What is the difficulty of hiking the Narrows in Zion?
The Narrows hike is easy-to-moderate. It is easy because there are no steep inclines or declines, and since it is an out-and-back hike, it can be as long or as short as you want it to be.
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The Narrows and Keyhole CanyonWhile not dangerous on a normal, dry day, they can become deadly in only a matter of seconds if it begins to rain. Flash floods can fill the canyons, washing hikers and debris downstream and making it almost impossible to escape.
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.
Permits are required for this 16-mile through-hike of the Virgin River Narrows from Chamberlain's Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava. Those who choose this option must arrange their own transportation to the Chamberlain's Ranch trailhead.
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.
There are three essential pieces of gear for hiking the Narrows: waterproof boots, neoprene socks, and a walking stick. If the water levels are high, you may need more than this, but your equipment rental store will help you with this.
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.
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.
For experienced backpackers, doing the Zion Narrows hike in its entirety makes for a very nice one-night backpack trip. Most times of year, you won't even need a tent! Since you are staying overnight in the canyon, the weather forecast must be stable, with no chance of storms/flooding.
Angels Landing has been recorded as one of the most dangerous public hikes in the United States. The top of the trail peaks off at a plateau, which is more than 1,000 feet high. But the most dangerous part of the hike involves a skinny land-bridge with a metal chain for guidance.
There are also parts of The Narrows where it's deep enough to swim, but we won't be going that far on this trip. The Narrows is 16 miles long and can take up to 12 hours. However, most people do not go that far.
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.
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.
You can rent special shoes and socks for The Narrows here. Quick-dry clothing — be sure to wear clothing that will dry quickly. Synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, or spandex work well. Don't wear cotton!
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!
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.