Is October too cold 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 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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October is a wonderful time to spend outdoors enjoying Zion National Park. Daytime temperatures will likely drop into the pleasant zone, and you'll be there for the start of fall foliage season depending on the elevation.

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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.

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The Narrows is located in the narrowest part of Zion Canyon and the Virgin River that runs through the canyon is the trail for the hike. You can hike the trail year-round, but due to the chilly water conditions in the winter, you will find less people than you would in the summer.

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

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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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The Narrows is fantastic in September when the temperature is still warm enough to enjoy being in the water. Make sure to check online or at the visitor center for a flash flood advisories, however, because the Narrows is very prone to them during monsoon season.

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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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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.

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