This is page 2 of this article. To start at the beginning, click here.
Route Options
There are three different route options for hiking The Narrows.
- BOTTOM-UP DAY HIKE — starts at the end of the Riverside Walk in Zion Canyon and travels up the river to Big Springs. This is the most popular way to hike The Narrows. It is anywhere from 2-10 miles roundtrip, depending on how far you decide to go.
- TOP-DOWN DAY HIKE — starts at Chamberlain Ranch, about 1.5 hours from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, and ends at the Riverside Walk. A vehicle shuttle is needed to hike this one-way route. You must be a robust and experienced hiker to complete this entire 16-mile route in one day.
- TOP-DOWN OVERNIGHTER — this route is the same route taken on the top-down day hike, but instead of covering the entire 16 miles in one day, you can backpack in and camp overnight to break up the mileage.
Because of its popularity, the bottom-up route is the only route I will cover in this guide.
I have hiked the top-down route, however, so feel free to leave your questions about that route in the post comments. To plan your top-down route adventure, I highly suggest contacting the awesome folks over at Zion Guru. They’ll provide the information, gear, and shuttle needed for this hike.
Required Permits
A permit is not required for the bottom-up day hike. Anyone who is prepared for this hike can enter the river at the end of the Riverside Walk and start hiking upstream.
A permit IS required for either of the top-down routes, day hiking or backpacking. Because of this, the top-down route is much less crowded than the bottom-up route. Learn more about how to secure a permit here.
Water Levels
Knowing the most current water level of the North Fork of the Virgin River is crucial before starting your hike! Click here for the most recent flow rates.
After clicking the link above, scroll down to the Select Data to Graph heading and make sure Discharge, cubic feet per second is selected.
After that’s selected, scroll back up to the graph at the top of the page. Hover your mouse over the current date/time to see the current CFS number. You’ll find the CFS number at the top of the graph (on the image below, it’s 114). The CFS number gives us a good idea of the strength of the river and its levels in The Narrows.
Here’s what to expect based on the CFS levels:
- 0-49 CFS — you’ll enjoy a more relaxed hike through the water. The river current will be weakened, so you won’t have to do much fighting against it as you walk. Average-height adults can expect knee-deep water in some places.
- 50-99 CFS — you’ll feel the river current at this level, so taking steps forward will require more work. Be sure to have the right footwear to safely travel upriver — and expect a few sore muscles! Average-height adults will likely encounter waist-deep water in some places.
- 100-149 CFS — hiking The Narrows at this water level is very challenging. You’ll be fighting against a strong current and working hard to move your feet forward. Average-height adults should expect chest-deep water in some places.
- 150+ CFS — The Narrows from the bottom-up is closed at this water level. It is not safe to be hiking through the river at this time.
Seasons
Water levels aren’t the only thing to take into consideration when planning to head into The Narrows. You’ll have a vastly different experience on this hike depending on the time of year as well. Here are some pros and cons of each season:
- Summer — this is by far the most popular time to complete this hike. Outside temperatures are usually well into the 90s or 100s, so hiking in the river is a perfect way to beat the heat. On any given day, expect hundreds of other people to be hiking alongside you. The water temperature is usually comfortable enough for quick-dry shorts, but you’ll still want good shoes, socks, and a thick hiking stick. Summer is monsoon season, and rain in or near The Narrows can create deadly flash floods. Afternoon thunderstorms and weather-related closures are common.
- Spring — this is typically the hardest time of year to get into The Narrows. It is typical for the whole route to close down for a few months each spring due to high/unsafe water levels from the winter snow run-off. While outside temperatures can be nice {60s and 70s}, the water temperature is usually still frigid, so additional gear is often needed if the river is open for hiking.
- Fall — this season typically brings comfortable outside temperatures, beautiful blue skies, and lower water levels in the river. Even though the crowds of summer have died down a little bit, it will still be busy in The Narrows well into September and October. You may need additional gear due to colder water temperatures. The days are shorter during these months, {especially with the towering canyon walls blocking the sun}, so you’ll have limited daylight to complete your hike.
- Winter — yes, it is possible to hike The Narrows during the winter months! The water will likely be frigid and icy, so additional gear is critical for a safe hike. Daylight is limited during the winter, air temperatures are chilly, but crowds are minimal this time of year.
Click NEXT to find out which item you definitely shouldn’t hike without!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that (at no extra cost to you), I receive a small compensation if you make a purchase. Recommended products are only those that I personally love! I appreciate your support and welcome any questions you may have about any products featured on my site. Thanks! Ash
Hey! I’m planning on hiking the narrows mid September of this year, top down over two days. I’m trying to figure out how cold it’s realistically going to be at night and in the early morning inside the canyon. It seems like most temperature ranges seem to mimic Springdale and I don’t know if those ranges take into consideration the cooler temps inside the canyon.
That’s a really nice time to be back in there, but I would expect cooler temps than Springdale. Starting at the top will be quite a bit cooler, but it will start to warm up a little as you make your way down the river. I would plan on maybe 10-15 degrees cooler at your campsite than what the forecast says for Springdale.
Hi,
I am 5ft 1in tall and currently the website says the discharge is about 130cfs.
How difficult will it be for me to hike narrows?
At that water level, hiking the Narrows is very strenuous!
Hi Ash! My husband and I are planning to hike The Narrows in mid-May. I know it’s not an ideal time (I just watched your Youtube video about tips for first-timers), but since we’ve already booked a hotel and all, we’ll just stick with it, but will definitely make sure we stay safe. My husband purchased a waterproof waders and I’m wondering if this is safe/comfortable enough for the hike..?
That would probably be fine! But I would focus more on your footwear and make sure you have a sturdy walking stick…those items will make the biggest difference as far as comfort on the hike. If you have questions about gear, call Zion Guru! They are awesome!
I’ve read that permits are required for the chain section of angels landing. I this the case and if so where can one get one?
Hey Jeff! I have a full video about this on the Dirt In My Shoes YouTube channel.
Hi! We’re visiting the narrows in a week. I’m 7 months pregnant and my husband will be carrying our infant (12 months old) in our Osprey kid carrier. We do moderate hikes every week (usually all uphill), so we’re in good shape, but curious about the likely hood of slipping or any other dangers we should be aware of that are not usually stated with visiting the narrows. We’re renting gear so we’ll be well-equipped. Thanks in advance! Love your blog :)
Hey Marley! Hiking the Narrows is like hiking on slippery bowling balls — it does get super slippery! But if you have the right gear and take it slow, you should have a great time! Just don’t be afraid to turn around if, at any point, things start to feel unsafe for your situation.
Hi – this is a great post – thanks. I am planning on the Narrows end of September and I have very particular feet (callouses, frequent cramping etc) so I feel like I would be better off in my regular hiking boots that I know are comfortable v renting water shoes (and risk them hurting or causing cramps) and maybe thin wool socks? What do you think? I also typically use 2 hiking poles when I hike, so would i benefit from two hiking sticks to keep myself in my comfort zone? Any ideas on if it’s shorts weather end of September?
It’s hard for me to say. On one hand, it makes sense to do what you think will work best for your feet and use your own shoes….on the other hand, the waterproof boots and neoprene socks are highly effective for staying comfortable when hiking through the water. I would do what feels best to you! You could certainly rent 2 sticks if you think that will be helpful for you. I would talk to the folks at Zion Guru about what type of weather/water temps to expect at that time of year. Have fun!
Just got back from hiking the narrows, and while I can’t comment about Sept weather, I do think you’d be best renting equipment from an outfitter like Zion Guru. They recommended one sturdy stick that you can hold with both hands when you need to have that firm support and balance. The flow was around 68 CFS when we were there and I was grateful for that advice. Are your hiking boots going to be super heavy when waterlogged? The water shoes (actually more of an ankle boot) and neoprene socks worked really well for me, and I had little problems with sand getting in. Do call Zion Guru, I tried a few other outfitters and I found Zion Guru to be the most personable and more than happy to offer information and inside tips, even for stuff outside of Zion. They don’t seem to be as crazy busy as some of the other outfits, and take their time making sure all your questions and concerns are answered.
I love Zion Guru — they are the best!
Just got back from hiking the narrows. We had gorgeous weather and we’re in shorts the whole time. The canyon is cooler as it is mostly shaded. Definitely needed a long sleeve top in the morning. We rented the shoes and one pole. I also had another hiking pole which I brought along and it definitely made it easier especially in the water. So two is better than one. My husband and I are in our fifty’s and really enjoyed this hike. Took many breaks and made it pretty far.
planning to the hike the narrow the week of fourth of July. I have a few concerns regards the water contamination because i have a 3 almost 4 year old and a 4 month old. Do you guys still recommend hiking the Narrows with the water situation and the age of my kids??
The bacteria is very toxic if ingested, so it would depend on your kids and if they would be able to keep the water out of their mouths. It’s your call, but you can always talk to a ranger at the visitor center before you begin.
Hi! Planning to hike the narrows in late June with two kids, ages 10 and 13. Their feet are too small for rental footwear. Would neoprene socks and closed toe hiking sandals do the trick? Or are regular hiking shoes better with either hiking socks (smartwool) or neoprene socks? Any suggestions on where to find neoprene socks for kids? Thanks!
That is a good question! You may have already done this, but I would check all the rental shops in Springdale to see if any of them have kids sizes. If not, closed-toed hiking sandals should work fine. For the socks, I think the wool or the neoprene would be fine as well. Something like these socks might fit your kids and work well for them. Hope that helps!
We just hiked the Narrows this week with my kids that are 5 and 7 years old. They wore regular hiking shoes with neoprene socks and they were fine. My husband and I did the same thing. Have fun
How high was the water level? Ankle, knee, waist? Did water get inside the neoprene socks? We plan to hike the Narrows the second week of July this year.
The water will definitely get in your socks. It totally depends on the levels of the river, but expect to get at least waist deep the further you get into the hike.
Thank you for your reply, Ash. I booked two nights of camping inside the park (July 10 and July 11). How easy or difficult is it to access the trailhead to the Narrows from the campsite? Do we still need to take the shuttle bus?
Yes, you’ll still need to take the shuttle or rent an ebike. You’re still quite far from the Narrows!
Hi,
Great article and very insightful information. I plan to take my young kids to experience the hike in the water stream. Certainly don’t want to go until the water gets deeper. Until what point kids can hike easily without hitting the deep water? Until Mystery falls or can go beyond? Thanks in advance for you reply and any additional things to keep in mind with small kids. Thank you!
It depends on the time of year and the water levels. Mystery Falls is a great destination for kids, but I would start hiking and go as far as you feel comfortable. Have fun!
Hi there! Do you think doing this hike with a newborn held in a carrier would be okay?
It really depends on your comfort level. It is difficult to find sure footing in the river, and I wouldn’t hike it with a baby when the water levels are medium-high. Fall usually has lower water levels, at which point you’d probably be ok. You’ll want to rent the really strong walking stick from Zion Guru though…I absolutely would not take a baby on this route without the right walking stick. Have fun!
Just wanted to say that I and 3 friends did the Narrows this spring and all of your suggestions made it go so well! Thank you for such an informative post, it’s incredibly helpful!
Thanks Genessa! I’m glad you had such a fantastic experience!
Hi, what kind of backpack do you recommend for hiking the narrows? I want to bring my DSLR, a bit of snacks and of course water. Something that’ll keep my camera dry preferably and fit everything. Loved your article, very informative.
I use dry bags when I’m hiking in/near water for my gear. You can get different sizes so that they fit within the backpack you already own. Have fun!
planning on a trip to Narrows beginning of August. It’s been very interesting to read about this
Happy adventuring!
I found your post extremely helpful and I also downloaded the guide. Thank you! I was wondering if it’s possible to visit the park late afternoon versus the suggested time of 7:30am… So for example, if I wanted to do a sunset hike (around 5pm or so) on Day #1, would it be possible to get in with parking/shuttles/etc?
Yes, that would work. Late afternoons/early evenings are usually good as well, though you’ll want to double-check the shuttle schedules to make sure you don’t miss the last shuttle out. Have a great time!
Hi,
We are planning a hike in the narrows with kids .Please suggest if aqua shoes or water shoes are good enough for the narrows hike.
I wouldn’t use water shoes…you’ll need strong shoes with good soles and closed-toes.
We found neoprene socks added additional cushioning (since you will walk on rock cobbles most of the time) as well as retaining warmth….I would recommend two (2) walking poles.
Did you carry in all your water for both days? Or is filtering from Deep Creek and Big Springs still seem OK?
I filtered from Big Springs, but I would check with the park to see what they suggest for this year. I would definitely not filter directly from the river!
Is there a sign or something at Big Springs that indicates you are not able to go further?
Not that I can recall, but as long as you’ve seen a few pictures of it, you can’t miss it!
Hi
What would you recommend for doing just the beginning part or just upto the entry of the narrows with kids under 10 in March? I know the water is cold, but rental gear seems too costly for just wanting to have the kids do the beginning only.
Thanks
Dave
If you’re going to hike in the water, you’ll definitely want the gear. That water is freezing in March, and you won’t make it very far at all without it!
I would also like to print this out. I have your Zion 3 day itinerary (and Arches and Bryce). Thanks so much!
Hey Bridget, please contact me!
This is great! We are a group of 13 headed to Zion in early June and our group ranges from ‘real’ hikers to total out of shape newbies. I have a question about the neoprene socks though. I am looking on amazon and elsewhere and all of those types of socks look more like shoes. How do I find neoprene “socks” that will fit inside my hiking boots? Any suggestions?
Also, any tricks to getting shuttle tickets for our group size? It looks like they sell out quickly.
Thanks!
They are pretty thick socks, but I’d stay away from anything that looks like it has a sole or mentions being booties. Make sure you take a thick walking stick for everyone too — that’s the most important piece of equipment for walking through the river. The water levels will probably be fairly high in early June, so you’ll need something strong to stabilize you.
You’ll have to have two people reserving tickets for your group because you can only reserve 8 tickets at a time per account. Good luck!
Hi. Can you tell me how steep the hike is when going from the bottom up and what you miss of you don’t start from the top and go down. Do you miss a lot of cool spots? Thank you
It’s not steep at all, but there is a gradual uphill elevation change as you travel up the river. The most popular and photogenic parts of the Narrows can be reached from the bottom up :)
How do I print this guide and/or buy it to print??
Please contact me and I’ll get you squared away!
We are heading out in August and using your fabulous itineraries for Arches, Bryce, & Zion. I have been looking at a tour of the Narrows using a guide. For a family that are new to this landscape, do you think that is a good idea? It is quite pricey, so wondering if it is worth it. It would be nice to have someone give us history and education on the Narrows, etc. Do you have an opinion about it?
I personally don’t think a tour is needed unless you’re really wanting to get the extra information. It’s nice to be able to go at your own pace on a hike like this — it can be a challenge to get your footing and you don’t want to feel rushed. However, if you want to contact me with the specific tour you’re looking at, I’m happy to take a closer look!