make sure you wear supportive hiking/water shoes. Finally landed shuttle tickets on our third trip to Zion National Park (ZNP) from Las Vegas!! Our Sat, Oct 3rd tickets were booked two weeks in advance on Sept 15th. $1 per person through Recreation.gov. If you're a planner, this the most economical and secure way of getting to The Narrows since Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to POVs (if you're not staying at Zion Lodge). As soon as you have tickets, book your lodging in Springdale, which is within walking distance to ZNP west entrance, or Virgin (about 20 mins drive away), or St. George (45 mins drive away), if you're desperate. The park also releases shuttle tickets from 3-5pm, but it's a looooooonnnnnggggg line which starts well before 3pm and not guaranteed. Don't let this be you...especially in the heat! FYI, only 850 tickets are released per day, total, due to COVID. We drove up from Las Vegas, a 2.5 hour drive to ZNP, so we left at 4:30am to catch our shuttle reservations for 7am. On our way up, we remembered Utah was 1-hour ahead!! Fuuuuudge! Luckily, the park ranger at the shuttle entrance was still accepting the 7am tickets at 8am! Otherwise, we would've been wearing L's on our forehead the entire weekend. LOL! Easily found free parking at Zion's National Park Visitors Center. It gets full after 9am. Between standing in line and the shuttle ride itself, it took 30-minutes to reach the Temple of Sinawava. Masks are required and the seats are set up for social distancing. A 1-mile trek along Riverside Walk is what it takes to get to the start of The Narrows. It's a paved and winding walkway surrounded by beautiful trees, foliage, and....SQUIRRELS! Please do not feed the squirrels. On October 3rd, conditions were good at The Narrows: 94degF (high) weather, 61degF (high) water temp, and flash flooding not expected. Much colder in the early morning though! The Narrows is 5 miles from bottom to top of the Virgin River. Most people turn around after Wall Street, which is at mile 3. I wore what I already had at home: ball cap, dri-fit short sleeve, long-sleeved dry wicking shirt, light weight rain jacket for warmth, lululemon leggings, water resistant hiking boots, and wool blend socks. Secured my phone in a waterproof pouch. Wore a small bag pack, which held a few snacks, a water bottle, and a change of dry socks. We didn't rent anything. We bought one pair of aluminum hiking sticks for $35 at Big 5 Sporting Goods (before the trip) to share - one stick each. Worked out perfectly! We decided to turn around after hiking up stream for 3 hours. While in the water, be sure to look UP and AROUND to view the walls and the variation of colors and textures. You might even be able to catch a few waterfalls. In areas where the walls are concave, the echo of the sound of water and birds is gnarly!! Have your shuttle pass ready to show the driver when you're ready to leave! read more
One word--- amazing! We had the honor of hiking The Narrows on opening day in 2023! It was incredible and so neat for the kids to experience and explore through. We listened to the Zion Outfitters who suggested waterproof socks and hiking sticks and so happy we did! We hopped on the shuttle to the last stop and the hiked probably 30 minutes to where the trail just ends and stopped at The Narrows. Even if you don't want to hike The Narrows, the paved path to the narrows alongside the water and beautiful scenery and hanging gardens is 100% worth it! Once you reach The Narrows, you climb down some stairs, work your way past a few people who are unsure if they are going to do it, and you start your trek. The water was cold BUT so refreshing. The sticks were crucial and definitely needed. We loved seeing our kids challenge themselves through the water. In some areas, you can float back down due to the depth of some of the areas, but it's also the first day so water was still fairly high. We felt so blessed to be able to experience this and can't wait for our 4 year old to be a little older so we can go deeper into the Canyon and explore more! read more
Incredible views inside this amazing trail. The Narrows trail is the last stop (#9) on the shuttle bus. During the Rona days of summer (2020) they had limited seating on the shuttles along with limited to no access for personal cars to drive through the park of the park where the numbered park trails are. If you want to getting that part of the park early in the day you'll have to reserve a shuttle pass online ($1 per person) or first come first serve after 3pm. Make sure you check well in advance, we didn't know the park was shuttle access only for the trails & found out the early passes were sold out for the next 3 weeks. For the trail make sure you bring a hat or something to cover your head since there isn't much coverage from the sun. Expect to be in parts of the water that will be knee or hip high. Bring some water resistance bags to protest your phone or camera, there are a lot of random slick rocks that can be very slippery as well as parts where the water runs faster so that could throw you off balance. Expect to see a ton of people on the first 2-3 miles of the trail, and also if you plan on tracking your hike with a gps watch or phone know that since you're down in a canyon with high walls that your gps signal won't be accurate. We did maybe 4-5 miles and my tracker counted over 9 miles. read more
I came here in Sept 2020 during covid times so the review will be based on this new reality we have. Unfortunately this hike is still really crowded despite covid19. I'm super sore now from the hike and we hikes about 5 hours round trip and did not finish the entire hike (9.4 miles round trip ~ 8 hrs). This hike has no inclines (300s ft elevation) but the impact on your knee, hip, ankle and back is obvious from the uneven rocks. Key info to know before your hike: 1) get good hiking boots ankle high to avoid ankle injury from walking on uneven rocks for hours 2) neoprene socks which cushioned better than regular socks and probably kept us warmer but definitely didn't feel dry the whole time. I felt a pool of water in my feet the whole hike but not uncomfortable- just feels odd. 3) hiking sticks! To keep your balance and avoid falling into the water! This is important to avoid since there is a toxic Cyanobacteria bloom in the north fork of the virgin river right now! You should avoid drinking the water, getting water in your eyes or nose or wound. 4) reserve shuttle tickets a day before you will go. Tickets are available on recreation.gov and open one day prior at 9am (mountain time). $1 per ticket. Download the PDF ticket on your phone before going to Zion. Or you can print the tickets. You will not have any reception there! 5) IMO I felt wearing long tight workout pant was better than wearing shorts to avoid scratching your legs on the rocks. 6) It is possible to do the hike with a toddler! Make sure to keep the toddler inside the hiking backpack! Kids under 5 are unlikely to be able to do any measurable amount of the hike. It hurts the shoulder but more safe and comfortable for you and your toddler. We negotiated a lot with our toddler to make sure she stays inside. She wasn't always happy but we kept her safe! 7) Bring energy bars, camel pak, and consider jerky sticks for proteins. I thought bring something you want hike and eat at the same time was helpful and saved time. 8) consider getting a dry bag in case you fall and all your items get wet. I did get one but luckily didn't get anything wet to really need it. 9) GO EARLY! Such a great hike! It felt like 2 hrs when we hiked for 5 hrs instead. The view was mesmerizing! You will first walk the river walk paved trail which is a little over one mile one way to the start of the narrows trailhead. I was a little worried going there with a toddler but really felt we were well prepared and kept her safe while enjoying a good portion of the hike! read more
Rent the water shoes rent the socks rent a stick and get your passes a day before for the shuttle. $25 for the socks and shoes and stick $1 per person for the shuttle $35 to get in the park. Bring snacks and plenty of water, have fun read more
This was the highlight of our Zion visit. If you visit Zion, you MUST hike this trail. Be prepared though, or else you'll look silly. SHOES - Buy or rent good hiking shoes. I don't advise on the cheap $20 ones found on Amazon (made in China). The fabric will rip and the soles are very thin and uncomfortable (so I heard). Although a controversial choice, I wore a pair of Chacos and faired just fine. If you do, just make sure you broken them in and are used to long hikes with those. Be advise you won't have protection against abrasions and toe stubs though compared to better water shoes. WALKING STICKS - This is a must! Don't skip out on walking sticks and don't just try to find broken branches. You need at least one good walking stick to help you cross the water. Sure you'll make it pretty far without one, but you'll be super slow and will be wobbly throughout various parts of the hike. We watched all sort of people (old and young) try to cross the more shallow end of the water without walking sticks and we felt sorry for them. Get at least one walking stick, please! During the afternoon, we noticed a significant increase in people. It started to feel like Disney Land towards 2:00 pm. If you want to truly enjoy the park, go as early as possible. There are way less people. You'll just need to make sure you reserve an early shuttle time (good luck!). Also, photos look a lot better during the morning in my opinion. We went towards the beginning of September. Water was super cold but it was bearable. If you hike in the afternoon, it'll be perfect, though I still prefer the early morning because of less people. read more
The most strenuous, hardest, longest, freezing and challenging hike I have ever done in my life. Rented the dry pants package from Zion outfitters and I honestly thought I'd just give it a try and maybe hike 0.5 miles in water. It's a total of 10 mile hike, first 1.1 mile is on the land, which is the only easy part. Once I got into the cold cold waters of November, I thought I'd be done in another 100 meters. But the views ahead where irresistible. So I thought I can go on until I get too tired or exhausted. At the 3 mile point is the floating rock, after which you hardly see people continuing. The insane us continued. No spectacular view beyond this point, but I had it in me to try and complete this challenging hike in water. So I did it! The end view is a small waterfall, so definitely don't do it for the view, do it for the experience and the challenging journey. I have had my whole body pain the following day, so chilled at bryce canyon. Tips: If you're not a professional like me, and are still considering completing the bottom up hike, Go early! Rent your shoes, neoprene socks, dry pants and stick for this season, no second thoughts there! Every item they gave helped me complete this hike and couldn't have done without one. You can pick them up the previous evening, which I didn't do, but u recommended. The first shuttle is around 7 and it's a 45 min ride to the riverside walk which is gonna be part of the narrows hike. Get started early so that you can take your time to rest and continue, and come back by 6pm. 6.15 is the last shuttle. We started our hike after shuttle drop off at 9am and completed 10 miles by 5.30pm. Carry water n food, you'll need it. Sometimes you'll need to climb on few rocks or go a little over waist deep to cross a few points. Big dark rocks inside water are usually slippery, so check before you take a step. It's definitely not impossible to complete the hike in the cold waters, but it is for sure not easy! read more
5 years ago
Amazing hike in Zion National Park. Highly recommend. If you're going to go, go first thing in the morning otherwise there are WAY too many people and takes away from the aesthetic. When first entering the park ($35 for a 7-day pass), park in the Visitor Center Parking (note - this will be full by 7am). You will take the shuttle to the final stop (stop 9) then walk the final distance to the water trail. You will want to rent water socks/shoes and a stick for this hike! The stick for balance (trust me) and the shoes/socks keep your feet from blisters and the cold water. Zion Outfitters rents these for $29. read more
4 years ago
Hike was amazing! I took my wife and my 6 month old baby at the time and had so much fun. I bought my wife hiking sticks but it shouldn't be to hard if you exercise and train balance regularly. You should still keep respect on the contrary since there are some parts that can get rapid and deep. Just keep looking ahead and pick the path that's best for you. Chess. Not checkers. Definitely bring some hiking shoes (or your favorite barefoots) and get it a rip! Pack light! Snacks and waters and you should do just fine. Remember to take a rest if you have to and that your time up is your time down. Highly recommend this place for anyone! Literally, anyone! After all you don't have to hike the entire hike. Simply just enjoy the presence of the beautiful outdoors, and everything will be just fine! read more
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8 years ago
The Narrows - parks - Updated July 2026
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