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Can you hike the Narrows in late October?

Water flow permitting, the Narrows is open all year round. If you chose to hike the Narrows when it's cold (late fall, winter, or early spring), it's important to have the right gear to prevent hypothermia and other ill effects due to cold.



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In my opinion, September and October are the best months to hike the Zion Narrows. If you plan to do this as a day hike from the top-down, doing this before September 30 gives you about 13 to 14 hours to hike the route, allowing for drop-off time at Chamberlain's Ranch and the last shuttle of the day at 9:15 pm.

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Best Time to Hike the Narrows October is a gorgeous time to hike the Narrows. The later you get in the month, the better the fall colors will be and you will share the canyon with just a few other people. But you also have to take into account shorter days, colder temperatures, and the reduced Zion shuttle schedule.

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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. Average spring and fall water temperatures range from 41° to 53° Fahrenheit (5° to 12° Celsius). Winter: A neoprene wetsuit or dry suit with warm layers may be needed.

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However, October is a wonderful time of the year to go on a hike in Zion National Park with trails ranging from easy to strenuous that all give you the chance to experience the best of Zion from amazing vantage points.

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WINTER: NOVEMBER 1 - MARCH 15 Winter is a great time to visit the Zion Narrows, though specialized equipment is required to stay warm.

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The hiking season for the Zion Narrows is typically summer and autumn, but the start of the season is controlled by the spring runoff and water levels. The Zion Narrows is typically closed to hiking between mid-March and late May, depending on how much snow fell on the high country in winter.

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Best time of day to hike the Narrows The big rush tends to be in the morning as the people who want to hike the furthest start early. By the afternoon, the lower sections are quieter and warmer, which makes for a more enjoyable hike.

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Tips for Hiking The Narrows in the Winter:
  1. Make sure to pay attention to the current weather conditions. ...
  2. Start your hike as early in the morning as possible. ...
  3. Bring plenty of water and snacks. ...
  4. If you are hiking in the winter, renting a dry suit is a good idea. ...
  5. Wear layers both under/and over the dry suit.


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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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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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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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If you are planning to hike the Narrows from the bottom up—starting at Temple of Sinewava, you do not need to obtain a permit. However, if you are hiking from the top down, either as a day hike or an overnight trip, you will need a permit.

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Winter = 40-45 degrees. Spring = 45-55 degrees.

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