The Narrows
If you are an avid hiker then The Narrows is probably on your list. This hike will give you one of the most incredible experiences you will ever have.
There are 2 ways to do this hike & depending on where you start, the hike can either be moderately challenging or extremely challenging.
Zion Narrows Top-Down Hike: Requires a permit from the National Park Service and takes about 15 hours that can be done throughout 2 days. 15 hours allows for numerous stops to explore, swim, snack and take plenty of pictures. This route can also be done in 12 hours, but you would have to be on the trail very early in the morning, and you would have very little time to stop and explore. It is a beautiful hike, but extremely strenuous.
Zion Narrows Bottom-Up Route: There is no permit required for this route & there is a free shuttle that will drop you off at the entrance of the hike. I suggest starting as early as possible if you want to avoid crowds because the later you go the more packed it gets. Regardless, of the time the first 1.5 miles hiking in tends to have more people because it is the easiest portion of the hike. The further in you hike the less crowded it gets and the more beautiful it becomes! The canyon becomes “narrow” and before you know it you feel like you are the only people on the planet.
When to go: May, June, late September & October. We’ve gone in June and October and I prefer the summer. In June you will find more people, but water levels are lower and temperatures are comfortable. The water in The Narrows can be very cold, but in the heat of summer it feels refreshing. However, that same cold water can be nearly intolerable in October. Also, in the winter you absolutely need a wet suit to protect you from the cold, making the hike more challenging.
What you need: Unlike during Winter, in the summertime you can do the hike without anything more than ankle high hiking boots and a walking stick comes in handy, but there are shops in town that offer water-resistant socks and hiking shoes that can make the hike more comfortable.
What you absolutely NEED is food & water. Food options are limited in the park. Make sure to pack snacks!
Who can go: It is open to the public and anyone is allowed however, I do not recommend small children under the age of 10. The pathway through the water is uneven and the water is running against you, making it easy to slip. The current can drag you away if you aren’t strong or weigh enough and some parts can get shoulder level deep.
Pro Tip 1: Always check the weather forecast before attempting the Narrows. Hiking the Narrows should be avoided when rains are predicted, as the danger of flash flooding can be real. July & August have a high risk of thunderstorms & flash floods.
Pro Tip 2: If you are starting from the bottom, you can hike in about 7 miles before turning around making your roundtrip 14 miles, but this depends on how high water levels are. I recommend turning around at The Floating Rock. Once you’ve reached this point, you’ve seen what needs to be seen and you can turn around knowing that if you keep going you’d only see more of the same.
Pro Tip 3: There are pathways that break off in The Narrows. I recommend exploring them, but always turn around.
Pro Tip 4: Give yourself enough time to get back before it gets dark and find out what time the last shuttles picks up otherwise, you’ll have to walk back to the parking lot which is miles away.
Pro Tip 5: Park by the entrance of the park and take the shuttle. Not only is it free, it is very convenient. Zion is one of the most organized national parks I have ever visited. The shuttle takes you everywhere you want/need to go. Take advantage because finding parking in the park can be difficult especially during high season.
How long do you need: It really all depends on what you want to see. Zion has plenty of beautifully unique hikes. Other than Angel’s Landing & The Narrows the rest are family friendly. This is the kind of place you want to take your time at. There are also other National Parks in the area like Bryce that are a must-see!
That’s why the best way to explore the area is making it a road trip.
