Are you a hiking enthusiast? If you’re in the US, head for the state of Utah. Southwestern Utah is the home of the red rock landscape known as Zion National Park. It is here you can hike the narrowest section of the park known as The Narrows.

Hiking The Narrows At Zion National Park

The Narrows

There are hikes for all ages and experience levels at Zion Canyon National Park. The most well-known hike here, however, is The Narrows. Experts note it is one of the top 10 hikes on Earth.  

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Best Time To Hike The Narrows

Experts confirm that the best time to hike the famous Narrows is sometime between late spring and late summer. This is when the water temperature is warmer and the level is lower (providing there’ve been no recent storms). Fall could work too but the water’s chilly and days are shorter.

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Three Ways To Hike The Narrows

1. Bottom-up Zion Narrows Day Hike

90 percent of hikers polled prefer this choice. This hike is rated “easy to moderate.” It will take you between two and six hours round trip to complete. 

You begin at the Temple of Sinawava and the popular Riverside Walk and hike almost seven miles to the well-known Wall Street portion of the canyon. However, getting there requires you to hike four miles along or even in the Virgin River. So be prepared to get wet!  

Once you pass Orderville Canyon, Wall Street isn’t far away! The Riverside Walk is mainly flat and the elevation is gradual. The most challenging part is when you start hiking upstream on slippery rocks.

2. Top-Down Zion Narrows Day Hike

This 16-mile backpacking route is rated “moderate to strenuous.” One way, it will take between seven and 12 hours to complete. The adventure begins at Chamberlain’s Ranch which is found 1.5 hours from the park’s visitor center and ends at the previously-mentioned Riverside Walk. 

The first five miles here take you through the Upper Narrows. Eat something and rest at Deep Creek. Then head for your campsite (if staying overnight) and beautiful Big Springs. This option requires wilderness permits for every hiker. You can get them online or at the park’s visitor’s center.

3. Top-down Zion Narrows Overnight Backpacking Trip

This trip follows the same route as the previous one. Since you’re completing it in two days it is a little less strenuous and will take between seven and 12 hours, the one way. Rather than hike all 16 miles in one day, you set up camp after reaching Deer Creek.  

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Hiking Supplies

You will need a pair of waterproof hiking boots or canyoneering boots with good ankle support. You should be able to drain the water out of them quickly. Neoprene socks are more comfortable in the water.

• Trekking poles or a hiking stick will help you hike on the uneven, wet terrain.  
• Bring a jacket as an extra layer. The water and high canyon walls create slightly cooler conditions.  
• Take sunscreen. Even if you start as early as possible, you will eventually be hiking in the sun. Pack it with your First Aid Kit. Pack it all in a waterproof bag.
• You will also need at least one gallon of water per hiker each day and appropriate snacks. (Don’t forget camping supplies if you spend the night.)

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Hiking Tips 

• Avoid wearing anything cotton since being in the cool water can cause your body to lose heat faster than it can produce it. Wear clothing made of synthetic fibers or even wool.
•  Eat high-energy food along with the water.  
• Check the weather report before you go. If the National Weather Service issues a flash flood warning or the Spring flow rate is too high, The Narrows will close. You don’t want to get to the trailhead and find out the trail’s closed.
• Don’t think you can avoid getting wet. You can’t. While there are portions of the trail that are actually on the shore, generally within the first two miles, you will be in the water.  
• Don’t bring anything you don’t want to get wet. Make sure your phone has a waterproof case if you must bring it. A GoPro with a waterproof case is also good but leave your DSLR camera at home.  
• Don’t jump! Yes, it might sound stupid but authorities report that the most common injuries are reportedly lower leg fractures caused by jumping from rocks.  
• Don’t Stop! Hiking the Narrows is not only the most popular hike but it is also the busiest; at least it might seem that way. Keep going though as not everyone who visits benefits from the veteran advice of your rovin’ writer.  
• Many people don’t take shorter preparatory hikes prior to taking this trek and turn back within the first two miles. Once you hit your stride–and mile three–you and your hiking buddy could have the trail all to yourself. Many tourists are not hikers.  
• Follow the “Leave No Trace” outdoor ethics. Pack out all your waste. Leave no trace of your presence, so everyone can continue to enjoy the area. If you need a refresher, check with your local Scout troop or review the principles online.
• You will find only one restroom here. It is located at the park’s Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop. Be sure to make use of it prior to beginning your hike.
• If you are ambitious enough to want to hike the entire trail, good for you! However, don’t forget that you will need a permit to do so. The price is $15.00 per person and $20.00 each for a hiking party of three to seven hikers.
• As this goes to press, no one is permitted to drive on the actual road that leads to the trailhead. Only shuttle buses are allowed here. Privately-owned vehicles are not permitted in this park when a shuttle bus is running.

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Relax At The Emerald Pools

Need a break after all that hiking? Visit the Emerald Pools in the park’s southeastern corner. In the spring the melting snow makes for some cooling misty majestic falls.  Have fun!

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