The Narrows Hike at Zion National Park

Day Hike from the Bottom and Back
Shuttle Stop to Start from: #9 Temple of Sinawava
Trailhead Location: Adjacent to shuttle stop and restrooms.
Pets: Not allowed
Distance (roundtrip): 9.4 mi / 15.1 km maximum
Elevation Change: 334 ft / 102 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 1-8 hours
Permits: Permits are not required for this hike.

The Virgin River Narrows (via Riverside Walk) is a popular hike that begins at the Temple of Sinawava. At least 60% of the hike is spent wading, walking, and sometimes swimming in the river. Travel is rough and slippery in cold, fast flowing water, on top of slippery rocks. High water levels can prevent access sometimes. Use appropriate equipment and clothing to help protect you. Before your hike, always check the weather and flash flood potential. This hike is not recommended if there is a chance of rain in the forecast. Flash floods are deadly.

The Narrows is about the journey, not the destination. There is no one “viewpoint” or extra spectacular spot. The entire hike is beautiful, so hike for a few minutes, or a few hours, then turn around and return the way you came. Hiking as far as Big Spring is allowed without a permit, which is 9.4 miles, round trip.

We will meet at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center (Shuttle Stop 1) at 5:30 AM. The first shuttle departs at 6:00 AM. The goal is to be on the first shuttle of the day. The shuttle is the only method of transportation to the trail head. Shuttles take about 45 minutes to drive between the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Temple of Sinawava.

This hike will primarily be in the Virgin River so be prepared to have your feet wet for the majority of the hike. The water temperature from last September was in the range of low 60°’s to the low 70°’s Fahrenheit. A pair of neoprene socks is probably a good idea considering the duration of time we will spend in the water. A walking stick or trekking poles are also highly recommended. The interior of the canyon can be cooler than the rest of the park, bringing layers of clothing is a good idea.

Neoprene Socks
A NPS guide to conditions and safety can be found here.
https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/narrowssafety.htm

Sunday Hike
We will enter the lottery for an Angels Landing permit. If successful we will hike Angels Landing on Sunday, if no permit is acquired, we can hike one of the Emerald Pools trails.

Here are some hotels that are close to the park and seem to be a decent price and good reviews. This is by no means a comprehensive list of available hotels.
Zion Canyon Lodge
https://zioncl.com/
Pioneer Lodge
https://zionpioneerlodgespringdale.bhotel.top/

14 miles from Park better pricing.
Holiday Inn La Verkin - Zion Park
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/la-verkin/lavut/hoteldetail?fromRedirect=true&qSrt=sBR&qDest=Holiday%20Inn%20La%20Verkin%20-%20Zion%20Park&qErm=false&qSlH=LAVUT&qRms=1&qAdlt=1&qChld=0&qCiD=13&qCiMy=082024&qCoD=15&qCoMy=082024&qAAR=6CBARC&qRtP=6CBARC&setPMCookies=true&qSHBrC=HI&qpMbw=0&qpMn=0&srb_u=1&qChAge=&qRmFltr=

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