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Equipment Needed
In addition to the items you usually bring on a regular day hike, here are a few other things you’ll want to bring with you while hiking The Narrows:
- Thick hiking stick — don’t attempt to hike in the river without a good, solid hiking stick. The chance of falling into the water is high if you don’t bring a hiking stick to steady yourself on the slippery rocks. If you only bring one extra thing with you on this hike, make sure it’s the hiking stick. You can rent one here. I don’t recommend bringing your own hiking poles. Most poles are not sturdy enough and probably will not steady you on the rocks. Regular hiking poles often snap from getting wedged between rocks or pushed by the river current.
- Closed-toe shoes — sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes with excellent ankle support are essential for this hike. Hiking in the river is challenging, and it’s easy to roll an ankle or smash a toe. Sandals or other open-toe shoes will not protect your toes from getting crushed between the rocks as your feet slide around. You’ll want shoes that will drain out the river water so that you don’t hold onto all of the water weight. In addition to the shoes, neoprene socks make a huge difference in the level of comfort you’ll experience. Hiking in regular socks that get wet will likely cause pain and blisters as they rub against your skin. You can rent special shoes and socks for The Narrows here.
- Quick-dry clothing — be sure to wear clothing that will dry quickly. Synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, or spandex work well. Don’t wear cotton! It will weigh you down and will stay wet all day, which can increase your chances of hypothermia. When the water is warm, most people hike in shorts, shirts, and light jackets that are made of quick-dry fabric.
- Dry pants or dry suit — the river can be very cold in the fall, winter, and spring, so you’ll need extra gear if you plan on hiking during those seasons. If the water is cold, make sure you choose an outfitter that provides thicker neoprene socks and high-quality dry pants that won’t leak through. I recommend Zion Guru.
- Dry sack — protect your valuables from the water in a good dry sack or bag. These are the ones I use. I like the 8L size…it’s big enough to fit my camera, wallet, keys, snacks, etc., but small enough not to be too bulky. If you don’t want to purchase a dry sack, heavy-duty plastic trash compactor bags work ok but may not entirely keep water out.
** Special note — I’ve seen many people trying to hike this trail without the proper gear. It can be tempting to cut corners to try to save money on this hike, but on a once-in-a-lifetime experience like this, it’s important to be outfitted in the right gear. Your safety and enjoyment will depend on it!
Hiking through the river can be very difficult.
It’s slow-going, hard to get your footing, and easy to slip. The boulders underneath the water are literally like slippery bowling balls! You will cross the river many times, often fighting against a current. I can’t tell you how many times I would have rolled my ankle if I wasn’t wearing the right boots. I spent two days in the river and had ZERO blisters because of the neoprene socks. And the thick wooden walking stick saved me and my gear from getting soaked so many times! For the best possible experience, come prepared with the right equipment.
For gear rentals in Springdale, I highly recommend Zion Guru because their gear is the best in town, and they are experts when it comes to outdoor adventure in and near Zion. They will spend all the time you need to get your questions answered before you go. Give them a call and tell them I sent you!
Using the Facilities
Just kidding! There are no facilities to use during this hike. But hey, we all gotta go…so what do you do if you need to go to the bathroom while hiking The Narrows?
- First, use the restroom at the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop before you begin hiking. This is your only chance to use a toilet for a while!
- On this hike, it’s actually preferred that you pee directly in the river if the need arises. The stench of urine stays on the shore for a long time in this desert environment. This guideline conflicts with typical Leave No Trace ethics, {which say not to pee or poop within 200 feet of the water}, so be aware that this isn’t the best practice for other hikes you may go on.
- All poop must be carried out of The Narrows, so if you need to go, you must do it in a toilet kit. Do not leave anything behind. Be sure to pack out all toilet paper as well as the poop itself. There is very little privacy on this hike, so keep that in mind before you head out for the day.
So, what should you do if you need to filter water for drinking?
Toxic bacteria has been found in the Virgin River, so DO NOT DRINK THE WATER. Your filter will not work, so you will need to bring all of the water you’ll need for this hike with you.
Flash Flood Warning
Flash floods are the most dangerous part of hiking The Narrows — flooding here can happen suddenly and can be deadly. When a large amount of rain falls in the area, that water has to go somewhere. In the desert, most water doesn’t soak down into the soil, so it makes its way to a drainage route instead. In this case, the drainage route is the Virgin River. Water levels can rise rapidly, trapping or sweeping away anything {or anyone} that doesn’t move to higher ground.
Here are some important things to know about staying safe in an area prone to flash floods:
- Stop in at the visitor center — it’s always a good idea to stop in at the wilderness desk to make sure The Narrows is open and safe for hiking. The rangers do their best to close down the hike if the chance of flash flooding is likely.
- Keep an eye on the weather — Check the likelihood of flash flooding here. Even if The Narrows isn’t closed for hiking, you’ll want to watch the sky as you hike in case the weather changes. This is especially important during the summer monsoon season. The hike may be open in the morning, but it could become unsafe later in the day as the thunderstorms roll in.
- Look for the high ground — unfortunately, there is very little high ground along the bottom-up route. Be on the lookout for a safe place to go should the water levels rise.
- Notice the signs — if the river begins to flow faster, the water seems to be getting higher, the water starts getting muddy, or if you start to notice more debris {sticks, leaves, etc.} floating by, get to higher ground immediately and wait it out. You can’t outrun a flash flood!
Getting Here
The Narrows bottom-up route begins at the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop. To get here, park your vehicle at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and catch the free shuttle {February – November} to the very last stop on the line, the Temple of Sinawava. Disembark here and begin hiking the Riverside Walk.
For timing recommendations, shuttle logistics, and insider tips, check out this Zion Itinerary!
At the end of the Riverside Walk, you’ll see some stairs leading down to the water — this is where you enter the river to begin The Narrows hike. You’ll walk upstream {against the current} to reach the landmarks listed on the next page.
Click NEXT to discover what you’ll see along The Narrows bottom-up route.
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!