Hiking the Narrows for beginners: what you need to know for the best hike in the Zion National Park

Hiking on the outskirts of the world is becoming more accessible and relevant for many tourists. Hike the Narrow is also a very interesting activity, and its popularity is growing worldwide.

What do you need to know when hiking the Narrows?

The Narrows is a challenging and scenic hike located in Zion National Park, Utah. With its towering rock walls and the Virgin River flowing through the narrow canyon, it offers a truly unique experience. Any time of year is a terrific opportunity to explore Zion National Park. Additionally, hiking the narrows for beginners is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day for beginners hiking.

Hiking the Narrows trek should be at the top of your Zion National Park bucket list if you want to visit Zion National Parks there. The “path” known as the Zion Narrows passes through Zion Canyon, the Virgin River, and the Red Grand Canyon cliffs that tower above you.

What is the best month to go hiking in the Narrows for beginners in Zion Canyon?

All seasons are open at Narrows hike. However, the North American monsoon may produce quick afternoon rains that might result in flash floods during the summer months of July and August. It is important to take weather predictions carefully.

If it looks like it could rain, avoid climbing Zion National Park Narrows. With heavy, flowing water, this climb may quickly become a monster. The Narrows for beginners thanks to the National Park Service closes when the water flow surpasses 120 to 150 cubic feet per second.

With the right protection, hiking the Narrows in Zion Canyon during the winter is feasible. You’ll need to wear protective clothing because the weather and the water are both chilly.

From mid-May through September, when the water is at its hottest and the water levels begin to fall following the springtime snowfall, many travelers enjoy visiting the Narrows for beginners.

This indicates that hiking the Narrows for beginners and hiking the Virgin River in the fall would be the best choice. The most consistent months for weather are September, October, and November. And a day hiking the narrows for beginners will be a great decision to start hiking than the overnight hike or overnight trips.

Optimal time of day

The ideal time of day to trek the Narrows is typically early in the morning.

Start as early as you can, especially if you intend to walk the entire nine miles.

You have the best chance of doing the full climb this way and still having time to stop and take in The Narrows. You can start later in the day if you are only planning a portion of the walk. But keep in mind that you will run into more individuals the later you start.

Early morning in the day, temperatures are lower, and the climb is kept sheltered by the amazing canyon walls.

Especially, before 9:00 am, is the finest time of day to trek The Narrows.

How to get to Narrows for beginners?

The nearest international airports to visit Zion National Park are Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah, which is 4.5 hours away, and Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport, which is about 3 hours away in Nevada. In St. Petersburg, there are a few tiny regional airports. Utah’s Cedar City and George.

Always check the NPS website to confirm when Zion National Park is usually closed to private cars.

Take the shuttle to Sinawava Temple, which is the last stop on the route, and it will take you there in around 45 minutes. Simply show up and go; no reservations, prepayment, or tickets are needed to use the shuttle.

To enter the hiking trails in the park, you must pay a charge. It’s a mile walk along the Virgin River to the Narrows from the shuttle stop near the Sinawava Temple. You must walk the final mile before getting back on the shuttle because it is one mile one way.

It is a lengthy walk from the park if you miss the final bus, so be aware of the shuttle service, where you can have their schedules. Everything you need to know about the shuttles is available here. Start your day at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, close to the park’s south gate, to go to the trailhead for the Narrows lower path.

Only buses are permitted on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive in the spring, summer, and fall. Due to this, you will need to drive all the way to Stop No. 9, Sinawava Temple, using the shuttle.

Attractions in Narrows hike

Distances at The Narrows are based on walking up the Virgin River in a straight line. However, The Narrows for beginners requires you to cross the river upstream, extending the entire distance. The distances in this case are thus based on a more realistic zigzag pattern rather than a straight line.

They are frequently used by individuals to plan their next turn on hiking the Narrows for beginners. While trekking The Narrows, you can run upon a few well-known sights.

Unknown Waterfall

While hiking the Narrows, Mystery Falls is the first thing you’ll see. This is a little waterfall that empties into the Virgin River as it cascades down the canyon walls. You could miss this if you’re not paying attention.

Only a half-mile walk will be required to reach Mystery Falls from the canyon’s entrance. The round-trip distance of the trek from the Sinawawa Temple route to the Mysterious Falls is around three miles.

For individuals who are raising small children, this is a crucial turning point!

Wall Street

The Narrows’ Wall Street is arguably its most well-known and famous section. It starts right after the Orderville Canyon Crossing and is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon.

When the canyon walls become thin, and you can only walk in the water, you will have arrived at Wall Street. After Wall Street, there is no more height; thus it is crucial to stay alert for flash floods.

The beginning of Wall Street is around three miles from Sinawava Temple, making the entire journey a total of six miles. Many individuals start to turn around on Wall Street. Wall Street is a good point.

Orderville Canyon

Orderville Canyon is distanced from the main Narrows walk. For beginner hikers, Orderville Canyon, the amazing little sister of the well-known Zion Narrows for beginners, is a fantastic day hike with some technical terrain.

At the start of Wall Street, on the right side, is where this canyon starts. The Veiled Falls are located about a half-mile from the canyon. Most hikers return to the main trail at this little waterfall since continuing is challenging and risky.

What Narrow trek should I do?

Upwards

Walking to Big Springs out and back hike from the shuttle station at Sinawawa Temple. You don’t need special permission to climb up to Big Springs where a significant Comanche trading route that reached as far south as Mexico City and even Honduras took place. Big Springs spanned parts of Iowa, Wyoming, and Idaho.

Narrows bottom-up

From the Chamberlain Ranch, a strenuous overnight climb or lengthy day backpacking trip descends to the Narrows for beginners. It could be challenging to obtain permits, so make arrangements for transfers.

Wall Street from the Narrows bottom-up

The entire trail it’s the “greatest” trek, skipping the deepest water and taking you to all the spots to hike the Narrows.

Up from the base to the enigmatic waterfall

Go to Mystery Falls, which will lead you to a river with lovely scenery nearby, if all you want to do is attempt the Narrows.

Riverfront stroll

Take the paved Riverside walk trail from the bus stop to try The Narrows without having to cross the river. Without doing any extra action, you may observe high cliffs and stunning canyon landscapes.

The Narrows hiking warnings in Zion National Park

The risk of flash flooding makes this day or overnight trip extremely perilous. Be sure to check the weather forecast the day before your trip, make sure that it won’t rain, and ask the visitor center if there are any flash flood alerts because flow rates and conditions in the canyon may change very fast.

It’s important to pay close attention to this since flash flooding at The Narrows hike has claimed the lives of tourists. The Virgin River’s hazardous cyanobacteria blooms are still being monitored by Zion National Park.

At this time, travelers are advised not to swim or put their heads under the water. Since drinking water cannot be screened, all drinking water will have to be allowed in.

Additionally, be aware of the time of sunset before you leave and allow extra time for your return trip. Without taking into account irritable kids, hiking the Narrows for beginners downstream should take half as long as a day hike upstream.

It can be extremely dangerous to hike the Narrows after dark, so allow enough time to exit and bring a backup headlight just in case.

Negotiation advice

You have no navigational issues, which is wonderful news. Simply strolling beside the river. Big Springs is reachable on foot without a permit.

The map will lead you to the floating rock that can be useful to hike the Narrows, which is next to a little raised space ideal for sitting and enjoying a snack in the Wall Street neighborhood.

Your gear for trekking through the Narrows of the Zion Canyon

It’s commonly said that climbing the Narrows is like trying to walk on slick bowling balls. Getting the proper equipment is crucial because this may be quite challenging depending on the current and depth of the water.

It’s entirely OK if you want to use your equipment instead of renting any. You may either bring your gear or rent it from a nearby outfitter. You can need more or fewer items for a pleasant ride, depending on the season. From mid-May to 1 October, dry suits are advised.

Check out Zion Guru or Zion Adventures, among other places, if you’re looking for nearby businesses that rent out equipment.

All year round, there are just two necessities for safety; everything else is a matter of comfort and personal choice.

Two things are necessary:

Hiking shoes

Opt for a pair of shoes with a sturdy bottom that is not overly bulky. To prevent slippage, you will want a surface with some traction.

Walking stick

Is a hiking stick necessary? Before starting hiking the Narrows for beginners, many backpackers ask themselves this question. If you frequently hike the Narrows, you have undoubtedly encountered several hikers and backpackers who are carrying a set of hiking poles.

To aid with balance maintenance, a walking stick or hiking stick is required. If you simply have a hiking stick, they will still work, although a sturdy wooden pole typically works better.

What should you wear to walk narrow?

Choosing what to wear when hiking It might be challenging to navigate the Narrows since you don’t want to get wet and chilly.

Wear lightweight, quick-drying clothing to be more comfortable in case you fall or dive deeper.

A year-round need is a closed-toe footwear

This can refer to hiking or canyoneering boots, keens closed-toe sandals, or sports footwear. When the water is cooler, you might require light boots with neoprene stockings. Hiking the Narrows for beginners may be a new experience and to hike the narrows they should be able to Keynes in the middle of June, and it’s OK.

For a Narrows hike should stay in tight, non-dripping canyoneering boots. Large submerged rocks must be navigated with a firm, closed toe.

Neoprene socks

Your feet will be shielded from the cold water by these neoprene socks. If the water is cool, it should be 7 mm, but if the water is warm, it should be 4-5 mm. Using neoprene socks while hiking in muddy terrain or when on a riverside walk trail can keep your feet dry.

Pants or shorts

In the summer, most people opt to wear shorts, but we preferred to add a little more warmth with yoga leggings for a riverside walk.

Nylon dry suit

Any time of the year is fantastic, but the colder months offer added warmth. Sometimes the purchase may be cheaper than the rent if you are unable to locate the child’s rent.

Long-sleeved shirts that quickly dry

After discovering the ideal clothing for warmth in the early morning when they get wet and dry rapidly is sunscreen or a long-sleeved swimsuit, cause sun protection is a very important thing for hiking the Narrows for beginners. Carry one and, after you cool off, take a dry backup with you in the box the entire hike.

Moist backpack

Transporting food, dry clothing, and other necessities requires this hiking the Narrows. Since it’s a good idea to prepare for your pack being wet, we believe roll tops work best for keeping items genuinely waterproof and you can don’t dry bag, this point for beginners hiking. Double garage bags over a backpack can be used in a pinch for hiking the Narrows.

Layers

Since you’ll be in the canyon, temperatures there will be cooler than in other parts of the park. Pack extra layers you can take off or put on as needed to stay warm or cool.

Sun protection

Even though most of the trek will be spent in the canyon under shade from the sun, there are still some exposed areas, so cover up or put on sunscreen the entire hike for beginners hiking.

Best shoes for hiking the Narrows

When it comes to hiking the Narrows for the first time, beginners often wonder what gear they need, especially the best shoes to hike the Narrows.

The Narrows is a hike that takes you through the Virgin River, and the water can be ankle-deep or even waist-deep, depending on the time of year. To navigate these conditions, hikers require footwear that provides excellent traction, comfort, and water resistance. Hiking in water for a substantial portion of the trail requires appropriate footwear.

For beginners, the top recommendation for hiking the Narrows is a pair of sturdy and waterproof hiking boots or water shoes. These options offer the necessary ankle support, durability, and waterproofing required to tackle the varying terrains and water levels of the Narrows.

They are made with quick-drying materials and have excellent drainage, allowing hikers to comfortably traverse through the river and sections of slippery rocks. Water shoes are lightweight and flexible, providing the necessary agility to navigate the uneven terrain of the Narrows.

Look for boots that feature a non-slip outsole, a supportive midsole, and a waterproof upper to keep your feet dry and protected throughout the hike.

Where to stay when visiting Zion National Park?

Because there are so few accommodations in the park, reservations must be made at least a year in advance.

The lone hotel in the park is Zion Lodge. It is open all year long and offers a variety of lodging options, including cabins, hotel rooms, and suites.

The most practical choice is Zion Lodge, which can be reached on foot from the Temple of Sinawava shuttle station and will spare you a 45-minute shuttle journey each way. There is no other lodging available in Zion, also Bryce National Parks.

Another excellent choice is vacation rentals, and Springdale, Utah is close to the park’s south gate. You can find hotels in Springdale entire hiking the Narrows for beginners.

There are three campgrounds in Zion National Park. Lava Point Campground is roughly an hour’s drive away from Zion Canyon on Kolob Terrace Road, while South and Watchman Campgrounds are located inside Zion Canyon. The South and Watchman Campgrounds both require reservations.

Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah, which is conveniently situated just at the entrance, is the ideal spot to unwind. Between Zion and Bryce National Parks, near Glendale, is Springdale, which has container houses.

Advice on how to visit Zion National Park

Prepare for the crowd by arriving early. Don’t anticipate being the only one in Zion because it is quite crowded all year long!

Bring sunblock with you. Always use sunscreen, sunglasses, and at the absolute least a sun hat since this sun may get quite hot and cause you to burn rapidly.

Typically, the shuttle season lasts from March until November. You are not permitted to park your vehicle on the main parking road during this period.

Rarely do cell phones function. Don’t expect to call for park service because it is remote and limited!

Ahead of time, download the maps. Prepare your offline maps, whether they are from Google Maps, All Trails, or another app.

Transfer bus advice

The bus line can get quite backed up during peak travel times. Before downloading, you might have to wait up to an hour.

To avoid as many queues as possible, I advise arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

The visitor center’s first bus departs at 7:00 AM, while the final shuttle departs at 5:00 PM.

At 19:15, the last shuttle departs from the Sinawava Temple.

It will take about 45 minutes to get from Zion Canyon Visitor Center to Sinawava Temple.

FAQ

There are a lot of questions when it comes to hiking The Narrows for beginners. The answers to them will be presented below.

Results

Every outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list should include the incredible Narrows walk.

You simply can’t miss it while visiting Zion National Park since it offers both wonderful vistas and a distinctive experience.

And while this is fantastic hiking the Narrows for those with the greatest degree of skill, it is also feasible to take kids on a hike the Narrows while being as prepared and knowledgeable as possible about the narrows in Zion Canyon.

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