The Narrows in Zion National Park

Day 1: Preparing

Get your Gear

Zion Outfitter is situated just before the boundary of the park. You can cross by foot into the park from their parking lot. However, if you are planning to leave your car for anything more than renting equipment you need to pay to park. 

Their website details the gear that you will need for the Narrows hike. It varies depending on the time of year/temperature. We ended up renting some very colorful shoes, socks, and a big stick.

Enter the Park

It costs $35 per vehicle to enter Zion. It costs the same to enter Bryce. I highly recommend purchasing an Annual Interagency Pass for $80. You can purchase as you enter the park, or just have it ready at the guard station.

The way that the guard station in Springdale is situated makes it just as easy to cross into the park by foot, and get onto the shuttle system right away. This is a good option to leave your car at your hotel because parking is limited in Zion.

Know the shuttle schedule

There is a very convenient shuttle system within Zion NP. In fact, there are many areas that are only accessible by shuttle, including the Narrows Hike. The first shuttle should be at 6:00am or 7:00 depending on the season. There’s no reason why you NEED to be on the first bus. It’s not a long hike, and you have plenty of time to enjoy at your leisure but it is crowded! So if you value having some serenity and peace before the crowds rush in then I would aim for the first few shuttles. There’s no way to get lost once you are on the Shuttle. Everything is clearly marked and frequently announced.

Safety First

Check the flow of the river and any known projections for rainfall. Flash flooding is deadly serious. Do not enter without reading any posted safety instructions. There are flash flooding forecasts available.

Review the Zion Narrows Safety website from the NPS. Watch for these indications of a possible flash flood:
• Any deterioration in weather conditions
• Build up of clouds or sounds of thunder
• Sudden changes in water clarity from clear to muddy
• Floating debris
• Rising water levels or stronger currents
• Increasing roar of water up canyon

If Flash Flooding occurs seek higher ground immediately and stay until the water recedes, even if that means unexpectedly staying overnight.

You do not need a permit to hike bottom up.

Day 2: The Narrows

The Riverside Walk

This hike will begin your day. It is known as The Riverside Walk in Zion, also referred to as The Gateway to the Narrows.

This hike is very short, mostly paved, with very little elevation gain. I believe that it is also handicap accessible. Usually you can see deer or other wildlife during this hike, especially in the early morning. It features a really cool weeping wall.

The trouble with this trail, is that it’s awesome, and easy, and crowded. If you have food in your pack, guard it very carefully, as the squirrels are very bold.

Entering the Virgin River

The water is cold, but if you keep moving you stay warm enough. The walls tower over you so that you are always in shadow. This makes it so you can’t see the water below you. You never know if you will place you foot on sand, or bump your calves into the boulders. The current varies, and balance requires a bit of mental energy. I lost my footing a few times and splashed into the water. Might as well just laugh. One sturdy pole was provided and it worked better than having two. As you ascend further there is less and less opportunity to get your footing anywhere above the water.

House Rock

Orderville Canyon

We did do that detour on the right-hand side to climb into Orderville Canyon. You reach a small waterfall when signage that asks you not to go further. It was nice to climb out of the water for a bit, but it was also a lot brighter and hotter. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen. The junction where you can detour into Orderville Canyon is considered the beginning of Wall Street.

Wall Street

Wall Street is the section of the Zion Narrows where you have an extended period of being away from any high ground. You just walk through the water. This is also where you will want to be most alert to changing weather conditions, or currents. And sometimes the water is deep.

The Turnback Point

How far did we go? I don’t know the answer. I think we got through Wall Street, but not as far as the Boulder Pair.  I got 25K steps that day, and went a total of 11 miles according to my fitbit, but I wear it all day and night long.