Can kids walk the Narrows?

If you are visiting Zion National Park in the summer with kids who love to hike and who love water then The Narrows is a hike that should be at the very top of your list. Such a great way to beat the intense summer heat, The Narrows is an amazing slot canyon hike that will take your breath away around every turn.



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The Narrows, although a very challenging hike, is absolutely possible with kids. We just did it with our 7, 5, and 2 year old children. Yes, we were outnumbered. No, we are not hiking experts by any means but if WE can do it so can you!

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This took about 2 hours from the start of the Narrows trail. The entire trek, from the start of the Riverside Trail to where we turned around in Wallstreet and then back to the bus stop, took us exactly 6 hours to complete. Now that you know about how to get to the Narrows, let's talk about…

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Can a Beginner do the Zion Narrows Day Hike? Yes, beginner hikers can absolutely do the Zion Narrows day hike! Even if you don't have much hiking experience, you will be perfectly fine hiking the Narrows.

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Permits are required for this 16-mile through-hike of the Virgin River Narrows from Chamberlain's Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava. Those who choose this option must arrange their own transportation to the Chamberlain's Ranch trailhead.

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The Narrows hike is easy-to-moderate. It is easy because there are no steep inclines or declines, and since it is an out-and-back hike, it can be as long or as short as you want it to be.

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In the early spring and late fall months, neoprene socks, pants or bib overalls, or a wetsuit may be necessary to hike in the river.

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Water will get chest-deep in some spots. 150 cfs or greater: The Narrows will be closed, and any slot canyon you ever hike should be avoided at this level. Even if you can handle the intense current, the debris in the water can cause injury or easily knock you over.

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Even at 50 cfs, the water can be up to 5 feet deep in some places, so time your hike for days when the water level is below 50 cfs if you can. Also, check at the visitor center about the possibility of flash-flooding. If there's even a remote chance of flash-flooding, DO NOT HIKE THE NARROWS.

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sneakers are fine for the kids. for Zion and Bryce hiking boots really aren't necessary. Definitely not flip flops to hike in The Narrows. You wouldn't make it to Mystery Falls.

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In our opinion, the youngest age we would recommend is 12 years old, and only if they have lots of hiking experience. Yes, I do know kids that have successfully hiked Angels Landing at a younger age, but they had heaps of prior experience.

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Not really a park for swimming though you can hike in the waters of the Narrows. And there are areas where you maybe don't want to get your head in the water and especially not get it in your nose and mouth due to toxic cyanobacteria.

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Seeing an American Black Bear in Zion National Park is rare but not unheard of. Since bear sightings are so rare each one, even a possible siting, should be reported to park officials. It is important to know the procedure for bear encounters on the off chance that you may see one.

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Angels Landing has been recorded as one of the most dangerous public hikes in the United States. The top of the trail peaks off at a plateau, which is more than 1,000 feet high. But the most dangerous part of the hike involves a skinny land-bridge with a metal chain for guidance.

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The Narrows is a popular hike through the knee-deep Virgin River. Due to cold water temperature and high water levels, the trail is closed in winter and spring. The best time to hike The Narrows is from late May to October, but watch out for summer thunderstorms that can cause deathly flash floods.

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Layers: The temperatures in the Zion Narrows can be much cooler than the rest of the park. In fact, we were surprisingly cold during most of the hike. Your bottoms are definitely going to get wet so we recommend wearing shorts or a bathing suit on the bottom.

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When Is the Best Time to Hike the Narrows? Start early in the morning to watch as the canyon walls light up with the sunrise. We started our hike around 9 AM and the river was mostly shaded thanks to the height of the canyon walls.

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There are also parts of The Narrows where it's deep enough to swim, but we won't be going that far on this trip. The Narrows is 16 miles long and can take up to 12 hours. However, most people do not go that far.

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