Do I Need A Dry Bag For The Narrows?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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I like the 8L size…it’s big enough to fit my camera, wallet, keys, snacks, etc. but small enough to not be too bulky.

If you don’t want to purchase a dry sack, heavy-duty plastic trash compactor bags work ok, but may not entirely keep water out

.

Do you need neoprene socks to hike The Narrows?

2. The Narrows – do I have to rent equipment? To hike The Narrows

you should rent canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks

and a walking pole. During months with higher water level you can also rent dry pants or a dry suit.

What shoes to wear when hiking The Narrows?

Hiking The Narrows: Footwear

A trusty pair of

fast drying hiking boots or trail running shoes

will do the trick! My Merrell All Out Crush shoes gripped the river bottom great and drained the water right out. If you’re trying to keep your feet totally dry, good luck!

What is the best time of year to hike The Narrows?

The Narrows is a popular hike through the knee-deep Virgin River. Due to cold water temperature and high water levels, the trail is closed in winter and spring. The best time to hike The Narrows is from

late May to October

, but watch out for summer thunderstorms that can cause deathly flash floods.

How cold is The Narrows water?

It was pleasant in the Narrows, needed the jacket occasionally but the water seemed VERY cold. It was

about 50 degrees

but that’s cold to me. I was amazed how many people were hiking without any protection from cold, hiking in sandals, someone was hiking in jeans!

What is the water temperature in The Narrows Zion?

Most recent water temperature (11/26/2021):

42oF/5oC

The Narrows closes when the flow rate is over 150 cubic feet per second (CFS), or during spring snowmelt.

Is hiking The Narrows worth it?


Even a short hike in The Narrows is worth it

. If you love bold geology, have a sense of adventure, and don’t mind getting wet, The Narrows will likely be the highlight of your trip.

Can I hike The Narrows in Tevas?


You can hike the Narrows in two different ways: 1- the Top Down Hike (permit required) OR what we did- The Bottom Up Day Hike (no permit required)

. The Top Down Hike is a sixteen mile one or two day hike that starts at Chamberlain’s Ranch and ends at The Temple of Sinawava and is for experienced hikers.

Do you need gear for the Narrows?

While the water levels changes throughout the year, it typically ranges from ankle to waist deep. In preparation for this hike,

many people decide to rent specialized gear, such as canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks, walking-sticks, waterproof pants, and even full zip-up dry suits

.

What is the scariest hike in America?

  • Chinitna Bay, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska. …
  • Barr Trail, Pikes Peak, Colorado. …
  • Jack Mountain, North Cascades National Park, Washington. …
  • Presidential Traverse, New Hampshire. …
  • Denali, Denali National Park, Alaska. …
  • The Maze, Canyonlands National Park, Utah.

How do you prepare for the Narrows hike?


DO wear hiking boots, shorts, and bring layers

. While Zion’s temperatures climb into the 100s during summer, majority of the hike is shaded, so a light jacket helps for those starting in the morning. Be sure to pack plenty of water, lunch, and sunscreen, as well. DO bring a hiking stick or, ideally, a pair of poles.

Do you need a permit for Zion Narrows?


If you are planning to hike the Narrows from the bottom up—starting at Temple of Sinewava, you do not need to obtain a permit

. However, if you are hiking from the top down, either as a day hike or an overnight trip, you will need a permit.

What do I need to know before hiking The Narrows?

  1. Grab the first shuttle of the day. Okay, we get it. …
  2. You may not need rental equipment. …
  3. There are FREE walking sticks at the entrance. …
  4. You don’t need a permit. …
  5. Hike at least two hours in. …
  6. Water levels can change without warning.

Do you need to know how do you swim Narrows?


You do not need to know how to swim for any meaningful lengthy stretch to hike the Narrows

. The deep pools are not huge where it is several dozen feet to get across.

Is the Narrows a slot canyon?

The Narrows is the most popular hike in Zion National Park, and

one of the world’s best slot canyon hikes

. It is pure fun and can be tailored to suite any ability level. The trail is basically the Virgin River.

How long is the Narrows hike bottom up?

The above information is for the out and back hike up the Virgin River Narrows from the bottom, which can be

almost 10 miles

round-trip in length. Visitors who plan to hike top-down, 16 miles, through the Virgin River Narrows will need a Wilderness Permit.

Can you get to the Narrows without a shuttle?

You don’t need to ride the shuttle to make the most out of your trip to Zion National Park. Even without the shuttle, you can still get to those Zion must-see spots (like Angels Landing, The Narrows, and Emerald Pools) by

biking the Scenic Drive into Zion Canyon

.

Do I need a permit for Angels Landing?


You must have a permit to hike any portion of Angels Landing

. Permits are needed every day and at all times beginning April 1, 2022. Permits (issued in three time slots) are available by two lottery processes. The seasonal lottery application periods occur quarterly (see important dates below).

What is the best month to visit Zion National Park?

The best time to visit Zion National Park is between the months of

April and November

when the park’s free shuttles are running and the weather is comfortable.

Is the Narrows closed due to bacteria?

ZION NATIONAL PARK (ABC4 Utah) — The Narrows, one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park that requires visitors to walk in the Virgin River,

will remain open amid a public health warning due to a toxic algae bloom found in the river’s north fork

, park officials told ABC4 News on Monday.

Are narrows cold?

Winter:

Hiking the Narrows in winter is cold

, but it’s often the best time to avoid crowds. If you plan to hike the Narrows in winter, be prepared for limited daylight hours and frigid temperatures.

How cold is the Narrows hike?

So, when you hike the narrows in winter, its very, very cold in Zion. I think the temps at night got down to

about 30-below

. It’s just all snow and ice there. You really have to go through an outfitter there.

Do I need reservations to enter Zion National Park?


You do not need a permit or reservation to enter the park

. You do need to pay the park fee.

How should I dress for the Narrows?


Wear Quick-Dry Clothes, Preferably Shorts

You will get wet on The Narrows hike, and it’s best if your clothing can dry quickly. During hot weather, I recommend wearing shorts made of a quick-drying fabric. In chilly weather, dry pants are recommended.

How high’s the water in the Narrows?

The Narrows: A 16 mile span of running water surrounded by steep cliffs up to

2,000 feet

high.

Can you hike the Narrows in one day?


Hiking the Narrows top-down in one day is no easy feat

. You need to be fit and fast in order to do this. The average amount of time to hike the Narrows from the top-down is 10 to 13 hours, but it takes most people 12 hours, once you factor in time for rest breaks, photos, and meals. A permit is necessary.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.