Is it better to hike the Narrows in the morning or afternoon?
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.
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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.
Turn around when you have had your fill. Continuing up the Zion Narrows, the canyon remains dark and impressive with no high ground to climb up to in the event of the thunderstorm or flash flood. Most hikers will continue hiking up through this section and then turn around when the scenery mellows out a bit.
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.
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.
The morning is the best time of day to hike the Narrows if you plan on doing the whole trail. 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.
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.
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.
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.
This section is known as Wall Street. The canyon walls can be just 30 feet wide. TURNAROUND POINT: Some people chose to go as far as Wall Street and then turn around, making it a six-mile round trip hike. If you have the energy to see it, it's well worth the effort.
Seasonally the Narrows may close due to floods or snowmelt. When the water is above 150 CFS the Park closes the narrows for up to 24 hours until it falls below 150 CFS.
Prior to your hike, stop at the visitor center to check the water levels. If the water levels are above 75 cubic feet per-second (cfs), DO NOT HIKE THE NARROWS.
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.
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.
Waterproof protection is especially important if you plan to carry a camera on your hike. Though it is not expected that your backpack will be submerged during your hike it can happen! Having the proper protection for your equipment will provide peace of mind during your experience in the Narrows!
The best Nike hiking shoes differ from hiking boots in that they're much more lightweight and breathable. Nike shoes in general are known for their supreme cushioning and flexibility, making them excellent for fast hiking. They're also easier to pack than boots and don't need to be broken in before wear.