Can you wear shorts in the Narrows?

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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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.

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Wear Quick-Dry Clothes, Preferably Shorts You will get wet on The Narrows hike, and it's best if your clothing can dry quickly. During hot weather, I recommend wearing shorts made of a quick-drying fabric. In chilly weather, dry pants are recommended.

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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.

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Winter: A neoprene wetsuit or dry suit with warm layers may be needed. Average winter water temperatures range from 38° to 45° Fahrenheit (3° to 7° Celsius).

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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.

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At the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop, there are water fill stations and bathrooms. Make sure to use the restrooms here. If you do need to go pee in The Narrows it is better to do it in the water than on the shore. If you need to go #2 while in The Narrows you MUST pack it out.

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The Narrows is much cooler than Zion Canyon. Pack gear in waterproof bags. Use the restroom at the Riverside Trailhead before hiking. There are no toilets in the Narrows.

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Best time of day to hike the Narrows If you are only looking to do a small portion of the Narrows, then we recommend visiting in the late afternoon when it has warmed up a bit. The big rush tends to be in the morning as the people who want to hike the furthest start early.

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DRINKING WATER: Virgin River water in the Zion Narrows is not safe to drink untreated. Either carry all the water you will need or bring a water filter (removes bacteria and protozoan cysts like Giardia from contaminated water) or purifier (a purifier also removes viruses).

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

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Outfitter stores, such as Zion Outfitter, in the gateway town of Springdale, rent shoes, socks, and walking sticks. In the winter, they rent waders. We've seen plenty of people without the rented gear doing the hike, so it's not necessary. However, I think it is super helpful and I definitely recommend it.

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Sixteen mile trips through the Virgin River Narrows, from Chamberlain's Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava, can be done as a very long single-day hiking trip, or as a single overnight backpacking trip. Multi-night backpacking trips through the Virgin River Narrows are not permitted.

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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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The Bottom-Up Route is Perfect if: You have no desire to hike 16 miles. You are hiking with kids. You want to experience the Narrows but only want to hike a few miles. It's late in the year, the water is cold, and there is limited daylight, so you do not have enough time to hike from the top-down.

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