One of the highlights of our trip to Utah was our hike in Zion, upstream in the Virgin River. Hiking the Narrows is one of the most unique experiences in all of the National Parks, and our group of seven loved it!
The Narrows is not a hike to be underestimated, the trail is the Virgin River and you will be hiking in the water, in a slot canyon, sometimes with the water chest high. It is best to be prepared. Our group decided that to get the most out of our experience, we would rent equipment to make our trip easier and safer. We used Zion Outfitters, Zionoutfitters.com, 435-772-5090, in Springdale, just outside of the entrance to the park. We rented the warm weather Narrows package, which included canyoneering boots, neoprene socks, and a wooden hiking stick. We also added the waterproof backpacks to pack our lunches in, and purchased a carabiner to attach our water bottle to our backpack. All of this equipment was invaluable as we hiked that day. Some of the group had dry packs for their cameras and phones, which is a must if you plan on taking them. Even though we had a warm day the beginning of June, the water was was a cold 56 degrees. Zion Outfitters also informed us about NOT wearing cotton clothing on this hike. There are signs that say ”Cotton Kills” as a reminder that it takes cotton longer to dry. So it is best to wear a synthetic material. Another important reminder is to check in with the Park Ranger before you go on this hike and “Get the latest weather update!!” Flash floods are common in this canyon, especially during monsoon season, which is mid-June through September. The canyon walls are so steep there is not a way to get out of the canyon. An Arizona woman was swept away in August of this year (2022) and was found 6 miles downstream. Her death is a reminder to take the weather seriously.
The Narrows can be traveled from the top down or bottom up. The top down starts at Chamberlain’s Ranch, requires a 90 min drive there and up to 12 hours of hiking. This route requires a permit and would involve some overnight camping. The most difficult sections are near the bottom and that is when you will be the most tired. We chose the bottom up route, which does not require a permit. We hopped the shuttle at Zion Lodge and took it to the Temple of Sinawava, at the end of Zion Canyon road. A paved path called the Riverside Walk begins here. Follow this path 1 mile along the Virgin River to the end. This is where you will enter the river and start your adventure.
As we started our hike we were awestruck at how high the canyon walls were, some of them thousands of feet high. We were also amazed at all of the springs seeping through the sandstone and the lush vegetation. The water is cold and takes some getting used to at first. Thank goodness for the neoprene socks. The rocks are covered with algae and are very slippery. The wooden hiking stick is a must, to help you navigate swift water and rocks. We made it 2.5 miles up (including the River walk) to Orderville Canyon and ventured a short way up to the first set of falls. Then we started our trek back. We were all tired on the way back and tripping and slipping were harder to prevent. So keep this in mind.
The Narrows ranked high as one of our favorite adventures on our 17 day Utah trip. It really should not be missed.
