Zion Narrows River Hike Review: Tips & Guide

You know, hiking the Zion Narrows is almost more like wading and swimming, too it’s such a cool experience in Zion National Park! That is, if you’re ready to get wet, and you very much should be, the payoff is huge. It’s arguably one of the most talked-about hikes and deservedly so in the whole park, or, for that matter, the United States. Think slot canyons so tall, you nearly feel like you could get lost in its grandeur, cool water rushing around you, and some good exercise. This review is so you can see what it really takes to prep, what to realistically expect while hiking, and how to get the most out of every step – splash! – of the way.

What Makes the Narrows Special

Frankly, it’s more than just a hike; it is that, yet it’s very much an adventure right through the Virgin River! Actually, imagine towering sandstone walls that have naturally curved, created, frankly over thousands of years by the consistent flow of water. This forms one narrow canyon and very stunning sight. It is that, so it’s a complete contrast to the park’s more familiar trails that climb to observation points above. As I was saying, here, you’re literally right in it, experiencing everything in the deep inside of the canyon itself. So, hiking, or should I say wading the Narrows is really the draw for nature lovers and photographers as well as, clearly, folks wanting some different thrills, just because, let’s face it, who wouldn’t enjoy hiking right in the middle of a river?

Planning Your Hike: Permits, Timing, and Routes

Of course, some bits of hiking the Narrows need a bit of strategizing; arguably the time of year being important and, indeed, whether you need a permit. Basically, if you’re planning to hike from the top down or any bit of the Narrows past Orderville Canyon, then you probably should secure a permit; places get restricted and are understandably competitive to reserve. If it’s just the popular Bottom-Up hike, that, by the way, begins at the Temple of Sinawava, there are seemingly no permits necessary. The best windows typically often tend to be summer and early fall since the water levels happen to be lower and the temps more tolerable. It is that, yet keep a watch for flash flood warnings, too – the canyon is really, really susceptible and conditions can go south quickly. Routes do vary in difficulty. So the Bottom-Up hike, as a matter of fact to Mystery Falls and back, typically could be more manageable for those newer to river hiking and frankly, families too, while the entire Top-Down route is clearly a physical and logistically hard challenge that would require backpacking skills, a special level of pre-planning and an understanding of back country.

Essential Gear for the Narrows

Clearly, packing the right things could impact if your experience would be pleasant and, actually safe. So you would really want to have proper footwear. Anyway, canyoning shoes, waterproof hiking boots are really nice, that’s when paired with neoprene socks just because they’ll help guard your feet from the rocks and really help fend off the cold. You could probably rent shoes and a hiking stick as well just outside of Zion’s entrance in Springdale. I mean, trekking poles do wonders! They are clearly important for keeping your balance on river rocks. You might be wondering, so what about clothing? Alright, layers are actually vital because you’re probably gonna experience varying conditions throughout your hike, as I was saying. Moisture-wicking clothes could easily keep you pretty comfy; yet it may be smart, particularly in chillier months, to consider wearing thermal underwear. And just because you could never be too safe in water, a waterproof backpack and dry bags should obviously keep all your stuff well protected. Finally, don’t you dare leave without sunscreen, hats, and polarized sunglasses. Actually, the sun bouncing off canyon walls and water could be deceiving.

Hiking the Narrows: What to Expect

Honesty, the hike mostly happens in the water, just because that’s where the “trail” very much is. The water levels will sometimes be around ankle-deep but that might go up to waist-deep and beyond when its coming up on the bends. And yes, expect a bit of current to move you a little here and there. Frankly, footing might sometimes be slick because of algae and rocks; take careful steps and utilize your walking stick. Keep alert for potential flash flood dangers at any given moment. Obviously, even if the sun is clearly shining at the moment, storms far off might easily trigger surges down in the canyon. Listen closely very closely for any warnings from other hikers or park authorities. Appreciate the beauty all surrounding! As a matter of fact, glance up at the sky-high, stunningly vertical walls, scout for hanging gardens, and soak everything you’re taking in because that really is something unique in hiking that’s rare anywhere else. It might be a great idea just to simply have a camera handy – protected in your dry bag, so you could seize all those cool moments and grand views along your trip.

Respecting the Environment

It’s worth remembering so this slice of paradise will, with little effort, remain an outdoor gem for everyone. Actually, stick very closely to the Leave No Trace policies: Pack out completely everything you take with you. If there is any trash or waste you make, you must grab that as well. And as a matter of fact, stay directly inside the river to help ward off impacts upon delicate banks. Don’t go feeding local wildlife or maybe even approach it! These creatures really should maintain natural foraging habits and keep fear of humankind, to a point. Lastly, and to be clear, bathroom business goes, but human waste might very well affect the quality of the water within the canyon. Okay, now let’s get graphic but let’s not mess around when public sanitation is in order: Every visitor really ought to be carrying a “pack-out bag,” simply meaning portable toilets or even Wag Bags (Waste Alleviation and Gelling) available for purchasing in local outfitting stores that way all solid waste may simply and appropriately be taken outside of canyon location and kept free from nature. No, nature isn’t my toilet!

More Zion Adventures

The cool thing about Zion just happens to be that Zion is way more than its narrows, there is that too. As a matter of fact you should very much spend an extra day checking around just because hiking trails for practically every level can be found there, as I was saying. From those peaceful strolls actually found near the Virgin River as well as so, of course, Angel’s Landing’s chain section if you have the nerve; the adventure may keep rolling along to other spots! It’s really nice to plan that because it makes things full, you’ll never be sorry. What? After the narrows you are likely tuckered out! Still, if you can it’s great! So, naturally, the Observation Point Trail as a matter of fact should likely reward the serious hiker with expansive vistas, I am saying alllll you did. Meanwhile, just because you may be the kind that wants it quieter, a path at East Mesa that heads off to Observation Point avoids some ascent; that would also be fun! Maybe your a casual adventurer and would love something more gentle, but maybe, honestly, you wish to discover even more about your travels with horses? Anyway Canyon Trail Rides, as I was saying, may probably very well take a chance along, what? Yep, the East Zion corridor! I am getting tuckered out just writing that stuff down.

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