The Narrows
The Narrows
4.9
About
True to its name, The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. This challenging hike is one of Zion’s most popular trails, taking you through towering walls of Navajo sandstone that rise up to 2,000 feet. Along the 16-mile hike, you’ll be rewarded with nature’s raw beauty, from the stunning zebra stripes adorning the cliffs to the spectacular slot canyon scenery. Be prepared with water shoes, walking sticks, and waterproof bags as the trail will take you through the Virgin River. Check for flash flood warnings before starting and consider a private tour to tackle the trail safely with a professional guide. – Tripadvisor
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professor310740
Dallas, TX83 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
A group of four friends hiked The Narrows in October 2024. We are in the 50s and 60s and in good shape. We enjoy hiking and frequently hike together. We hiked to the Floating Rock which was about 4 miles.
One needs to be able to have good balance as there is a lot of walking on rocks and avoiding rocks too. Frequently one needs to cross over rapids, so the pole comes in handy to help with balance. This is a fabulous hike and considered one of the best slot canyon hikes in the world. It has dramatic scenery and is breathtaking. There is some planning that should go into this trip for October.
First, there is limited parking at the Visitor Center in Zion National Park. For this reason, one needs to arrive early (7 am or so) or figure out transportation using the shuttle systems to get to the park. Once you get to the Visitor Center, it takes about 35 minutes to take the park bus to the trailhead for this hike.
Second, at this time of year one needs to rent or bring some equipment for the hike. We rented bib overalls with water shoes, a stick, and a dry bag for about $65 from the Zion Guru in Springdale, UT. We also wore hats and coats. One person wore gloves.
Third, take along some food because this is a 4-6 hour hike depending on how often you stop for pictures and eating. Don’t forget a trash bag and some wipes for your hands. Take water.
Fourth, if you take your phone to take pictures, then bring along a water proof case.
One needs to be able to have good balance as there is a lot of walking on rocks and avoiding rocks too. Frequently one needs to cross over rapids, so the pole comes in handy to help with balance. This is a fabulous hike and considered one of the best slot canyon hikes in the world. It has dramatic scenery and is breathtaking. There is some planning that should go into this trip for October.
First, there is limited parking at the Visitor Center in Zion National Park. For this reason, one needs to arrive early (7 am or so) or figure out transportation using the shuttle systems to get to the park. Once you get to the Visitor Center, it takes about 35 minutes to take the park bus to the trailhead for this hike.
Second, at this time of year one needs to rent or bring some equipment for the hike. We rented bib overalls with water shoes, a stick, and a dry bag for about $65 from the Zion Guru in Springdale, UT. We also wore hats and coats. One person wore gloves.
Third, take along some food because this is a 4-6 hour hike depending on how often you stop for pictures and eating. Don’t forget a trash bag and some wipes for your hands. Take water.
Fourth, if you take your phone to take pictures, then bring along a water proof case.
Written 20 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HeavyHiker
Farmingdale, NY402 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Our family did the Bottom Up route. We started early morning, as we recommend, since the temperatures were cooler and the trail was least crowded. The first mile was the River Walk which was not flat but was not difficult. The river itself was 58 degrees F and 46 CFS. At times, it was chest high on a 5'11" male. Even at that temp, it was more refreshing than actually cold. We rented canyoneering shoes and walking sticks which we highly recommend as this trail is an ankle breaker. There are many uneven surfaces and shifting rocks coupled with the current that made the gear well worth the rental fee. We used Zion Guru for our gear rental, which we also recommend. The trail itself is beautiful and worth the effort. Families with small children will have to be extra cautious as the river depth varies along the route. It's important to understand when you need to turn around based on your physical limitations. Bring plenty of water and snacks. A dry bag to store everything is also highly recommended. Make sure to check with park rangers at the visitor center for river and weather conditions prior to your hike.
Written 7 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Coffeewow
Columbia, MD81 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
The best hike I have ever done! Pictures don't do it justice. Go early (depart the visitor center before 8am) to avoid the hordes of people and heat. There will still be lots of people early but later in the day you will have no hope of occasionally being alone, instead it will be like a crowded Disney park. Early in the day to early afternoon most of the hike will be in the shade. Bring lots of water and food. The flow was 42 ft3/s when I did it and most of the time the water was between my shins and thighs. I went to the end of Wall Street and as someone who is of average American adult human height there were only two places I was shoulder deep. I highly recommend renting the boots, socks, and walking stick from Zion outfitters (located right near the Zion entrance). Without the gear I definitely would have hurt myself. The walking stick makes it much easier to cross the rapids, support yourself when your footing slips, and judge the depth of the water for you next step. I recommend taking a pair of tevas for the walk back to the bus (about a mile) and the bus ride back to Springdale.
Written 17 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie M
Marathon, WI36 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
We tackled the narrows on a Saturday at the end of June with our teenage boys age 14 and 11. In order to get to the hike in the summer you must take the shuttle from the visitor’s center. This shuttle starts as early as 6 am. We arrived at the center at about 6:40 and there was already a line, we waited about 15 to 20 minutes to get on and once on it was a packed shuttle. Take the shuttle to the very last stop at Temple of Sinawava. There is a one milk hike on a paved path to get to the entrance to the Narrows. The shuttle stop has water filling stations and porta potties. We rented the basic footwear and stick package from Zion Gurus. It was $29 very well spent. These water boots and socks helped to keep footing even on what appeared to be the most slippery rock. We never had any problem with stability. We entered the water approximately 8 am for the actual Narrows portion and it was crowded. We powered ahead pretty quickly to separate from the cluster of people, the further we got in the hike, the less people there were. We went up Wallstreet a bit and then veered off to Orderville up to the small waterfall. just before the waterfall there was a difficult passage over a tree and rock. We turned around at the waterfall. The people in front of us had attempted to climb over and fell coming back down. In all, we did 8 miles and finished around 12:45-1 ish. On our return trip, there were huge amounts of people coming in. We wore shorts and long sleeves as the morning was cool and the water is cool. During the return trip, we stripped the long sleeves and noticed most people entering were wearing swimsuits or minimal clothing as it was hot.
As for the hike itself, some of the most beautiful scenery I have seen on a hike. We absolutely loved it and 8 miles did not feel like 8 miles. Biggest tips of advice, go early and rent the boots and stick, you won’t regret either choice! Water levels varied from ankle deep to mid chest/waist (this part was right away in the hike).
As for the hike itself, some of the most beautiful scenery I have seen on a hike. We absolutely loved it and 8 miles did not feel like 8 miles. Biggest tips of advice, go early and rent the boots and stick, you won’t regret either choice! Water levels varied from ankle deep to mid chest/waist (this part was right away in the hike).
Written 2 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mandy W
Plainfield, IL114 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
We did this on day 4 of 5 days of hiking in Zion. When I planned the itinerary for this trip, I excluded this deliberately because I had heard from others that it was so difficult and that intimidated me. Ultimately, my husband talked me into it and we shifted our plans a bit to fit it in. IT WAS SO WORTH IT. We rented the gear at the outfitters right at the pedestrian entrance to the park. On the day we went, the highest point of the river was to my chest (but it was only that high for a short time). Hiking on rocks against the current was not easy but if you take your time and plan your steps, it is not that bad. There is no need to be in a hurry if you start early - take your time and enjoy it! It is not every day you go hiking literally in a river while massive rock structures close in around you. I truly cannot wait to go back and do it again.
Written 13 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RANDY A
Norcross, GA409 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
My sons and I rented the shoes ( a must giving the ankle support and ease of rock hoping with them.) We spent most of the day on the river, up to where it splits, the left side gets a bit more narrow, the right side is smaller and interesting for about a mile, then it gets to be the same old same old. Really puts your ankles to work, most of the crowd dies down after the first 1/2 mile or so then it gets much quieter.
Written 7 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth C
Pittsburgh, PA11 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Definitely rent all the gear available if you go in the spring to really enjoy your hike in the river. You’ll be warmer and dryer.
It’s unbelievable beautiful- my 15 yr old daughter, who was given the option to stay at Airbnb, but went tells us how GRATEFUL she is she went. She’s NOT an outdoorsy type, so - can’t say more than that.
It’s unbelievable beautiful- my 15 yr old daughter, who was given the option to stay at Airbnb, but went tells us how GRATEFUL she is she went. She’s NOT an outdoorsy type, so - can’t say more than that.
Written 14 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carrie D.
Cleveland, OH2,444 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
I don’t know where to start with our hike through the Narrows. This is a hike that I’ve wanted to take for as long as I can remember. You wonder how it can possibly live up to the hype and the stunning photos online. But it did. It was an incredible experience, especially once we got past the crowds. We rented poles and hiking shoes from Zion Outfitters, right outside the park visitor center. They were super easy to work with and affordable. We picked up our gear the evening before our hike because we knew we wanted to get an early start. We checked in at the Visitor Center the afternoon before to ask about the river’s depth so we were prepared. The shuttle was packed and we did have a bit of a wait at the first stop at the visitor center, but we expected that, so it was fine.
Once we got to the stop for the Narrows, the shuttle emptied. A lot of people planning to hike the Narrows—most looked prepared, some did not. When we got down to the Narrows after the initial hike down, it was chaos—the first half mile or so there were just so many people. Overall, our experience I’d say was moderately difficult. We hiked about 1.5-2 miles in and then turned around and hiked back. The hike in was much more difficult and took a lot longer than the hike back because we were hiking against the current. I’d say in most areas the water was ankle to knee deep, but there was a span where it was chest deep—that’s where a lot of people turned around. At our mid-way point, we found a nice rocky area on the side of the river to eat the lunch we’d packed in our dry bag—that was great and we’re glad we’d brought it. We were exhausted by the time we hiked back to the shuttle stop and were still soaking wet. We stopped off at the Zion Lodge stop and grabbed a snack and sat in the lawn to dry off a bit in the sunshine, which was a great plan. After that we returned our gear to Zion Outfitters—we were really thankful we had it—the poles made it much easier and we were glad it wasn’t our shoes that were soaking wet!
Overall, hiking the Narrows was a dream come true—the weather was perfect and the scenery just cannot be beat. It solidified Zion as one of my top five national parks!
Once we got to the stop for the Narrows, the shuttle emptied. A lot of people planning to hike the Narrows—most looked prepared, some did not. When we got down to the Narrows after the initial hike down, it was chaos—the first half mile or so there were just so many people. Overall, our experience I’d say was moderately difficult. We hiked about 1.5-2 miles in and then turned around and hiked back. The hike in was much more difficult and took a lot longer than the hike back because we were hiking against the current. I’d say in most areas the water was ankle to knee deep, but there was a span where it was chest deep—that’s where a lot of people turned around. At our mid-way point, we found a nice rocky area on the side of the river to eat the lunch we’d packed in our dry bag—that was great and we’re glad we’d brought it. We were exhausted by the time we hiked back to the shuttle stop and were still soaking wet. We stopped off at the Zion Lodge stop and grabbed a snack and sat in the lawn to dry off a bit in the sunshine, which was a great plan. After that we returned our gear to Zion Outfitters—we were really thankful we had it—the poles made it much easier and we were glad it wasn’t our shoes that were soaking wet!
Overall, hiking the Narrows was a dream come true—the weather was perfect and the scenery just cannot be beat. It solidified Zion as one of my top five national parks!
Written 29 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Almost Triplets
25 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We hiked the Narrows during monsoon season two days after a flash flood, so the water looked a bit like chai tea rather than its usual clear blue color. It didn’t change our experience though. It was absolutely thrilling to hike through the river and look up in awe at the grandeur of Zion. We made it to Grotto Alcove with our guide (Moi from Cedar & Sage Boutique Trekking), which was about 2 miles into the hike (1 mile on Riverside Walk and 1 mile in the water). It was the perfect distance for our kids (ages 10, 11, 11), especially since the current was a bit stronger than usual. We highly recommend doing this hike with a guide and all the necessary gear (neoprene socks, waterproof boots, and two hiking sticks). For the most comfortable temperature and shade, plan to start the hike around 7:30 am and turn around by 11:30 am. Be prepared for water that is chest high in some areas.
Written 13 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
frenchie123
Ottawa, Canada8 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
We decided to do the Narrows (last minute) and everything was amazing. We rented bibs from Zion Guru the night before so you can have an early start the next day, highly recommend. We had 4 bibs for the 2 parents, 17 and 15 year old. We rented full suit for the 10 year old. Water at it's deepest was chest height for me at 5'8''. We had all our camel backs with water and lunch. We left at 8:30am, waiting in line for the shuttle and started our hike around 10am. We went to the floating rock and had lunch around the small waterfall when the canyon is narrow. Takes longer to get there since you are against current, and takes half the time to get back as you are walking with the current, hence much faster. Walking on rocks the whole time is difficult but my 10 year old made it and everyone had such a great time. Great laughs and amazing scenery. Something so special that you don't get to do anywhere. Highly recommend it. It's also 10 to 15 colder degrees in the Narrows than in the normal place as there is not much sun and walking in cold water, but in the end, we had 3 layers and we never felt cold. We put some wool socks and all was great. If you are thinking if you can do it with your family, don't think too long, just do it. On our way back, since the 10 year old had a full suit, you just need to add air in your suit (blow some air) and tighten around your neck, and then you just put your feet up and float down with the current. Was great to see her have so much fun!
Written 29 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are hiking the narrows top down and read that we need to get our own transportation/ shuttle. How do we find a shuttle service that will take us up to Chamberlain ranch? There are 12 of us. Any recommendations from someone who has done this?
Written 21 July 2023
We drove! Depending on time of year shuttles should be more available than in February when we were there. Wish we could be of more help. Enjoy your travels.
Written 28 January 2024
Do I need a wetsuit? I will be hiking the Narrows top down in a week (end of May). Water temp is going to be ~55F and airtemp ~85F. The park ranger was a little intense in their recommendation, suggesting a wetsuit and saying there have been a lot of search a rescues lately because people have not been prepared. However, pretty much all the other info I can find suggests that I don't need a wetsuit for these air/water temps. Thanks!
Written 22 May 2022
Hi Kevin: I would follow the advise of the Park Ranger. The Narrows can experiencing flooding in the spring. It can be quite dangerous to be in there during a storm. You would not be safe in water temps of 55 degrees without the proper equipment. I'd worry about being warm, dry and safe first. If you don't need the outwear recommended, you can always take it off once you get there, but if you don't have it to begin with, you will be in trouble. The boots, by the way, are one of the most important aspects of hiking in the Narrows. All of these items can be rented on-site through outfitters that the Park Rangers recommend. I hope this is helpful. Have fun and be safe!
Written 22 May 2022
Hiking tomorrow and have rented the pants, shoes, etc. if we’re taking the tram into the park, do we wear the gear into the park, or change by the river? And do you recommend bringing a dry pair of shoes/socks to wear after if we’re not planning on doing any additional hiking after?
Written 22 October 2021
We wore the rented pants and shoes from our hotel to the park and on the tram. We brought dry shoes and socks and left them in the car in the visitor center parking lot.
Written 22 October 2021
Where to rent the water gear? When do they open? Do you need to rent the day before so you have them ready for early morning hike? Thanks
Written 7 October 2021
Zion Outfitters and picked it up same day, wait time was bad, about 15-20 min. If you can get it the day before, that's even better.
Written 20 October 2021
I’m wondering what the path is like before you have to get in the water. Is it relatively flat, or full of huge rocks to navigate around and over? My husband and I both have some ankle issues that we like to kind of cater to, and wonder how much we’ll be able to enjoy of this hike. Thanks!
Written 13 July 2021
The path before you get to the water is not bad at all. It was relatively flat and paved. It isn't until you get down to the water that you'll have rocks to walk around.
You could look at some videos on YouTube to see the hike and path.
Written 13 July 2021
Heading straight to Zion from Vegas first thing on a Thursday in July, and staying at Zion Lodge for 2 nights (Th & Fri) in order to do Angels Landing and the Narrows. Any suggestions on times and order/which days we should do these two popular hikes? Thanks!
Written 16 June 2021
Definitely recommend doing the narrows first thing in the morning when is much less crowded. By the time we came back around 3:30pm, it was crazy how many people were there. It was so much nicer and quiet early in the AM.
Written 22 June 2021
Hi! Anyone know the recent status of the toxic bacteria levels in the Narrows? Is it safe to hike it? I was concerned when I saw the warnings about kids and pet not going in the Virginia River.
Written 11 June 2021
The Danger Advisory for the North Fork Virgin River has been downgraded to a Warning Advisory based on May 2021 monitoring results.
Search for "Toxic Cyanobacteria Bloom in the Virgin River and the Streams of Zion National Park" to see the latest status.
Written 11 June 2021
Hi guys. Going to Zion next week w a 10 & 14 yrs old. We were able to get a shuttle park tix but for the 11am time slot which is a bit late. We are short on time but were wondering if we could go do the narrows but kinda just walk in the water for awhile, wow at the surroundings and turn back around and get the shuttle back on that same stop? We arent hikers but based on reveiws and pics, looks like we would enjoy going through half a mile or so and just turning back so are committed and loose more than a couple hours there. Is that doable? allowed? not worth it?
Thanks in advance for you input!
Written 25 May 2021
Keep in mind that it is a 20 minute walk along the river before you reach the beginning of the Narrows. The scenery and experience gets better the further you go up the river and is the most spectacular once you reach Wall Street. If you're going to do it, I would do it right and allow at least 3 hours to walk in and out.
Written 26 May 2021
Has anyone hiked the Narrows in Zion lately? Is there great concern locally about the Toxic Cyanobacteria Bloom? How were the water levels bottom up to Big Spring? We are going in a few weeks for the first time. Do most people hiking it in early June not wear dry pants? Any and all thoughts / advice is appreciated! Thanks!
Written 15 May 2021
We hiked it in December. I know conditions change pretty quickly. I would check the NPS.gov site for alerts. I am unable to answer the question on June hiking. I just know we absolutely had to have them in December. The price for rental is reasonable thought. You also spend a lot of time in the shade, so it might feel colder because of that.
Written 17 May 2021
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