How Long Is The Naeeows Hike From Top To Bottom?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The Zion Narrows top-down route is a strenuous

18-mile

backpacking route. Alternatively, fast and fit hikers can do this route as a long day hike (10-13 hours to complete). Both options make for a good and strenuous adventure.

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.

How long is the River Walk in the Narrows?

Discover this

1.9-mile

out-and-back trail near Springdale, Utah. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete.

How hard is the Narrows hike?


Not very difficult

, unless you want to hike the entire trail length for an all-day adventure. How many miles is the Narrows hike? 16 miles total if you hike top-down, but most people just hike in 1-3 miles bottom-up and turn around and come back, considering you have to hike out whatever you hike in.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 is the Riverside Walk trail in Zion?

Rating: Easy family stroll; good for children and wheelchair accessible. Access: Temple of Sinawava (the 7th and final stop for the Zion Canyon Shuttle in Zion’s main canyon) Time Required: 1-2 hours Length:

2 miles

round-trip
Elevation Change: mostly flat

How deep is the water in the Narrows?

One of our more popular hikes visitors come to enjoy is the unique Narrows, a hike in a canyon that in places is only 20-30 feet wide, and

2000 feet

deep. However, unlike most hikes, taking on the Narrows means actually traveling upstream through the Virgin River on uneven, slippery, and rocky river boulders.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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

When should you not go to Zion National Park?

The Worst Time to Visit Zion National Park

If you want to avoid the crowds, skip a trip in

June or July

, which both see over 500,000 monthly visitors. On the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find solitude during the winter months, but might also experience below-freezing nights, snow, and limited park access.

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.

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.

What is the scariest hike in America?

  1. Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park. …
  2. Capitol Peak via the Knife Edge, Colorado. …
  3. Mist Trail and Half Dome Cables, Yosemite National Park. …
  4. Huckleberry Trail, Glacier National Park. …
  5. Camp Muir, Mount Rainier National Park. …
  6. Chinitna Bay, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.

Is Angels Landing a lottery?


There are two lotteries for Angels Landing

. The seasonal one opens months in advance and the other can be entered the day before hiking it. McPartland emphasized that it’s a pilot program and may require some tweaks.

Can you do Angels Landing and narrows 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.

Can you do Angels Landing and Observation Point in one day?


I was able to do Observation Point and the Narrows in one day

and in 2019, I was able to do much of Angel’s Landing and the Narrows, so if you’re in a rush and don’t mind heights, Angel’s Landing will be the quicker hike you can do in a day and have time saved to possibly see more stuff in the park.

How early can you start Angels Landing?

When to apply

You can apply for a permit

the day before your planned hike

. On and after March 31, 2022, this lottery opens every day at 12:01 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m. Mountain Time (MT). Note: It costs $6 to apply for a permit.

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.