The Complete Guide to hiking the Narrows in Zion

The Narrows is a popular hiking trail in Zion National Park, Utah, USA. It is a challenging and scenic hike that takes you through the narrow slot canyons of the Virgin River. The Narrows hike is a unique and unforgettable experience that takes you through some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the United States. However, it is important to be prepared and cautious when hiking in this area, as the conditions can be challenging and potentially dangerous.

Here's everything you need to know before hiking the Narrows.

Utah

Location:

The Narrows is a hike located in Zion National Park, Utah

• Moab, Utah: 300 miles.
• Page, Arizona: 118 miles.
•Las Vegas, Nevada: 170 miles.
•Salt Lake City, Utah: 300 miles.

Entrance Fee:

•Private Vehicle: $35. Valid for 7 days.

•We suggest getting a USA National Parks Pass for just $80 and saving money if you’re planning on visiting multiple National Parks in a year.

Opening Hours:

The park is open every day of the year.

Zion Canyon Visitor Center 8 am to 5 pm

Where to stay:

Springdale.

Cable Mountain Lodge: We got a suite with a full kitchen, and a large living room with 2 couches, the bathroom was nice and clean and had everything we needed, the bed was so comfortable it was hard to leave in the morning and my favorite part of the lodge was our balcony with the beautiful view.

•Price: $640 per night.

When to visit:

The best time to hike The Narrows is during the late spring, summer, and early fall months, typically from May to September. During this time, the water levels are lower, and the weather is warm, making for a more enjoyable hiking experience but watch out for summer thunderstorms that can cause deathly flash floods.
Additionally, the hike may be more crowded during peak season, so consider visiting during the shoulder season for a more secluded experience.

How long to stay:

The Narrows is 18 miles long but the beauty of the hike is that you can go as far as you like and turn back when you're ready. It is best to go in at least 3 miles up to Wall Street.

Shuttles:

The shuttles run regularly from March through November, on weekends in February, and the last week in December. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (the road that starts north of Canyon Junction) is closed to private vehicles when park shuttles are operating. Shuttles can arrive at the stops every seven minutes during the busiest days.

The first shuttle from the Visitors Center starts at 6:00 am, they are free, and you'll take it to the last stop called "Temple of Sinawava (the ride will take about 40 mins).

•Parking at the Visitor Center is limited and if you arrive after 9:00 am you'll probably have to park in Springdale and walk or take a shuttle to the Visitor Center.

How to beat the crowds:

•The further you hike in, the fewer people there will be. We went in 3 miles and there weren't that many people.

•Start EARLY! The best time to start is around 8-11 am. We headed back at around 12 pm and we saw the amounts of people just arriving and it was crazy!

Safety:

• There are cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in the Virgin River & Zion streams. The park monitors monthly for the presence of harmful cyanobacteria and advises you to wash off immediately, not to drink water, or touch your mouth or face after touching the water in the streams.

• Make sure there are no flash flood warnings, it can be very dangerous.

How to prepare for the hike:

• Dress like you will get wet: because you will! We brought our own water shoes, but you can definitely wear an old pair of sneakers or rent some shoes nearby outside the park.

• Rent Equipment: This is key for those traveling in colder weather. There are many gear rentals in Springdale. If you're staying at Cable Mountain Lodge you'll get 10% off the Zion Outfitter gear rental.

You can rent the following:
•Dry bags/waterproof backpacks - About $10.
•Footwear package - Waterproof shoes and socks - Around $29 WORTH IT!
•Dry Pants - About $39 (Dan loved these, they kept him warm and dry, but I found the suction at the bottom unbeatable and decided not to wear it.
•Walking Stick - $10 - WORTH IT! The walking sticks really help you while hiking the narrows. There are many people who slip on the rocks and get hurt.

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