James Barrow

Lead Technical & Scenic Hiking Guide (He/Him)

A person wearing a red jacket, black helmet, and climbing gear, is maintaining space within a narrow sandstone canyon wall, attaching or inspecting climbing equipment.

I grew up in Keene, New Hampshire getting lost in the woods and racing mountain bikes. I have always had my excitement fueled by adventure and physically testing myself.

Attracted to a change in scenery, In 2017, I found myself in Southwest Utah where I was exposed to the art of bigwall rock climbing. Even with a fear of heights, it drew me in as something to push myself.

Since then I have dedicated much of my free time to the mountains and the freeing feel of adventure to remote locations. Now I spend my time dedicated between 3 things: adventure, motorcycles, and being a good father.

I can only hope to share and inspire others to live full lives.

Guided Tours

Experience Zion first-hand through private, custom-tailored trips with local, expert, professional guides.

Group of people canyoning in a narrow, sandy slot canyon wearing helmets and backpacks.

CANYONEERING
Hike, swim, climb & rappel thru canyons.

HIKING
Explore with an local expert naturalist.

Cyclists on curved road in national park with trees and cliffs

BIKING
360 views cruising thru Zion Canyon.

A bighorn sheep lamb standing on a rocky slope.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Learn to capture the beauty you see.

Person rock climbing on a steep rocky surface wearing safety gear, including a blue helmet and harness, with orange rope assistance.

ROCK CLIMBING
Scale sandstone cliffs in gorgeous settings.

DRIVING
Drive to epic viewpoints and hear the tales.

NARROWS
River slot canyon hiking with an expert.

BRYCE CANYON
Hoodoos and Spires in natures red rock cathedral.

The Zion
Narrows

A river hike up a 1000-ft deep desert canyon, the Narrows is the most sought-after hike in the American West. We’ll help you make the most of your Narrows visit.

Three children standing in a shallow river holding walking sticks, surrounded by canyon walls and lush greenery.

ZION NARROWS 101
A free tutorial on one of the top 10 hikes on Earth.

Two men wearing waders and holding walking sticks stand in a shallow river with a rocky and tree-lined background.

NARROWS GEAR RENTALS
Gear to make your Narrows hike safer & more comfortable.

Four people in outdoor gear standing in a river between a canyon with steep, rocky walls, smiling and holding paddles.

GUIDED NARROWS TOURS
Join a local naturalist guide for a private, interpretative hike.

Rental Gear

High-quality, well-maintained gear to make the most of your Zion visit.

Three people riding e-bikes on a scenic road with towering rock cliffs and green trees, all wearing helmets and sunglasses.

E-BIKES
360-degree views, independence & flexible travel with e-bikes!

Person rappelling down a rock face in a canyon, wearing a helmet and backpack, smiling, with climbing gear.

ZION NARROWS GEAR
Gear to enhance your Narrows hike. More comfortable = more fun!

Person in a pink inflatable kayak paddling on a river, wearing a helmet and sunglasses, with other kayakers in the background and trees on the riverbank.

PACKRAFT RENTAL
Catch the rare flows of the Virgin River

Person wading through a river with a wooden stick, wearing sunglasses and a backpack, surrounded by rocky canyon walls.

CANYONEERING GEAR
Everything you need for self-guided technical slot canyon descents.

Ebikes

Fast, fun & flexible, e-bikes are the best way to get around Springdale and Zion Canyon.

Cyclists on a bridge in a scenic outdoor setting with mountains and trees.

RENT AN E-BIKE
360-degree views, independence & flexible travel with e-bikes!

Person riding an electric bike on a scenic path with mountains in the background.

GUIDED ZION CANYON E-BIKES TOURS
360-degree views, independence & flexible travel with e-bikes!

Wellness

Integrate your Zion visit with your body, mind and spirit. Join us at our SkyDeck or on a guided hiking adventure.

Three people practicing yoga on a rooftop with an expansive view of desert mountains in the background, under a clear blue sky.

WELLNESS CLASSES
Drop in for a class or workshop.

Outdoor yoga class with instructor and participants on mats, with a scenic mountain backdrop at sunset.

PRIVATE YOGA CLASSES
Plan a Private Skydeck Class.

Group of people practicing yoga outdoors with hands raised, surrounded by a rocky landscape and mountains in the background.

GUIDED YOGA HIKES
Combine gorgeous destination hiking with an engaging yoga session.

People participating in a yoga class in a spacious, sunlit room with large windows and wooden ceiling, practicing seated stretches with arms extended.

RETREATS
Active nature retreats combine yoga, qigong, meditation, hiking & mantra.

Zion
info

Helpful information to help you plan, organize & understand all Zion offers.

Scenic view of red rock cliffs at sunset in Zion National Park with trees in the foreground.

ZION HIKING TRAIL GUIDE
Detailed descriptions of Zion’s hiking trails to help you choose.

People hiking through a narrow slot canyon with towering rock walls and a shallow stream.

ZION NPS PERMIT GUIDE
Your guide to navigating Zion NPS regulations for hiking trails & canyon adventures

Person canyoneering, wearing a helmet and harness, smiling while ascending a rock face with climbing gear and ropes.

WHAT TO BRING
Our recommendations for what to pack, tailored to your planned adventures.

Modern house with large windows and outdoor seating, set against a mountain backdrop at dusk.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Nama-stay offers guest lodging in Springdale, minutes from Zion.

About Zion Guru

Our amazing team helps find the Guru within you. Meet our team members and see space where we answer your questions and prepare you for a fantastic Zion experience.

Person smiling in a narrow rocky canyon, wearing a blue and red puffer vest.

OUR TEAM
Meet Our Team
Become a Guru

Zion Guru sign advertising tours, Narrows hikes, and eBikes; people in helmets with bikes; trees and buildings in the background.

OUR POLICIES
Cancellations
Trip & Rental Waivers

Family wearing helmets and harnesses in a slot canyon, smiling for a photo. They are surrounded by tall, narrow rock walls.

VISIT US IN SPRINGDALE
New Location
Gift Cards
Outdoor Clothing & Gear
Parking at Guru Zion Guru Blog