The Narrows stretches for 16 miles but that’s if you hike top-down. Most people hike between
2-6 hours
on the Narrows hike when starting at the bottom (~6 miles round trip). Since the Narrows hike is an in-and-out trail, whatever mileage and time you put in hiking in, you have to do out.
How difficult is the Narrows hike in Zion?
“Top Down” Two-Day Backpacking (from Chamberlain’s Ranch):
The “Top Down” Zion Narrows hike is a
strenuous 16-mile through hike
that starts at Chamberlain’s Ranch, many miles northeast of Zion’s popular main canyon. (You must drive to or hire a private outfitter to shuttle you to the remote trailhead.)
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.
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.
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.
Can beginners hike The Narrows?
Beginner Guide To Hiking The Narrows From the Bottom
Starting at The Temple of Sinawava you will start hiking along the Riverside Walk
, which is a paved nice flat walk that goes for a mile. The Riverside Walk itself has some great vantage points, pretty views and meanders along the Virgin River.
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.
Do I need a permit to hike The Narrows?
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.
Can you do the Narrows and Angels Landing in one 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.
How cold is the water 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.
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 |
|---|
Should I do the Narrows or Angels Landing?
Two completely different hikes. Narrows is level…as long as you consider walking in the river level (which it is not).
Angels Landing is much more strenuous, uphill, and people with height or edge concerns are strongly discouraged.
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
.
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 hike the Narrows in running shoes?
Hiking The Narrows: Footwear
Like the neoprene suit, the fancy boots are just as unnecessary.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What gear do you 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.
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.
How do you train 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 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).
