How Long Is The Zion Narrows Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Rating: Moderately strenuous/strenuous river hiking Time Required: Allow at least 6 hours to reach and enjoy the best sections of the Narrows. Length:

2.5 miles from Temple of Sinawava to Orderville Canyon and Wall Street (one-way); 2 more miles to Big Springs

.
Elevation Change: gradual ascent up the river.

How long does it take to do the Narrows in Zion?

Depending on water flow, this hike is easy to moderate in summer and ok for most kids 4 feet or taller. You can hike in as far you would like and turn back at any time. From the parking lot, it is usually only

2-3 hours

into the section of Narrows known as Wall Street.

How many hours is the Narrows hike?

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.

Is there a short hike of the Narrows Zion?

Re: narrows short hike?

Yes. You can hike from the bottom up and just turn around whenever you feel comfortable.

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 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 I need a permit to hike the Narrows in Zion?


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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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).

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?

I had running shoes, Chacos and hiking shoes along on this vacation and

none of them would have worked

as well as the rather bulky shoes you can rent. They have a very sturdy bottom and allow you to navigate over the large and small rocks in the river.

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 neoprene socks to hike the Narrows?

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 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 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.

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 do Angels Landing and the 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.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.