5/2/2023 0 Comments Shuttie brother shoes hous![]() ![]() No matter what time of year you hike the Narrows, before beginning your hike, you need to check the water levels on the US Geological Survey (USGS) website. Hiking the Narrows should be avoided when rains are predicted, as the danger of flash flooding can be very real. The bottom-up day hike may also be attempted in the winter and spring months, but a dry suit is necessary due to the cold water temperatures. Always check the weather forecast before attempting the Narrows. Water levels in July and August are good for hiking, but those months are hot and the risk of thunderstorms is high. Water levels tend to be lower in the late spring and fall and temperatures are comfortable. The best time of year to hike the Zion Narrows is in May, June, late September, and October. If you prefer to hike at a more enjoyable pace, consider opting for the bottom-up out-and-back route. For that reason, unless you are an ultra-speedy hiker, I recommend doing the top-down route only as an overnight backpacking trip. With a lighter day pack, you could potentially hike the top-down Zion Narrows route in as little as 12 hours, but you would need to be on the trail very early in the morning and you would have very little time to stop and explore. The top-down route took us 15 hours in total, spread across two days, and we made numerous stops for swimming, snacks, and photos. You will also have the canyon mostly to yourself for the first 2/3 of the hike, encountering very few day hikers. The top-down route allows you to explore a larger portion of the canyon and experience the subtleties of the canyon as it shifts from an open pasture to the deepest and darkest slot canyons that you see in the photos. Whether backpacking or day hiking, this route requires a permit from the National Park Service and a shuttle to the start at Chamberlain Ranch (more information on transportation is below). The top-down Zion Narrows route is a 16-mile hike that can be done as an overnight backpacking trip or as a strenuous day hike. For more information about day hiking in the Narrows, visit our Zion National Park Travel Guide. In this post, we’re mainly covering the latter – how to hike the Narrows as a backpacking trip from the top-down. You can also hike through the Narrows as an out-and-back day hike from the bottom-up or as an overnight backpacking trip from the top-down. There is a wheelchair-accessible Riverside Walk that crosses the opening of the Narrows. The Zion Narrows is one of the most popular areas of Zion National Park and it can be experienced in several ways. With towering walls on either side that stretch up thousands of feet, some parts of this gorge span less than 20 ft across. This 16-mile section of the river is known as ‘the Narrows’ because it runs through the narrowest part of Zion Canyon. ![]() It’s a section of the North Fork of the Virgin River that lies in between Chamberlain Ranch to the north and the Temple of Sinawava in the south. The Zion Narrows is located in Zion National Park. This means packing out all of your garbage, being respectful to others, and following the established rules. Ready to experience the unique adventure of hiking the Zion Narrows? In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about planning a successful hike through this natural wonder.Īs it goes in all of the destinations we share, please practice good trail etiquette and remember to Leave No Trace. I backpacked the Narrows a few years ago and had a blast, so in this post, I share all the important tips and information to help you plan your overnight trip through this amazing canyon. Like most overnight backpacking trips, though, hiking the Narrows requires some planning ahead to secure permits, set up transportation, and gather the right gear to make the trip a success. The Narrows can be done as a bottom-up day hike or as a top-down overnight backpacking trip. With its steep canyon walls, turquoise water, secluded camping, and a trail that runs right through the riverbed, the Narrows is one of the most unique trails in the country and certainly one of the best in Southern Utah. Hiking the Zion Narrows in Zion National Park is an adventure that should be on every hiker’s bucket list. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |