Can Kids Hike The Narrows In Zions?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The Narrows, although a very challenging hike, is

absolutely possible with kids

. We just did it with our 7, 5, and 2 year old children.

Can anyone hike the Narrows?


Permits are required for hiking from the top down, as well as backcountry camping permits if you wish to make it an overnight trip

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

Can a beginner hike the Narrows?


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.)

Do you need a hiking 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. Grab one that feels comfortable to you, then leave it for someone else when you return.

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 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.

When can you hike the Narrows in Zion?

The hiking season for the Zion Narrows is typically

summer and autumn

, but the start of the season is controlled by the spring runoff and water levels. The Zion Narrows is typically closed to hiking between mid-March and late May, depending on how much snow fell on the high country in winter.

What should I 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.

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 you hike the Narrows in winter?


You can hike the trail year-round

, but due to the chilly water conditions in the winter, you will find less people than you would in the summer. Thankfully, if you decide to venture into The Narrows in the winter, a dry suit from Zion Adventure Co. will keep you nice and toasty throughout the hike.

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 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 walk to The Narrows?


You can see The Narrows by hiking along the paved, wheelchair accessible Riverside Walk for one mile from the Temple of Sinawava

. If you wish to see more, you will be walking in the Virgin River. This can involve wading upstream for just a few minutes or it can be an all day hike.

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.

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 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!

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.

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 The Narrows in hiking boots?

Hiking The Narrows: Footwear


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. If you’re trying to keep your feet totally dry, good luck!

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.

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 do you prepare for the Narrows hike?
  1. DO stop by the Visitor’s Center beforehand for flash flood advisories. …
  2. DO wear hiking boots, shorts, and bring layers. …
  3. DO bring a hiking stick or, ideally, a pair of poles. …
  4. DO carry a zip lock bag for phones and electronic devices. …
  5. DON’T try walking barefoot.

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.

Ahmed Ali
Author
Ahmed Ali
Ahmed Ali is a financial analyst with over 15 years of experience in the finance industry. He has worked for major banks and investment firms, and has a wealth of knowledge on investing, real estate, and tax planning. Ahmed is also an advocate for financial literacy and education.