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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Are you heading to Utah any time soon? Be sure to stop in at Zion National Park. To help you plan your itinerary, here are 13 great things to do there!

1. Riverside Walk

The family-friendly Riverside Walk is a 2.2-mile return hike that is easy, shady and scenic. You’ll walk along this paved trail by the Virgin River until you reach the Narrows. If you are looking for more of a challenge you can actually hike into the Narrows that will involve wading through some water into the narrow canyon.

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2. Hike The Narrows

If you are traveling with young children this may not be for you. If the river is too high it could be a problem.  Additionally, if the weather is bad you could be facing a flash flood even if the river is not too high.

The water could also be too cold for your comfort level as well. Veteran visitors confirm you could be dealing with all of these issues if you visit in March. In fact, the park could close the Narrows depending on the conditions.

If you do decide to go when the weather is warm you may still want to take wetsuits and a change of footwear. You also need to remember that this hike involves wading up the river. Despite its popularity, you will need to be fit enough to handle it.

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3. Upper and Lower Emerald Pools

These trails are also very popular. The Upper Emerald Pool Trail often suffers from closures due to such natural occurrences as rock falls. The Lower Emerald Pool trail is a favorite because it is both easy to hike and short in length. Additionally, it leads to the bottom of a beautiful waterfall and Lower Emerald Pool.

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4. Weeping Rock Trail

The Weeping Rock Trail is a short albeit steep half-mile return walk. It’s a paved trail that ends at a small rock alcove with popular dripping springs. It appears as if the rock itself is weeping. If you visit at the right time of the year you will also see a lush green hanging garden there.
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5. Canyon Overlook Trail

Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail to the spot where you can take in extraordinary views of lower Zion Canyon and the Pine Creek Canyon. It’s a rocky one-mile return hike. While it is short this trail offers hikers the chance to see the park’s famous bighorn sheep and passes through caves as well.

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6. The Court of The Patriarchs

If you like easy hikes this is the one for you. Enjoy the view at the well-known Court of the Patriarchs. The court mainly consists of a trio of huge sandstone peaks named after the biblical figures named Abraham, Jacob, and Isaac. You will also be able to get a gander of a pair of structures known as Sentinel and Mount Moroni.

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7. Go biking on the Pa’rus Trail

Try to visit when the weather is nice as bad weather conditions can necessitate closing this trail. The Pa’rus Trail is three and a half miles long round trip. It is the only trail that permits biking inside the park.

Much like a previously mentioned trail, this one also follows the Virgin River. More specifically, the trail runs from the campground to the memorable Canon Junction. Be sure to make time to visit the Human History Museum on the way.

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8. Take the Angel’s Landing Challenge

Before taking this hiking challenge, you must consider a number of different things. If you are going with your family you must consider the hiking ability, endurance levels, potential crowds, and each individual’s personal fear factor. (This includes yours too.)

Pretty much anyone can make it to the very top of the switchbacks. This is actually where the Angels Landing trail officially begins. The hike to the switchbacks is known as the West Rim Trail. The West Rim Trail is a bit more than 1.5 miles. The switchbacks make it even less strenuous.

Before stepping onto the Angels Landing trail you might notice a sign warning visitors that since 2007 seven climbers fell off the side of the cliff to their deaths. Some travel writers have noted that your odds of surviving are still good. After all, Not only is Zion National Park the country’s most visited park hosting over 4 million travelers every year, Angel’s Landing is the park’s most popular hiking trail.

If you’re concerned, hiking only to Scout’s Landing to enjoy the view is also an option. After all, the trail does not become steep and narrow until you pass this spot. No matter how far you intend to go though, be aware that Spring Break is not the best time to go if you want to avoid crowds of college students. The best time to take this challenge is early in the morning.

You’ll avoid any potential crowds and have better light. Be sure to hold onto the chains as you walk along the cliff’s edge. The sandy ground there can be slippery.

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9. Observation Point & Hidden Canyon Trails

The Hidden Canyon and Observation Point trails are also two worthwhile trails that unfortunately can also be easily impacted by the weather. While veteran visitors recommend seeing the popular Kolob Canyon, again if you don’t hit it at the right time it too could be closed due to weather conditions. So be flexible with your plans and keep an eye on local weather reports as well.

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10. Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Drive

Another very popular activity here in Zion National Park is the Zion-Mount Carmel scenic drive. It runs in an east-west direction, passes through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel and ends at the park entrance. The tunnel itself is one mile in length and somewhat narrow depending on the size of your vehicle.

In fact, you should know that if you drive a big RV, you will have to get a special permit and an official escort in order to drive through the tunnel. The tunnel is occasionally closed for maintenance so do your homework when you plan your trip. Those who have been, suggest that if you are planning on also visiting Bryce Canyon National Park this is an even better road to take.

The scenery on the park’s eastern side is noticeably different than the opposite side because the elevation is higher. Here there are more bighorn sheep and pine trees. Additionally, the rocks and cliff faces are more of an orange color than yellow.

The views in the Zion Canyon as you drive towards the tunnel are also exceptional. It’s reportedly the best place to take in the rugged red mountains and verdant green valley. Finally, be sure to stop off at the Canyon Overlook, too. It’s a must-see!

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11. Visit Zion Lodge

When you decide it’s time for a break, have lunch and a cold brew at the Zion Lodge located in the heart of the park. Here you’ll find a great, grassy area with a huge tree in the very center. Enjoy your picnic food while you study the canyon walls.

If the weather turns bad or you simply prefer to eat indoors you can do that too. There’s a cafeteria and a welcoming restaurant complete with an outside deck that overlooks the entire canyon. The outside bar even serves up an interesting IPA from Springdale. If you’ve recharged your batteries, this spot is also where both the Upper and Lower Emerald Trails begin.

12. Junior Rangers Program

If you have kids you will love the Junior Rangers program. Parents in the know claim it’s one of the best family-friendly activities offered there. It’s also a great way for children to make a real connection to the park.

Your kids can complete the activities in the car, during your lunch break and after each day of exploring comes to a close. Some parents claim you can even use this as part of the homeschooling science curriculum (although we have not confirmed that.) It certainly may help enhance your children’s literacy skills.

If you want to involve math then try comparing the height of different peaks there. The bottom line is you need to be sure to visit the Zion Canyon Visitor Center as soon as you get there so that you can pick up Junior Ranger books for your kids. Once your children have completed all the required activities be sure to see one of the rangers there so your kids can get their Junior Ranger badges. They even pledge to take care of our environment. (Who needs Greta?).

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13. Attend a Ranger Talk

Attending a ranger talk is a Junior Ranger badge requirement. It’s also a great chance for everyone to learn a bit more about the local flora and fauna regardless of one’s age. Indeed, one travel blogger stated the lecture on Zion Park’s biodiversity was both interesting and informative. Even if you don’t have kids, you still might wish to learn about ecosystems and life with the park’s different areas.

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