The Narrows Hike: Zion’s Immersive Slot Canyon Adventure

One of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park, hiking The Narrows should be on every visitor’s list. This hike offers a unique and fun opportunity to hike in a river – through a beautiful canyon! This offers hiking, and the option of swimming whenever you decide to take a break from hiking.

The Narrows Hike Overview

• Location: Zion National Park
• Overall Rating: Easy
• Total Trail Distance: 8.6 if you complete the entire the Narrows. There is also the Riverwalk route which is only 1.8 miles.
• Incline: Just about none – you are walking a river.
• Time: 1 hour to 5 hours depending on how far you want to go
• Cost: Park Entrance Fee

The trail for the Narrows

The start of the trail is a pathed path that winds gently up and down next to the Virgin River. Eventually, you will reach the end of the path where there are a couple of staircases that lead down to the rocky riverside. This initial trail is considered the “Riverwalk” and is the easiest part of the trail and recommended for any of those who want an easy trail experience.

Once you have reached the end and have climbed down the stairs this is where the route starts to become more challenging. You will be walking upstream for the rest of the trail. Yes, you will be walking in the water.

The water is shallow in some parts, only reaching to about shin level. However, there are some other areas where the water will reach up to your back (depending on your height) and potentially higher in other areas.

There are sections where you can quickly walk along the shore and avoid walking in the water – but there is no way to completely avoid water for all of the trail. You will walk, or cross the river, at least 75% of the trail (if you do not count the initial Riverwalk in the beginning).

Walking the river can be challenging, with slippery rocks, or just not being able to see where you are stepping while navigating the river. So tread carefully!

Best Time to Visit the Narrows

If you want to beat the crowd when hiking The Narrows, then you need to be on one of the first buses out to The Narrows – which leaves at 6 am. This will allow you to enter into the canyon where the Virgin River winds with no one else around.

By afternoon, especially in summer, the river is incredibly crowded.

Take it from me, I went to The Narrows after my Angels Landing hike at around 2 pm. I had to walk approximately an hour and a half into the Narrows Canyon before reaching sections where there were fewer people (at no point was there no one else in the Canyon with me).

Ultimately though, there is no bad time to visit The Narrows, just expect the potential for a lot of people as it is the most popular hike in Zion National Park for those with limited hiking experience.

Views in The Narrows

The views in The Narrows is breathtaking and when hiking the Narrows it is very apparent why this is one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park. You will be treading through blue/green water, twisting through the canyon walls of yellow and orange, with a bright blue sky over you.

It is really a beautiful experience, and hard to describe. The hike will take your breath away as you make your way up the river and deeper and deeper into the canyon.

The time it Takes to Hike The Narrows

One of the best things about The Narrows is that you can make the hike as long as you want it to be. The entire trail is about 9 miles long. However, you do not need to complete the entire trail if you do not want to (I mean I guess you never really do).

You will find that the trail leads through the winding canyon, and some of the areas start becoming more difficult with climbing over fallen trees – or water that is chest-deep.

I walked until there were fewer people, which was about an hour and a half to two hours into the Canyon. That was the main thing I wanted was a moment of peace and quiet to enjoy the canyon.

The total time to hike Angels Landing: 3 hours

Hiking Attire for The Narrows

The recommended for the Narrows is rental equipment that you can find at a couple of stores outside of Zion National Park which includes:

• Hiking Boots
• Neoprene Socks
• Walking Sticks
• Waterproof Pants

You will find a lot of people walking with these. Some really need the poles, but I personally felt that it causes people to rely on it too much. I did not use a pole and had no issues walking through the river.

The option for a rental is up to you, but expect to pay $45 for the entire rental pack.

Places that you can rent equipment from:

• Zion Adventure Company
• Zion Outfitter

Packing List for The Narrows

• Plenty of water – the incline on the road up to the lighthouse can be a bit tiresome in the humidity.
• Sun Screen – There is no shade on this trail, so you will be exposed to the sun.
• Snacks – Always great to refresh after climbing, plus there are areas to sit on barriers to enjoy a quick snack and drink.
• Waterproof Casing – bring a protective phone case, or waterproof camera case if you want to ensure that your gear is protected. I personally did not and had to ensure that I was careful during my hike
• Change of Shoes – if you do not rent the gear then I encourage to bring a change of shoes after the hike. As your socks and shoes will be soaked!
• Towel – If you decide to take a swim you may want a towel to dry off after
• Swim Suit – Wear this under your casual hiking gear in order to enjoy a swim in the cool river!

Facilities at The Narrows

At the trailhead of The Narrows, there are facilities available. There are men and women’s bathrooms. There is also a couple of water spouts to refill your water before taking the trail.

Expect long lines during summer time though as people shuffle through coming from the bus drop off, or right before departing back to the visitor center.

Parking at The Narrows

There is no parking available at The Narrows for visitors. Zion National Park has a shuttle bus in operation and the only way to reach any of the hiking destinations at the park is by this shuttle bus.

You will have to park your car either at the Visitor Center (if you get there early enough to get a spot) or in the town and then take a bus from the town into Zion National Park.