Tips for Hiking the Narrows | Zion National Park
Here are a few tips from a non-pro hiker for what made for a successful hike in the Zion Narrows!
I mention I’m a non-pro hiker because I have met a few people who say they are nervous about hiking the Narrows, and let me tell ya if Chelsea (my sis-in-law) and I can do it, so can you!
First, you should know that the Narrows is not actually narrow. It’s a big wide open space that you walk and tread water through.
Tip 1. Chelsea and I visited The Narrows during the first week of October, and it was chilly! Not unbearable, but I’m super grateful I had a light coat to keep me warm.
The water was slightly chilly, but I think the most significant chill factor was that the Narrows is so tall that you don’t get a ton of sun exposure to keep you warm.
Tip 2. I’m super grateful we rented boots and a walking stick from the rental stand “Zion Outfitters” just before the Zion National Park entrance. The boot and hiking stick set were $35 and worth every penny!
I had heard horror stories of people twisting their ankles on the slippery rocks, but the boots they provide have ankle support and great grip. So, we had no problem with slippery rocks. Plus, the boots are insulated keeping your feet warmer, even though they are still soaking wet! 🙃😄
Definitely take the walking stick too. You’ll be happy you have it when trying to figure out how deep the water is.
In October, when we hiked the Narrows, the water didn’t rise past our belly buttons, and the areas where it did reach our belly buttons were few. Most times, the water was ankle deep.
Tip 3. Bring a waterproof bag and def a waterproof case for your phone. Be conscious of which waterproof bag you choose, though. The one I brought didn’t reseal well after I opened it during our hike.. and ended up with a bag flooded with water.
I think taking a waterproof camelback may be your best bet. Easier to carry and easier access to water!
How long does the Narrows Hike take to travel?
There are two ways to hike the Narrows, and I didn’t realize that until we had completed the trail!
Chelsea and I hiked from the bottom to the famous halfway point called “Wall Street,” which could be easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking for…hence why we ended up hiking 40 minutes past it until we landed at this need fallen log..
If you get to this fallen log, you have gone past “Wall Street!” 😆🙃
⭐️From bottom to fallen log and back, we hiked 5.5 hours.
The second trail option for hiking the Narrows is top-down is 18 miles and can take 10-13 hours to complete.
I’m happy with our decision to go to the halfway point. Hiking the Narrows from the bottom-up provided a good challenge, scenic views, and was enjoyable!
There are no bathroom facilities or places to get fresh water, so plan accordingly. I was fortunate not to have to pee during the 5.5 hours, but here is a pic of my hilarious sis-in-law (check out here IG Karen.Disapproves), relieving herself in the water bc girl drank a ton of water on the hike! 👆😆
Moral of the story here: A. the water is not drinkable and B. Peeing in the water is really your only option.
And that’s all, I think, you need to know! You’ll park your car and walk over to the place to rent shoes; from there, you’ll walk back to the shuttle, and the shuttle will take you to your desired starting point. You’ll then board a shuttle back after your hike.
I 💯 recommend hiking the Zion Narrows. It was so fun, beautiful, and is iconic to the area!
Here is a Blog Post of Additional Activities we did during our time in St. George at The Narrows.
