Zion Narrows FAQ: Essential Tips and Safety Guide for Hiking The Narrows
If you’ve ever considered a trip to Zion National Park in Utah, you’ve likely heard about the Narrows. This hike is unique because you walk upstream through the water in the bed of the Virgin River between impressively tall sandstone cliffs. It’s a special experience, and it requires careful preparation in order to make the most of your time in the canyon.
Our experienced guides and outfitters field hundreds of questions a day about the Narrows. In this Q&A, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions! If you still have more questions, feel free to give us a call or stop in to Zion Guru in Springdale.
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The water temperature in the Virgin River varies with the seasons. Typically it feels cold because it’s in a deep canyon that gets minimal sun, and can be fed by sources like snowmelt.
At the beginning of the Narrows, there’s an unavoidable deeper section of water, which can be quite cold especially in the morning.
With the right gear, the water temperature is not an issue. At Zion Guru, we have outfitting packages to help you be comfortable at any temperature. In the summer we suggest folks rent our footwear package (special canyoneering boots paired with neoprene socks). In colder seasons, we suggest other packages, such as dry bibs or dry suits, depending on water depth and temperature.
According to Zion National Park, average summer water temperatures range from 56° to 68° Fahrenheit (13° to 20° Celsius). Average spring and fall water temperatures range from 41° to 53° Fahrenheit (5° to 12° Celsius). Average winter water temperatures range from 38° to 45° Fahrenheit (3° to 7° Celsius), and the canyon can form ice.
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Water levels vary throughout the year and with storms — everything from ankle deep to full-on swimming. If you’re hiking from the bottom-up (most common), you’ll encounter the deepest section almost immediately after entering the river.
For most of the year, this short section is around chest deep, and then for the rest of the hike the water depth is typically ankle to knee level.
Sometimes the Narrows are closed for storms and flash floods, where the water can get dangerously deep and fast. You can view the current flow of the river (CFS) at this USGS link, and you can also call Zion Guru to ask about current conditions. There’s a handy flow rate graphic to visualize the different CFS and how it correlates to depth and difficulty on this page.
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Most hikers in the Zion Narrows venture about 3 miles up the canyon, to the junction with Orderville Canyon where a feature called Wall Street starts.
The canyon keeps going for many miles though, so how far you go depends on how much time and endurance you have, and what kind of experience you desire. For the bottom-up hike you are required to turn around at mile 5 (Making it a 10 mile round trip) Remember, however far you hike up, you also have to hike back down!
There is also an option to hike the full Narrows top-down, which is around 16 miles and requires a permit. This is done as either one very long day hike, or more commonly as an overnight (2 day) backpacking trip. We have maps and other information at this link for both bottom-up and top-down options.
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Wall Street (3 miles in) is spectacular. No matter what you choose, there are new things to see at every turn. The further you go, the fewer people you will encounter as well. We suggest you turn around if you feel fatigued or if you’re low on water or food.
The Narrows bottom-up hike can be as long as a 10-mile round-trip or as short as the 2-mile round-trip of the paved Riverside Walk.
To visit Wall Street, hikers must travel at least 6 miles round-trip, 4 miles of which is in and along the Virgin River. But even a brief hike into the river past the Riverside Walk is stunning: a half-mile to Mystery Falls and back is a nice option for young kids and less ambitious day hikers.
If you go too far, you could risk having an unpleasant experience on the way out. Keep an eye on energy levels and the time so you can ensure a safe, fun outing in the Narrows.
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Yes! You will be in the water. There is no way to avoid it in certain sections, especially in particularly narrow spots with sheer walls.
With the right equipment, you can be very comfortable in the water.
You should also be prepared to potentially fall in, as the stream bed is very rocky and even the most agile hikers sometimes fall into the water. Zion Guru can help you be prepared for this during our outfitting orientation.
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Starting earlier rather than later in the day is usually suggested, but it depends on the season.
In the summer, an early start is recommended to beat the heat and crowds.
In the spring and fall, starting later in the morning may be more comfortable to avoid the coldest temperatures.
Remember, you will also have to account for the time to get into Zion Canyon, either by e-bike or shuttle bus, before you can start your hike.
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Boots with good traction that drain water easily are best, such as the Fitwell Chameleon, paired with neoprene socks that can be rented at Zion Guru.
We have a special article all about footwear and shoe options for the Narrows, which explains the necessary features to optimize your experience.
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Yes! Using a sturdy wooden hiking pole can make the Narrows much more pleasant.
The added stability is helpful as you navigate the rocks while wading in the water. We don’t recommend trekking poles because they tend to break and snap in the Narrows.
We have a special article all about walking stick options, and their pros and cons.
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There is a high likelihood of your stuff getting wet in the Narrows.
You can opt to take a regular backpack, as long as you’re ok with the pack getting wet, and you can place valuable items inside a dry bag in the pack.
At Zion Guru, we rent 5-liter dry bags for this option to protect small things like your phone and lunch.
If you don’t want your pack to get wet, or you have more items that need to stay dry, you can rent a 20-liter dry backpack, which has adjustable shoulder straps and a chest buckle. This is often the most popular choice for our guests. This is more commonly needed when it’s cold to keep clothing layers dry.
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It depends on the time of day and season.
With cold mornings, our dry bib package can be nice to keep you dry and warm. Later in the day or with warmer temperatures, you’ll be fine with just our footwear package (boots and neoprene socks).
From late fall through winter into early spring, the cold air and water temps necessitate bibs or dry suits.
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In dry bibs, your feet should stay dry (except for condensation and sweating). You should be dry from your chest to your feet.
We keep our rental fleet updated, in great repair and have about a 95% success rate in keeping our wader users dry. Usually with dry bibs, you don’t wear neoprene socks unless you have circulation issues or run cold — otherwise you can wear normal or merino wool socks.
In dry suits, there are tight latex gaskets at the wrists, and ankles, so you stay dry inside the suit, but your feet get wet. With the dry suit, you’ll wear neoprene socks to keep your feet warm.
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From the Narrows bottom-up, it’s an out and back hike. You have to return the way you came.
From the Narrows top-down, it’s a point to point hike that requires a shuttle.
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The Narrows hike can range from easy to difficult, depending on the distance you walk and the conditions.
Most people go a few miles each direction on relatively flat terrain, with minimal elevation gain.
However, you are walking over basketball-sized boulders that can shift under your feet while fighting a mild current in the water.
The hike can be a bit difficult if you’re unsure of your footing, but it’s not the most strenuous hike, especially if you take it slow.
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This one is subjective!
Many hikers enjoy Mystery Falls right at the start of the hike.
Further up is the classic Wall Street, where towering walls are 1500 feet tall and the river is only 22 feet wide.
The entire canyon is beautiful, so you don’t have to travel to a certain spot to see breathtaking scenery.
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The average Narrows hiker can expect to spend 3-6 hours exploring the canyon. If you add about an hour on each end for shuttling it typically equates to a 5-8 hour experience.
The amount of time needed to hike the Narrows depends on how far you go, how fast you hike, and how often you stop.
The experience is often more enjoyable if you go slowly so you can look at the scenery instead of having to focus more on your foot placements.
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Both are options get you to the trailhead but our guests are always happier that they bypassed shuttle lines and took in more views on an eBike!
For the National Park shuttle, you’ll wait in line at the visitor center, and then catch a bus into the canyon (where passenger vehicles are not allowed for most of the year). On the shuttle bus, you’ll be able to sit comfortably and see some of the views out of the window while learning more information about the park.
The bus runs at regular intervals and stops at predetermined points. Shuttles take about 45 minutes from the visitor center to the Narrows trailhead at the Temple of Sinawava.
There are many perks to riding an e-bike instead. The experience is much more immersive as you feel the canyon air moving past you, with unparalleled views of Zion’s dramatic cliffs. You’re able to stop wherever and whenever you want. You also have more scheduling flexibility — you can access the park anytime, even before or after the shuttle hours of operation. Even if you’ve been into the park before, a bike can give you a whole new perspective. E-biking from Zion Guru all the way to the Temple of Sinawava (where the Narrows trailhead starts) takes 50 to 60 minutes on average.
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Confident hikers can do the Narrows on their own, but many people opt to hire a guide for a variety of reasons. All guided Narrows Tours (Regardless of tour operator) must turn around at the beginning of wall street per National Park rules.
Guides take care of the logistics and will make sure you have all the correct equipment.
Additionally, guides can teach you more about the geology and history of Zion, and they’ll know all of the best spots in the Narrows you may otherwise miss.
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It is best to speak to a local expert when preparing for this hike. Our team of experts will help you make informed decisions based on actual weather data rather than fear based blanket statements. All this will be included in you Narrows orientation.
With that being said, Flash flooding is a serious threat in the Narrows. It’s best to check the weather forecast, and watch for updates and announcements from Zion National Park.
The park will take precautions if rain is expected or flash flooding is likely, and will close the Narrows if needed.
Your safety is your responsibility and you should be aware of current and forecasted conditions. The best way to accomplish this is to visit our store!
Even if you don’t think it’ll rain, it’s good practice in a canyon to look for high ground and dry spots you could go to if the water level were to rise.
Some early signs of an oncoming flash flood include loud noises up-canyon or extra debris floating down the river.
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In the Narrows, it’s best to urinate directly in the water — “dilution is the solution,” as the saying goes.
For #2, please use the bathroom first at the trailhead, and bring “wag-bags” just in case.
There is nowhere to hide or bury poop in the canyon, so you must pack it out in a wag-bag (Available at our store). Leave No Trace!
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No. There is typically no service or GPS available in the Narrows since you’re at the bottom of a deep canyon.
Have everything you may need downloaded to your phone.
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You may see some folks jumping off boulders in the deeper pools, but we don’t recommend it.
It’s not safe because it’s hard to judge water depth, and there may be rocks you didn’t spot hiding underneath.
If you get injured, it is very difficult rescue scenario to get out of the canyon.
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It’s mostly shaded.
Occasionally, specific spots will provide brief sections of sunshine at certain times of day, but you can’t count on it. The initial mile of the trail (the paved River Walk) is mostly in direct sun, so it tends to be the hottest and sunniest section.
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Please do not graffiti or carve the rock.
We all must practice Leave No Trace to protect Zion’s beauty and natural resources.
*Carving your name on walls in Zion National Park is illegal vandalism, punishable by fines up to $5,000 and/or up to six months in prison, plus potential restitution for cleanup costs, which can be thousands of dollars, as this damages natural features and is a federal offense.
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A top-down Narrows hike requires a permit and can be completed in one or two days. Please visit or call our shop to prepare for this hike.
You start at Chamberlain Ranch (the north end of the canyon), which can be tough to get to, so most people pay for a shuttle.
As a single day hike, it’s long and strenuous, with 16 miles of walking mostly in the riverbed.
Most people will split it up into 2 days and camp along the way at designated campsites. You should pack extra clothing layers, and be prepared for the demands of the terrain.
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There is no directional signage beyond the riverside walk.
You will have to navigate on your own or with the help of a guide. During our Narrows outfitting we go through map detail with you in depth.
Familiarize yourself with a Narrows map prior to your hike, and save a photo to your phone. You’re in a narrow canyon, so there’s not many places you could get lost or off course.
There is one major side canyon that is frequently visited (Orderville Canyon, which houses Veiled Falls), so be mindful at the junction, and look at the direction of the flowing water if needed to orient yourself.
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With our footwear package, you’ll have rental boots and neoprene socks. You can wear quick dry pants or shorts. For the top, you should have layers such as a quick dry tank top or T-shirt, sun hoody, wind breaker, and jacket. Having options is helpful since it is cold in the morning, and warm in the afternoon. Hats are also nice, especially for the more exposed first/last mile close to the trailhead on the River Walk.
With the dry bib package, we suggest hiking pants or a base layer (synthetic or merino wool) or synthetic/ merino wool leggings. For the top, a synthetic or merino wool shirt or long sleeve is great, plus jackets depending on the time of year.
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Bring all of the water you will need for the day — usually at least 2 liters per person.
It’s better to have too much just in case so you can avoid dehydration.
You can NOT drink the river water anywhere in Zion due to cyanobacteria and animal waste (it’s still unsafe even when filtered).
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We recommend checking out other adventures in the region such as the Subway or Kanarra Falls.
