Best time to hike the NarrowsSummer: Zion sees increased visitation from June through September, so this is the most popular time to hike the Narrows, but it's also the most crowded. July-September has the highest flash flood potential.
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Most people hike The Narrows in the summer and early fall when the water tends to be at its warmest and the water level drops. However, life-threatening flash floods are possible at any time and are common during the monsoon season.
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.
Best time of day to hike the NarrowsThe 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.
Planning for Your Zion TripThere are certain times of the year when flash floods are more likely to occur. Monsoon season, which runs from mid-July to mid-September, is when flash floods have the highest probability of occurring.
For a trek deep into the narrows or a through hike I'd say rent the water hiking shoes from one of the outfitters. We choose the boot/sock/walking stick option and it turned out to be a great choice for us. The water came up to mid-thigh and was very muddy so you couldn't see where you were walking.
In general, most adults with a moderate fitness level will be fine and enjoy this activity. So if you're a beginner wanting to do the Zion Narrows day hike, don't worry! It can seem intimidating, but so long as you don't have difficulties getting around on a typical hike, you will be fine.
Dry pants or dry suit — the river can be very cold in the fall, winter, and spring, so you'll need extra gear if you plan on hiking during those seasons. If the water is cold, make sure you choose an outfitter that provides thicker neoprene socks and high-quality dry pants that won't leak through.
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.
Best Time to Visit Zion National Park for Smaller CrowdsIf you have the flexibility, making the trip during the park's off-peak months of October through March means less crowded hiking trails and fewer view-blocking selfie sticks. If you're looking for a really quiet escape, January is the best time to visit.
The Narrows stretches for 16 miles but that's if you hike top-down. Most people hike between 2-6 hours on the Narrows hike when starting at the bottom (~6 miles round trip). Since the Narrows hike is an in-and-out trail, whatever mileage and time you put in hiking in, you have to do out.
If you have a spare camera, you might consider bringing it along instead of your main one. Although I brought my main camera, there were a few times that I would have preferred a backup instead. In terms of equipment, the most important gear to bring is a wide-angle lens.
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.