Who Can Hike The Zion Narrows?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The Zion Narrows Permit Process. In order to hike from the top-down,

you must have a permit

. You can make your reservations up to 2 two months in advance on the National Park Service website.

Do you need a permit to hike the Narrows in Zion?


You are not required to obtain permits for hiking the Narrows from the bottom up

. If you chose to hike from the top down, you will need to arrange transportation, as Chamberlain’s Ranch is a 1.5 hour drive from the Temple of Sinawava.

What do I need to hike the Narrows in Zion?

What to Wear and Essential Gear for Hiking The Narrows in Zion. So, what do you need to hike The Narrows in Zion?

Hiking boots, neoprene socks, trekking poles, water-resistant outdoor pants, UPF long-sleeve shirts, and dry bags

are some of the essentials.

Is the Narrows a difficult hike?

The Narrows Top Down: A Complex Alternative

The hike is

very difficult

and recommended only for experienced hikers who are equipped to camp overnight and, most importantly, have plenty of time available (1-2 days).

Do you need a walking stick for The Narrows?

great hike, but

trying it without a walking stick will surely slow you down

. very few ‘stray’ sticks once you are there, so best to rent one, or bring along your own. HIGHLY reco shoes with rubber re-enforced toes so that when you stub your toe on the submerged rocks (and you will), you won’t suffer.

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.

Is Angels Landing a lottery?

Anyone who hikes Angels Landing will be required to have a permit. By spreading out how many people visit the iconic site, visitors will feel less rushed, McPartland said.

This lottery will be for permission to hike the trail between June 1 and Aug. 31.

Can beginners hike Angels Landing?

But

the trail to Angels Landing is far from a beginner-friendly hike

. In fact, even those with some hiking experience will want to consider their abilities before attempting it. At 5.5 miles roundtrip and climbing nearly 1,500 feet in elevation, the trail is physically demanding.

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).

Do you need water shoes to hike the Narrows?

Hiking in the river is challenging, and it’s easy to roll an ankle or smash a toe. Sandals or other open-toe shoes will not protect your toes from getting crushed between the rocks as your feet slide around.

You’ll want shoes that will drain out the river water so that you don’t hold onto all of the water weight.

Can you hike the Narrows right now?


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

. The Narrows also closes when a Flash Flood Warning is issued by the National Weather Service, and remains closed for two hours after the warning is lifted. Check the weather before you head into a narrow canyon.

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.

What is the best time 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.

Are there snakes in the Narrows Zion National Park?

While Zion is home to many different kinds of snakes,

the Great Basin rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in the park

. Like other rattlesnakes, you can usually identify them by the triangular head and the rattle at the end of their tail.

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 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.

Do you need hiking shoes for Zion?

When preparing to hike the non-strenuous trails in Zion National Park,

it’s recommended to bring adequate footwear

. Something like trail runners is best but quality sneakers should be sufficient. Open-toed shoes of any kind should be left at home. However, hiking sandals are fine for the leisurely hikes in the park.

How late does Zion shuttle?

The shuttles run from 6:00 am to

8:00 pm

seven days a week. Boarding to head into the canyon is from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm. The last shuttle leaves the Temple of Sinawava at 8:15 pm and arrives at the visitor center at 9:00 pm. Shuttles depart the visitor center every 6-10 minutes.

How long of a hike is Angels Landing?

Rating: Fairly strenuous and exposed day hike, not recommended for small children or those with a fear of heights Time Required: 3-6 hours Length:

2.4 miles

one way (The Grotto to the Angels Landing viewpoint)
Elevation Change: 1500 feet with steep elevation gain along the trail

How far should I hike the Narrows?

Suitable for most hikers, the Narrows Bottom-Up hike can be

as much as a 10-mile round-trip or as little as the 2-mile round-trip of the paved Riverside Walk

. To see Wall Street, hikers must travel a minimum of 6 miles round-trip, 4 miles of which is in and along the Virgin River.

Can you hike narrows in April?

Can you hike the Narrows in April? The water is very cold but

you can hike the Narrows in April

. However, depending on the snowmelt, the park service closes access to the Narrows if the flow of the river is too high or there is a risk of flash floods.

Can you hike Angels Landing and the Narrows in the same day?

Can you hike Angels Landing and The Narrows in one day?

Yes!

Hiking Zion National Park’s two most popular hikes in one day is possible. Both Angels Landing and The Narrows are difficult hikes and require a high level of physical fitness.

Do you need a permit to hike Angels Landing 2021?

Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program

In response to concerns about crowding and congestion on the trail, on and after April 1, 2022,

everyone who hikes Angels Landing needs to have a permit

.

Which is scarier Half Dome or Angels Landing?

I’ve hiked both trails, and must admit the final stretch to the summit of

Half Dome

is scarier and, indeed, very likely more dangerous than the trail up Angels Landing. Nowhere on Angels Landing does the trail head up a 600-foot stretch of slick granite that at points reaches a 45-degree angle.

What is the hardest hike in Zion?

Perhaps the most dangerous trail in the park, as well as one of the most dangerous hikes in any national park in the country, is

Angels Landing

. Like Observation Point, this trail features a climactic-view, high above the valley with sheer drop offs all around.

Is Angels Landing a loop?

Explore this

15.5-mile loop trail

near Springdale, Utah. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 9 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.