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 difficult is the Narrows hike in Zion?

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 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 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.

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 a walking stick for the Narrows?

There are FREE walking sticks at the entrance

.

At the entrance to the Narrows (after your walk down Riverside Walk), you’ll find piles of sturdy walking sticks left behind by fellow hikers.

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.

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.

Can I wear 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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.

Is Angels Landing a lottery?

Permit & Season Information

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

.

Do I need a reservation for the Narrows Zion?

No reservations required for hiking inside the park

. However ,if you do the Top Down Narrows you will need a permit. That trip is usually done as an overnight or a very long day.

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 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.

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.

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.

How cold is the water in the Narrows Zion?

Here’s a general overview of water temps across the seasons:

Winter = 40-45 degrees

. Spring = 45-55 degrees. Summer = 55-65 degrees.

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.

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 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.

How long of a hike is Angels Landing?