Zion Narrows

The Zion Narrows in Springdale, Utah was voted the number one hike in the national park system in the states. It is considered to be among the top 10 hikes in the world. More than 75% of the 8-mile hike involves wading through the Virgin river in shin to knee-deep water. The cold water is a welcome respite to the desert sun.

Most hikers head back before the 2.5 mile mark, but the most dramatic section (called the Wall Street) of the Narrows is past this point where the river forks. Sheer 300 feet canyon walls enclose the Virgin river on both sides.

While it is a fun hike, do be careful about your equipment. Every time I have hiked this place, it has been eventful – I have lost my rental car keys once, dropped my lens in the river the next time, and the third time around, we saw huge boulders falls from the top just feet away from where we were hiking!

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When should you do the hike?

While Zion National park and most of its hikes are open all year around, the Zion Narrows hike is open based on the flow rate of the water in the Virgin river. The hike is closed when the flow rate is greater than 150 cfs (cubic feet per second). This typically happens right after spring when the first snowmelt occurs and inundates the river with water. Anything above 120 cfs, and you need to be very athletic. The hike is closed typically from mid- March until June or July first week, depending on how much snow fell in the last winter.

While the hike can also be done in Fall & Winter, I would avoid Winter. The water can get quite icy, and a wet suit or a dry suit is a must.

The best months to hike this would be mid-July until mid-October.

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3 ways to hike the Zion Narrows:

1. Bottom-Up from the Temple of Sinawava (does not require a permit): The most common way to hike the Zion Narrows. Take the shuttle bus from the entrance of the park or from Springdale town to the last stop in the park – Temple of Sinawava. Walk half a mile through the Riverside walk to the start of the Zion Narrows and continue wading up the river. Hike as long as you want to, and exit the same way you entered. Can be as strenuous or as easy as you want it to be. Can be up to 10 miles in distance.
2. Top-Down strenuous 16 mile day hike from Chamberlain’s ranch (does require a permit): Must be at an athletic fitness level to do this strenuous 16 mile hike all in one day. Start very early and carry a torch or a headlamp as it could take up to 15 hours to complete. I would not recommend this unless you know clearly what you’ve signed up for and done something similar before.
3. Top-Down 2-day backpacking trip from Chamberlain’s ranch (does require a permit): Can be done as a backpacking trip as well at you own pace. You get to pick the campsite when you apply for the permit.

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What do you need for the hike?

While the hike can be done without any of the below, if you are going to be wading for more than 7-8 hours, packing in these things would make your hike so much more comfortable. Most of these can be rented from outfitters in Springdale, Utah, especially Zion Adventure Company:

1. Hiking stick: Invaluable as support while wading through the river, especially when there is little purchase, or when the current is fast moving, or you need to pick up the pace. Do remember to not use this as a walking stick, but like a third leg. In other words, stick goes in first, and then lean in with your body and move your legs.
2. Snacks and food: If you’re like me and want to spend close to 8-10 hours in the hike trying to photograph the Wall Street and hike the Orderville canyon, do pack in snacks, fruits and a picnic lunch.
3. Water: Stay hydrated and take regular breaks for water. I packed in at least a gallon.
4. Neoprene socks and water shoes: Easiest to rent out at the Zion Adventure Company in Springdale, Utah.
5. Dry bags: Absolutely essential, especially if you have camera gear. Put everything in the dry bag. And yes, you need tons of discipline. If you stop to take a picture, get your tripod setup, remove the camera from the bag, take picture, pack it back in the dry bag before moving to the next spot. I damaged a good camera and lens by just trying to wade into the water with the camera in my hand thinking I just wanted to move to a spot a few feet away. Out came a tide, and a slip, and the camera was all wasted along with the lens.
6. Headlamp: A good to have. You end up having so much fun in this hike that you loose track of time, and before you know it, you need to hike back in the dark of the night.

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Other useful info on Zion Narrows:

1. Keep an eye out on the flow rate. Less than 50 cfs is fun, 50-100 cfs is normal and manageable, and 100-120 cfs is athletic. Anything beyond that, and it makes the hike very strenuous, constantly fighting against the current.
2. Check the weather forecast for flash flood warnings before you start the hike. Keep an eye out for signs of flash flood. There is technically no way out of the Narrows except the way you came in. if you see signs of a flash flood i.e. the water changing to a dirty color, branches floating, etc, move to a higher ground asap.
3. Start the hike really early in the morning. If you plan to spend quite a bit of time here, do remember that the place tends to start very crowded beyond 10AM and the sun is at it’s best as well.
4. Most hikers just do under 2.5 miles of the hike, and wonder what the fuss is all about. The most spectacular part of the hike, called the Wall Street, only starts beyond 2.5 miles. This is where the most iconic photos of Zion Narrows are taken with the towering canyon walls.
5. Pay attention – watch out for rocks from above. During our last hike into Zion Narrows, we heard a very loud noise, and it was a few huge boulders that had fallen down from 100’s of feet above.
6. The last restroom is at the start of the hike. If, however, nature does call, remember, pee into the river, not on the ground or in the river.

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How to get here:

Las Vegas, NV to Springdale, UT

The easiest way to get to Zion National Park is to fly into Las Vegas, and drive a rental car up I-15 N to Springdale, Utah.

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Where to stay?

While Hurricane, Utah has some motel options as well and is just 30 minutes from Zion National park, Springdale, Utah is a much better choice for multiple reasons – the town has quite a few restaurants, coffee & tea shops, and outfitters, and has a really good vibe. Unfortunately, there are limited options for lodging and it fills up fast, so best to book your hotel as early as possible. A few decent options in Springdale, Utah:

1. Springhill Suites Zion National Park
2. Flanigan’s Inn
3. La Quinta Inn & Suites
4. Best Western Plus Zion West
5. Holiday Inn Express
6. Quality Inn Montclair
7. Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens

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