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.
What to wear to hike 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.
Is The Narrows hike hard?
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.
How fit do you have to be to hike The Narrows?
Do I need to be fit to hike the Narrows? You do need a
moderate level of fitness
. I was 30-40 pounds overweight and not very fit at the time, and had no problems, however. Most of the hike is wading through water on uneven rocks, so if you are unstable on your feet, then this is not for you.
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.
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.
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 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 to expect when hiking the Narrows?
You can expect to see
waterfalls, hanging vegetation, and beautiful multicolored rock
. There are two ways to hike the Narrows. You can either explore from the bottom up as a day hike, or from the top down which requires a permit and encompasses the whole 16 miles.
Can you hike 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 go in 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 should I wear to the Zion Narrows?
- Capris, zip-off pants, yoga pants, or lightweight hiking shorts, board shorts – No jeans, No Cotton.
- Light rain jacket.
- Light fleece top for cool mornings.
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!
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 |
|---|
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.
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.
Do you need a dry bag for The Narrows?
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 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
.
Can you hike in water shoes?
If you’re generally active outdoors,
you can use your water hiking shoes for water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding too
. In that case, keep it in mind when you choose the right shoes for river walking – lightweight is always key.
