The Narrows — Local services in Four Corners States

PARKING: As of June 26, 2018, the Springdale lots were NOT free unless you are staying at one of the inns/lodges. There are lots that cost 20usd per day that are close to the Springdale shuttle stops. There is also street parking near the Springdale shuttle stops that is free after 5pm. Otherwise it is 1USD for the first hour then 3.50USD for each additional hour. The Springdale shuttle will bring you to the Zion visitor center where you will need to take another shuttle to the last stop to start the hike.

PREPARING FOR THE HIKE: Check the weather and water conditions for the time of year you are going! I did it in late June and the water level and flow were low. You can rent equipment at the Zion Visitor Center, which includes waterproof hiking boots, neoprene socks to stay warm, a walking stick, waterproof bags. In June, the temperature of the water was about 63F, the ambient air was about 80-90F, which is cooler than the forecast for Zion, which was over 100F. I did it in shorts, a t-shirt, a walking stick, and water shoes without any socks and I was comfortable the whole day. Ideally having waterproof hiking shoes are best but water shoes with decent grip will suffice but only if you are careful and deliberate with your steps. A walking stick is a must because it will help you balance while taking steps, especially if you don't have good traction on your soles or your shoes have no ankle support. A walking stick also helps stabilize you on the more slippery areas. Also, without a walking stick and no ankle support you are asking for an ankle sprain. With that said, there were many people doing the trail in regular Nike or Asics sneakers and without walking sticks. The trail is mostly rocks and in the water areas the rocks are slippery.

I put my iPhone in a Ziploc bag and put that into another Ziploc bag and that was fine.

THE HIKE: I did it at the end of June, and it was about 80% in water, varying from ankle to calves on average, with a few points up to my thighs. The deepest the water got was to my mid chest, which is avoidable by going around this section, but I chose to do it because why not? But keep in mind I went in late June when the water level and flow is low. It is mostly stepping over rocks, hence the care you need to take with each step to avoid injury. Minimize slips by using a walking stick! Don't be like the lady who didn't have a walking stick and slipped which caused her DSLR camera to dip into the water.

We started the hike at about 12:45PM and completed the round trip at 7PM. You can go as far as you like before turning around.

This hike is best done over a period of many hours because of the care you need to take with each step. Additionally, the surroundings are amazing and you want to take your time to bask in the nature.

There are no restrooms along the trail. Also, don't be an idiot and litter!

AFTER THE HIKE: Stretch, hydrate, and get proper nutrition to minimize soreness and cramps. I'm a medical professional, so please listen, especially about hydrating well before, during, and...

This is one of the most epic hikes - but there are many things to consider so that your hike is enjoyable and safe. Information below will be for a bottom up hike (out and back) that does not require a permit.

Gear: The Narrows can be hiked year round. In colder months, you want to be sure to get the appropriate gear so that your core body temperature does not drop. We rented waders, water shoes, neoprene socks, and a walking stick from Zion Outfitters. This kept us warm when hiking in March. The stick was such a valuable part of the gear because it is challenging to find solid footing at times when walking through the river. The stick helps you to maintain balance. *You can pick up your gear after 4 on the day before your hike so you can start early the next morning.

Water: You will need to pack in your own water. The water in the Virgin River is not potable due to cyanobacteria.

Parking: From mid-March to October, the park runs a shuttle bus from the visitor center to the Temple of Sinawava (the stop for The Narrows). If the shuttle is not running, you will have to drive to the parking lot at the Temple of Sinawava. Due to limited parking - get there very early (before sunrise) to get parking. You can rest in your car once you have a spot. If you arrive late, you. will have to park up the road at other roadside spots, and. this will add additional miles to your hike.

Distances: From the Temple of Sinawava, you begin walking on the Riverside Walk Trail. This is an easy, paved path for approximately 1.5 miles. At the end of this path, stairs lead down to the river. At this point, you will begin walking in the river. The water can get waist deep (or higher). Check with the park rangers before doing The Narrows because flash flooding can be dangerous.

You can walk as far as you want and then turn around to return to the Temple of Sinawava. If you want to see Wall Street (where the canyon becomes narrrow), you will need to walk approximately 2 miles once you enter the water at the end of The...

The most strenuous, hardest, longest, freezing and challenging hike I have ever done in my life. Rented the dry pants package from Zion outfitters and I honestly thought I'd just give it a try and maybe hike 0.5 miles in water. It's a total of 10 mile hike, first 1.1 mile is on the land, which is the only easy part. Once I got into the cold cold waters of November, I thought I'd be done in another 100 meters. But the views ahead where irresistible. So I thought I can go on until I get too tired or exhausted. At the 3 mile point is the floating rock, after which you hardly see people continuing. The insane us continued. No spectacular view beyond this point, but I had it in me to try and complete this challenging hike in water. So I did it! The end view is a small waterfall, so definitely don't do it for the view, do it for the experience and the challenging journey. I have had my whole body pain the following day, so chilled at bryce canyon.

Tips: If you're not a professional like me, and are still considering completing the bottom up hike, Go early! Rent your shoes, neoprene socks, dry pants and stick for this season, no second thoughts there! Every item they gave helped me complete this hike and couldn't have done without one. You can pick them up the previous evening, which I didn't do, but is recommended. The first shuttle is around 7 and it's a 45 min ride to the riverside walk which is gonna be part of the narrows hike. Get started early so that you can take your time to rest and continue, and come back by 6pm. 6.15 is the last shuttle. We started our hike after shuttle drop off at 9am and completed 10 miles by 5.30pm. Carry water n food, you'll need it. Sometimes you'll need to climb on few rocks or go a little over waist deep to cross a few points. Big dark rocks inside water are usually slippery, so check before you take a step. It's definitely not impossible to complete the hike in the cold waters, but it is for...