Hiking the Zion Narrows: the best hike in Utah

ByAdriana for Wanderlicious

Hiking the Zion Narrows is definitely one of the best hikes in Utah – my favourite activity! You’re hiking in a canyon, through running water. The canyon walls tower over you and sometimes you’ll see little waterfalls drip down the canyon walls.

Clamoring over the rocks whilst refreshing water keeps you cool, it’s an easy-mild challenge. Just make sure you have the right gear.

In summer it get’s exceedingly hot. It’s scorching hot and frankly, hiking in the heat is just not an option. The only way around the heat is to do some cool water hikes, and the Zion Narrows is the perfect thing for that.

It’s so refreshing! And I didn’t find it too cold to hike in.

If you have just one day, choose the hike in Utah, make it this one! It’s incredible!

Don’t miss nearby:

Quick Mini Guide To Zion

Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Zion National Park.

Hiking The Zion Narrows National Park

Where to stay

Best Hikes & when to go

Riverside walk, the Narrows Hike or Angels Landing.

It’s best to go in Spring or Autumn. The summer becomes very hot & busy, so hike after 4pm.

Zion Entry Fee

$35 per vehicle up to 15 people.

Car rental

Public transport is limited so car rental is your best option. Consider getting a 4×4 for the dirt roads.

Best Tours

Hiking the Zion Narrows

The Narrows of Zion is probably my favourite hike in Utah (tied with the Navajo Loop Trail)! It’s wonderfully refreshing, it’s not too difficult and definitely a bit of fun.

It’s a there and back trail, so you can hike as long as you want before turning back. If you want to hike 20 minutes, if you want to hike 1 hour or 5 hours, it’s up to you.

Hiking The Zion Narrows National Park
The Narrows Hike, Zion National Park

A few closures

Before you start, here’s a heads-up about a few things if you’re planning to visit Zion National Park and do The Narrows hike.

Some park alerts you should be aware of:

  1. Trail Bridge at Zion Lodge: It’s currently closed. If you want to access the Emerald Pools, start your hike at the Court of the Patriarchs or the Grotto. This closure doesn’t affect other trailheads or the shuttle system.
  2. Weeping Rock Area: The shuttle bus stop, parking area, and trail are closed due to rockfall. Park scientists and maintenance staff are monitoring the area.
  3. Road Work: Starting July 29, 2024, there will be asphalt patching on park roads, leading to some delays. Parts of the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway might have waits of up to 20 minutes.

Now, let’s talk about The Narrows. It’s one of Zion’s most popular hikes, where you walk through a narrow section of the canyon, sometimes just 20-30 feet wide, with towering walls 2000 feet high. It’s frankly spectacular and quite unlike any other hike. Here’s what you need to know.

The Narrows Hike, Zion National Park
The Narrows Hike, Zion National Park

Hiking The zion Narrows

Zion is absolutely incredible! And the history of Zion is fascinating too. Make sure you learn about more in the Visitor’s centre.

Overview of Zion Narrows Hike:
  • One of the most unique adventures and one of the best in Utah. Definitely one of my favourites.
  • One of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park, but it thins out pretty quickly the further you go.
  • Requires planning and ideally, water hiking gear.
  • Memorable and highly recommended for some fun.
  • It gets waist deep in some areas, but that’s part of the fun.
  • When we went, the current wasn’t too strong.
  • You need to walk the Riverside Walk to get to the Barrows. It’s 20 minutes, very gentle and easy.

About hiking Zion Narrows:

  • The trail runs through Zion Canyon and Virgin River, stretches 15 miles.
  • Features narrow slot canyons, red canyon walls.
  • Water levels vary; ankle to chest-deep, it got no deeper than waist deep, at most times it was ankle deep. I hear there are sections where you may need to swim but I didn’t encounter this.
  • It does require proper planning and gear. You can do it without it, but you might find it difficult.
Riverside Walk Hike, Zion National Park
Riverside Walk Hike, Zion National Park
For Beginners:
  • Suitable for all levels with proper preparation.
  • Key challenge is footing on slippery rocks and water current.
  • Can turn back anytime if needed.
Hiking Routes:
  • Bottom-Up: Popular, day hike, and there’s no permit needed. The hike we did.
  • Top-Down: Challenging, usually an overnight hike, permit required.
Hiking Details (Bottom-Up):

This is the route we did and it was great. We hiked for as long as we felt like!

  • Trail Info: Up to 9+ miles, moderate to strenuous, no permit required.
  • Start: Temple of Sinawava via Zion Shuttle (operated by the National Park Service).
  • First Mile: Paved, then enter the river.
  • Landmarks: Mystery Falls, Wall Street, Big Springs.
  • Return: Turn around at any point.
The Narrows Hike, Zion National Park
The Narrows Hike, Zion National Park
Planning and Preparation:

It’s super important to check the water flow rates so it’s not a particularly rainy and dangerous day.

  • Consider water flow rates, flash floods, and required gear.
  • Check conditions on the park’s website, the national weather service or go to the visitors centre.
Getting There + the Zion Canyon Shuttle Bus:
  • Bottom-Up route: Take the Zion Shuttle from Visitor Center to The Temple of Sinawava trailhead.
  • Top-Down route: Requires a second vehicle or paid shuttle to Chamberlain’s Ranch.
Preparation + Equipment:
  • Shoes and Gear: Closed-toed shoes are a must, ideally hiking boots. Bring a walking stick for balance on the slippery, rocky riverbed.
  • Waterproof bags: keep all your belongings safe and dry in a waterproof bag.
  • Clothing: wear clothes that are quick dry. In the summer it’s super hot, and I found the water temperature to be refreshing. I hear that in the spring or autumn it gets colder though.
  • Flash Floods: Always check the weather forecast and flash flood potential. Flash floods can turn the river into a torrent quickly. If water clarity changes or the flow increases, find high ground immediately.
  • Zion National Park provides updates and warnings.
Routes at the Narrows Utah:
  • Bottom-Up Hike: Get a shuttle bus from the Visitors centre to the Temple of Sinawava. Hike upstream as far as you like – as far as Big Spring (a 10-mile round trip). No permit is needed for this and I would say it’s easy-moderate in terms of difficulty.
  • Top-Down Hike: A 16-mile through-hike from Chamberlain’s Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava. This requires a wilderness permit and arranging transportation to the trailhead. This is much more challenging.
Hiking the zion narrows
Best Time to Hike:
  • Summer and Early Fall: Warm weather, crowded, risk of flash floods. Lower water levels make it ideal, but be wary of thunderstorms and flash floods.
  • Winter and Early Spring: The water is cold and levels are higher, making it more challenging. Cold temperatures, less frequent shuttle service.
  • Autumn: Beautiful but cooler, with low water levels.
  • Spring: Not ideal due to high water levels from snowmelt. Trail closed March to May due to high flow rates.
Water Safety:
  • Check the Virgin River water flow gauge for current conditions. If the flow is above 150 cubic feet per second (CFS), the hike will be closed.
  • Be aware of toxic cyanobacteria in the water. Don’t drink river water; use springs and treat it properly.
Permits:
  • No permit is needed for the bottom-up day hike (when you get a shuttle bus from the Visitors centre to the Temple of Sinawava)
  • Required for the top-down hike. Get them at the visitor center or online.
Riverside Walk Hike, Zion National Park
Riverside Walk Hike, Zion National Park
The Narrows Hike, Zion National Park
The Narrows Hike, Zion National Park
Clothing & Gear Recommendations:

We rented water gear and it was super helpful! I recommend you at the very least get some water shoes. The walking stick was admittedly more helpful than I thought it would be. I thought it would be a hindrance, but it was actually super helpful using the pole to navigate the stream, rocks and boulders.

  • Poles: Really useful for balance. I thought I wouldn’t need it, but it was super useful!
  • Footwear: We rented sturdy specialized water shoes, but synthetic hiking boots will also do.
  • Clothing: Quick-drying synthetic shorts and tops, with a synthetic sweater for warmth.
  • Dry Bags: Keep all your valuables dry, including your wallet, phone, etc.
  • Winter Gear: Dry suits and neoprene socks in winter.
Hygiene:
  • Use provided “Restop” systems for solid waste.
  • Filter or treat all drinking water. I hear people urinate in the water and it’s possible that in some areas that other waste enters the river too.
Flash Flood Signs:
  • Rising water levels, murky water, or a roaring sound from upstream means a flood is likely. Move to high ground immediately.
Additional Tips:
  • Check park’s website for updates and conditions.
  • Use bathrooms at Temple of Sinawava before starting.
  • Be prepared to get wet; dress appropriately.
  • Carry spare clothing and shoes.
  • Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Remember, safety first! Always be prepared and check conditions before you go. Enjoy the hike, and let’s make sure to preserve these beautiful places for everyone!

Hiking the Zion Narrows
Hiking the Zion Narrows

Hotels in Zion National Park

There are tonnes of hotels near Zion National Park that you might want to pick, I wrote about all the best glamping sites you need to stay at in Zion. Ultra luxury to more casual, take your pick!

Zion National Park is an amazing place that draws visitors from all over the world, and it’s easy to see why. With its towering canyons, breathtaking viewpoints, striking red rocks, and plenty of shaded spots to explore, it’s a natural wonder.

And what could be better than glamping in Zion National Park or nearby? That’s exactly what we did, and we highly recommend it!

We stayed at Zion Glamping Adventures, but there are plenty of other great places to stay too.

Have a look at the below hotels as an alternative:

Zion Wildflower Resort
Zion Wildflower Resort
Zion Wildflower Resort
Zion Wildflower Resort
Zion White Bison Glamping
Zion White Bison Glamping
Zion Glamping adventures tractor
Zion Glamping adventures tractor

Weather in Utah

Be wary of the weather in Utah, it’s so diverse! In the winter, it is literally freezing.

In the summer it is literally boiling, and it can actually be difficult to be out in the middle of the day. Whatever the time of year you visit, be prepared, whether that’s water bottles, or extra layers to keep warm.

Utah Weather in January
  • Average temperature: -1°C (30°F)
  • Average rainy days: 5
  • Average daylight hours: 10
  • Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
  • Average sunset time: 5:30 PM
Utah Weather in February
  • Average temperature: 2°C (35°F)
  • Average rainy days: 5
  • Average daylight hours: 11
  • Average sunrise time: 7:30 AM
  • Average sunset time: 6:00 PM
Utah Weather in March
  • Average temperature: 7°C (45°F)
  • Average rainy days: 6
  • Average daylight hours: 12
  • Average sunrise time: 7:00 AM
  • Average sunset time: 6:30 PM
Utah Weather in April
  • Average temperature: 11°C (52°F)
  • Average rainy days: 6
  • Average daylight hours: 13
  • Average sunrise time: 6:30 AM
  • Average sunset time: 7:30 PM
Utah Weather in May
  • Average temperature: 16°C (61°F)
  • Average rainy days: 5
  • Average daylight hours: 14
  • Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
  • Average sunset time: 8:00 PM
Utah Weather in June
  • Average temperature: 21°C (70°F)
  • Average rainy days: 3
  • Average daylight hours: 15
  • Average sunrise time: 5:45 AM
  • Average sunset time: 8:45 PM
Utah Weather in July
  • Average temperature: 26°C (79°F)
  • Average rainy days: 4
  • Average daylight hours: 15
  • Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
  • Average sunset time: 8:45 PM
Utah Weather in August
  • Average temperature: 24°C (75°F)
  • Average rainy days: 4
  • Average daylight hours: 14
  • Average sunrise time: 6:30 AM
  • Average sunset time: 8:30 PM
Utah Weather in September
  • Average temperature: 19°C (66°F)
  • Average rainy days: 4
  • Average daylight hours: 12
  • Average sunrise time: 7:00 AM
  • Average sunset time: 7:30 PM
Utah Weather in October
  • Average temperature: 12°C (54°F)
  • Average rainy days: 4
  • Average daylight hours: 11
  • Average sunrise time: 7:30 AM
  • Average sunset time: 6:30 PM
Utah Weather in November
  • Average temperature: 5°C (41°F)
  • Average rainy days: 4
  • Average daylight hours: 10
  • Average sunrise time: 7:00 AM
  • Average sunset time: 5:00 PM
Utah Weather in December
  • Average temperature: -1°C (30°F)
  • Average rainy days: 5
  • Average daylight hours: 9
  • Average sunrise time: 7:30 AM
  • Average sunset time: 5:00 PM

Certainly a bucket list Utah Road Trip. Have a look at my other USA articles that you might find interesting:

Things to do in Phoenix

Best Wineries with lodging in the USA

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Hi, I'm Adriana, a multi award winning UK travel blogger!

I grew up in Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Dubai and England, and I got the travel bug from a young age. I love sharing travel guides so you know the most incredible places to visit and best places to stay.

I go out of my way to find the most beautiful spots in the world so I can share it with all of you!

I have an enthusiastic zest for life and I am the eternal optimist. I’m quick to smile, quick to love and always looking for an adventure.

I also make travel videos on social media (265k+) Instagram (@wander.licious) and TikTok (wanderlicious.adri), come say hi!

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