The Narrows

The Narrows. Let’s drop the I word for the first time on this blog. Iconic. This word can be loosely used for many hikes, but this hike for sure deserves this moniker. Imagine being surrounded by 1,000 rock walls, hiking through the Virgin River, listening to birds and the sound of rushing water. The hike through the Narrows is one of the most famous hikes in Zion National Park. People from all over the world come to Zion to do this hike. 

You must enjoy water to do this hike. You will be walking through the water for the majority of the time. Depending on the flow of the river, you could be anywhere from ankle deep to chest deep.  Bring a dry sack to place your valuables in. Proper footwear with good tread is a must, river rocks are slippery.  Wear clothes you can, and will, get wet. I recommend two trekking poles. By having two, you have a wider base of support and are more stable. We find our speed to be faster than with just one pole. One pole is better than zero though. We have not found it necessary to rent the waterproof gear during June and August when we have done the Narrows. However, when the water temperature is cold, this is a nice option to be aware of to keep you warm and dry. 

The initial entrance into the Narrows, if you don’t start early, is busy. The crowds thin out the further in you go. Going early will allow you an amazing level of solitude as you trek through the Virgin River, with soaring, sheer rock cliffs around you and river rapids creating a beautiful noise.  

Difficulty: This is a difficult hike to rate. The majority of the trail is in the water.  How fast the water is moving, how deep the water is, the temperature of the water, how many rocks are under the water, it all plays a role in the level of difficulty. Layer on top of that your fitness level, balance ability, height, and confidence. If I absolutely had to rate this, I would rate the experience as moderate.  Even just simply for the novelty of hiking over a rocky river bottom that you can’t see through the water, not many of us train for that environment.

Trail Stats: 1 mile of easy trail walking on the Riverside walk, much of which is paved, until you reach the entrance to the Narrows. Once in the Narrows, you can hike as far back as 10 miles to Big Spring. Past that point, you will need a permit. 

Trail Finding: Easy, there is only one route.

Conditions: Rocky, varying temperature water, varying depth water.

Would I Repeat This: Yes, and we have. This is a must-do!

Parking: Large parking lot at the Visitor Center just past the entrance to the park. Though this is a large lot, it fills up quickly. During shuttle season, you will be required to take a shuttle into Zion Canyon since it is closed to private vehicles. If the time of year permits, there is some parking at the Temple of Sinawava, which is where the Riverside Walk begins that will take you to the Narrows.

Timing: Recommend going first thing in the morning, get one of the first shuttles up the canyon. 

Downloaded Map: Not needed. Be aware there is not cell phone service and limited accuracy with GPS while in Zion Canyon and in the Narrows. 

Fees:  This hike is within Zion National Park. You will be required to pay the entrance fee or to present your National Parks Pass. 

SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY: Please be cognizant and vigilant in your awareness of the weather and the summer monsoon season. This area is prone to flash flooding. People have drowned, this is not an exaggeration. Please visit the link below to educate yourself on understanding the flow of the river. When the river reaches a certain height and flow rate, the Narrows may be closed for safety reasons. Please also be aware of toxic Cyanobacteria, the link below will teach you about precautions related to this bacteria.

Trails: So many!  We love Many Pools, Canyon Overlook, and Scout’s Overlook. Angel’s Landing is nearby, but you will need a permit. Upper and Lower Emerald Pools and Watchman Trails are great to do as well.