The Narrows stretches for 16 miles but that’s if you hike top-down. 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 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 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.
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.
Is the Narrows a difficult hike?
The Narrows Top Down: A Complex Alternative
The hike is
very difficult
and recommended only for experienced hikers who are equipped to camp overnight and, most importantly, have plenty of time available (1-2 days).
Is the Narrows hike hard?
Depending on water flow, water height, your hiking ability and how far you choose to go,
this hike can be easy to strenuous
as you are wading upstream for the better part of your journey. Remember that you can hike in as far as you feel comfortable with the option to turn back at any time and leave the way you came.
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.
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 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.
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 I hike the Narrows in late May?
Water flow permitting,
the Narrows is open all year round
. And considering this is the most popular hike in one of the most popular National Parks in the United States, colder weather may actually be better since frigid temperatures thin out the crowds.
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.
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.
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
.
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.
Are there snakes in the Narrows Zion National Park?
While Zion is home to many different kinds of snakes,
the Great Basin rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in the park
. Like other rattlesnakes, you can usually identify them by the triangular head and the rattle at the end of their tail.
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.
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 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 you hike the Narrows in tennis shoes?
We have used regular hiking boots (not waterproof) and also athletic shoes
. Both were fine and it is so hot in Zion in the summer, our shoes dried overnight easily. But you MUST have a walking stick to help keep your balance and to check for water depth and stable spots to place your foot. Have fun!
What is the scariest hike in America?
- Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park. …
- Capitol Peak via the Knife Edge, Colorado. …
- Mist Trail and Half Dome Cables, Yosemite National Park. …
- Huckleberry Trail, Glacier National Park. …
- Camp Muir, Mount Rainier National Park. …
- Chinitna Bay, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.
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.
What gear do you need to hike the Narrows?
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 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.
