The Narrows (Zion National Park)
- Mike
- Mar 8, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 19, 2021
One of Zion National Park’s most iconic hikes…THE NARROWS.
This hike can be as short or as long as you would like. I have heard you can go back about 7 miles and still not reach the “end”(which would be 14 miles roundtrip). I have also heard there is an “end” about 8ish miles in. But I can’t say for certain because I have not gone in that far. The first time I chose to do a 6-mile roundtrip version due to time constraints which I feel was more than enough to experience this wonderful rare piece of earth. Took me about 3 hours to do the 6 miles. For my second time I did about 6 miles again due to the person I was with felt they had seen all the wonders it had to offer and was getting quite cold. So I am not the only one who felt 3 miles in was more than enough. I also recently heard from a guy who went back much further than myself and he said; “it was getting old quick…walking through water and big rock slabs on both sides.”
As you hike through the water, ankle to waist deep you are stepping on or avoiding all the rocks lying on the river bed. The water levels do change depending on how much snow/rain Zion has received and the time of the year. So pay attention because they do have flash floods and you could get seriously injured or die. I have seen a few videos of the flash floods here and they look really frightening. Always plan ahead and check the weather and flash flood report.
Having a hiking stick is a great way to help with balancing when you trip on the rocks or step on one ever so slightly, and roll your ankle. This was the "hardest" part of the hike was how slow you go avoiding deeper parts, trying not to soak your backpack and personal items you have with you. The darn rocks under the water are not the easiest to see, so they come outta nowhere and “grab” you. So just be EXTRA cautious, find a stick or rent one. I was lucky enough to find sticks both times I went. But you may not be so lucky.
If you plan on doing just the Narrows only, there’s an option of renting equipment. They rent sticks, boots and pants. Here are two rental places you could use. I saw a TON of people with the rental equipment. Waterproof boots, pants and a hiking pole to go along. It’s a for sure win. The water is freezing…so waterproof gear sounds amazing. If I were to go back and do just the Narrows on one day, I would rent for sure. The reason I haven’t rented either of the two times I’ve been is; due to hiking Observation Point and Angels Landing the same day prior to heading to the Narrows. So I didn’t want to wear or lug around all the extra gear.
Overall this is a MUST do while visiting Zion! Get there early and avoid the crowds. I’ve heard if you go really early, you can have the whole place to yourself. But that is at 5 or 6am, which is not for everyone. Be prepared with extra dry, warm clothes to change into. Be safe, have fun and respect nature.
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