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When I first examine Zion National Park’s well-known hike, The Narrows, I assumed there’s no approach we’re doing that in winter.
The hike takes place nearly fully in a river, and winter temperatures at this Utah park could be freezing.
Then I researched some extra, and it seems climbing The Narrows in winter is doable with the proper gear, and is even helpful as you keep away from the summer time crowds.
So we obtained over our fears, rented a dry swimsuit, and went for it. The Narrows turned out to be certainly one of our favorite ever journey experiences.
It looks like an journey however wasn’t as scary (or chilly) as we anticipated, the canyon is beautiful, and strolling by water is surprisingly calming.
I had loads of questions earlier than the hike, so on this publish, I share all our suggestions for the Zion Narrows hike, together with what to put on and convey, how lengthy it takes, and what to anticipate within the river.
Towards the tip, there’s a map with every thing talked about.
Contents
What is the Narrows?
The Narrows is a well-liked hike at Zion National Park in Utah. It’s a stroll within the Virgin River within the narrowest part of Zion Canyon.
The gorge has steep Navajo sandstone partitions as much as 1500 ft tall and the river is simply 20-30 ft large at some factors.
The river depth varies all year long, however you’ll often be strolling in water from ankle to waist deep.
The Narrows: Bottom Up vs Top Down
There are two methods to hike The Narrows.
Top Down
The Top Down hike is rather more troublesome and requires a wilderness allow. The 16-mile one-way route takes 10 to 14 hours and is for severe adventurers solely.
Winter circumstances make this additional difficult, and you need to camp on the best way as there’s not sufficient daylight to finish it in in the future.
In winter, highway closures typically forestall you from attending to the trailhead at Chamberlain’s Ranch.
Bottom Up
Most guests do the Bottom Up Narrows hike, which begins from the Temple of Sinawava. This is the hike we cowl on this publish.
A allow will not be required for this Narrows day hike.
The Bottom Up journey is 10 miles return from Temple of Sinawava to Big Springs, the place day hikers should flip round.
You don’t have to go the entire strategy to have an incredible expertise, as you’ll be able to flip round at any level. We hiked about 6.5 miles.
How Cold Is The Narrows in Winter?
Water temperatures within the Virgin River vary from 65ºC (18ºC) in July and August to 40ºF (4ºC) in winter.
The coldest months are December to March. When we hiked the Narrows in February, the water temperature was 42ºF (6ºC).
Yes, the water is definitely frigid, however with the proper gear (see under), you don’t must really feel chilly.
Air temperatures additionally play a component in how chilly you’re feeling. Note that the canyon has little or no solar in winter, and temperatures really feel 15-20ºF cooler than in the principle a part of Zion National Park.
When we began our hike within the morning, the temperature on the automotive park was 36ºF (2ºC). We felt freezing at first however warmed up as soon as we obtained going. By the time we completed, the temperature was as much as 70ºF (21ºC).
We have been visiting Zion throughout a very hot spell, although. Morning temperatures can simply drop under freezing in December and January.
What is the Best Time to Hike The Narrows?
Best Month
Summer is the preferred time to hike The Narrows. The heat climate means you’ll be able to hike in shorts, however the crowds in July and August could be overwhelming.
We suppose winter is the perfect time to expertise The Narrows as a result of you’ll be able to benefit from the stunning canyon in peace.
January is the least crowded month, adopted by February after which December. November and March are additionally pretty quiet.
High river ranges imply the hike is usually closed in spring (particularly in April).
Best Time of Day
The Narrows is a well-liked place, so it’s all the time finest to begin early.
In winter, we didn’t wish to begin when it was too chilly, although, so we started at 8.30am (after getting into the park at 8am).
This felt like a superb time as there have been nonetheless loads of parking areas, and we solely noticed just a few different {couples} on our approach up the river (it was busier on the best way again).
The car parking zone was full once we completed at 1pm so you actually need an early begin.
How Long Does It Take to Hike the Narrows?
Hiking The Narrows may be very versatile. You can go so far as you need by turning round at any level.
Walking by a river is way slower than on a path, so don’t count on anyplace close to your traditional climbing tempo. An excellent estimate is to permit one hour per mile.
The most distance you’ll be able to go on a day hike is 4.7 miles every strategy to Big Springs. This is estimated to take 4 hours 20 minutes every approach, so it’s a protracted day hike.
Wall Street is a well-liked objective to purpose for. This is a narrower part of the canyon simply 22 ft large with partitions 1500 ft excessive. If you don’t make it there, you’ll nonetheless have an excellent stroll, however it’s a worthy goal.
We rotated about midway down Wall Street, simply previous the floating rock. Our complete distance was round 6.5 miles return, and it took us 4.5 hours, together with just a few quick breaks and plenty of photograph stops.
It took us 2 hours 45 minutes on the best way out and 1 hour 45 minutes on the best way again. The return is faster as you’re going with the present and have developed extra confidence strolling within the river.
What to Wear to Hike the Narrows in Winter
In winter, it’s important to have protecting clothes to hike the Narrows. The water temperature is simply too chilly to show up in shorts and sneakers like you’ll be able to in summer time.
Dry Suit
We rented a Narrows Dry Suit package deal from Zion Adventures on the principle avenue in Springdale (simply outdoors the park).
This prices $75 for adults and features a Gore-Tex dry swimsuit, two pairs of neoprene socks, canyon boots, and a strolling stick.
Reservations are really helpful in winter. We picked up our gear the afternoon earlier than so we may get an early begin the subsequent day. Allow an hour to pick and take a look at on the gear.
Putting the swimsuit on is awkward because the neck is slender and you must match it over your head. I like to recommend tying up lengthy hair and placing your arms in earlier than your head.
You may lease dry bibs (like a jumpsuit), that are simpler to placed on (and accessible from Zion Outfitters on the park entrance).
Around two-thirds of hikers we noticed wore bibs and one-third had full dry fits.
The bibs are nice if the water stage is just as much as your waist (because it was on our go to), however for those who fall over within the water (which I did), your prime half will get moist and also you’ll really feel the chilly. I felt safer in a full swimsuit.
Warm Layers
The dry swimsuit doesn’t add a lot heat, so that you’ll have to put on layers beneath. It’s roomy sufficient to suit a traditional outfit under.
Choosing layers is difficult as you don’t wish to get too heat, as eradicating the dry swimsuit to take sweaters off is a problem. You wish to begin out feeling somewhat cool as you’ll heat up on the transfer.
It’s finest to decide on moisture-wicking materials (not cotton or denims), as water can seep in from the underside of the dry swimsuit.
Simon stayed completely dry all through the hike, however the backside of my leggings did get moist in some way. Luckily, I didn’t really feel uncomfortable as a result of moisture-wicking.
Here’s what to put on for the Zion Narrows in winter:
- 1-2 backside layers – We have been nice with one layer. Simon wore his Bluffworks pants. I wore my Lululemon Base Pace leggings, which have been superb (just like these fleece-lined leggings). If the climate is forecast to be near freezing all day, possibly add some thermal bottoms.
- 2-3 prime layers – We went for 3 gentle layers, which was excellent. I wore a merino wool t-shirt, merino long-sleeve t-shirt, and light-weight fleece. Simon additionally wore a merino t-shirt and long-sleeve t-shirt together with a sweater.
- Beanie hat – Keeping your head heat is important. I wore this Allbirds Pom Beanie, which is tender, cosy, and heat.
- 1-2 Gloves – We solely had one pair of gloves, however a spare would have been a good suggestion. Mine obtained moist after I fell within the river and my arms have been freezing afterwards. Something extra waterproof than our wool gloves could be superb.
If you lease gear, you’ll be given canyon boots and neoprene socks, so that you don’t want to fret about footwear.
If you might be driving your self, put on common footwear and socks into the park and get modified within the car parking zone (after you’ve used the toilet). You’ll recognize dry footwear after the hike.
Your ft do get moist within the boots, however the water warms up rapidly, so we didn’t really feel chilly.
The boots have good traction and, mixed with the strolling stick, assist preserve you upright.
We beloved the thick wood strolling stick we obtained in our package deal. Hiking poles are usually not a superb substitute as the skinny level can get caught within the rocks.
In this outfit, we have been by no means uncomfortable in The Narrows. There have been just a few moments once we felt chilly, however including extra layers would have made us too scorching.
It’s troublesome in winter to take breaks longer than 10 minutes as there’s little or no solar and your physique temperature drops once you cease strolling.
There is one sunny seashore simply earlier than Wall Street, which is the perfect spot for lunch.
After we completed the hike, I did begin feeling chilly and really a lot appreciated a scorching bathe afterwards. Luckily, we have been staying at Cable Mountain Lodge, proper outdoors the park gates.
What to Pack for a Zion Narrows Hike
Here’s what we introduced with us on The Narrows hike:
- Daypack – A water-resistant backpack just like the Matador Freerain22 could be superb, however it’s not important. Put something you don’t wish to get moist in a dry bag or ziplock inside your pack. I used the Matador Beast18, which is water-proof. The backside of my bag obtained moist, however the pockets increased up have been nice.
- Ziplocks – For maintaining issues dry and packing out any waste.
- Phone – I didn’t wish to fear about my digital camera getting moist, so I introduced my cellphone for images.
- Waterproof cellphone case – We purchased the H2Odyssey case with a lanyard from Zion Adventures for $20. It was helpful having our cellphone protected however simply accessible round our neck for images.
- Water bladder – Two litres of water per particular person is really helpful, however one litre was nice in winter to Wall Street. A water bladder made it a lot simpler to drink with out having to cease and take a bottle out of our pack.
- Food – Take greater than you suppose! We have been ravenous after the hike and had a second lunch. We took granola bars, hummus salad wraps, cookies, and apples.
- Tissues – My nostril runs when it’s chilly.
- Zion entrance ticket and ID – Or bank card to pay if it’s your first go to ($35 per car for 7 days). We used our America the Beautiful annual nationwide parks cross.
We didn’t want sun shades, a solar hat, or sunscreen because it was shady in winter, however these could be a good suggestion in hotter months.
Is There a Toilet on The Narrows?
No, there aren’t any bogs in The Narrows.
The solely restroom is on the trailhead by the Temple of Sinawava car parking zone. Definitely use it earlier than you begin climbing.
Remember you need to depart no hint and take every thing out with you. This consists of human waste and bathroom paper. Outdoor outlets in Springdale promote waste baggage.
You can pee, however there aren’t many personal spots. And taking off the dry swimsuit provides to the trouble.
We managed to keep away from needing the toilet by being aware of our water consumption.
Check Conditions Before Hiking The Narrows
It’s necessary to test the river circumstances earlier than you hike The Narrows. The hike will not be allowed if the river is simply too deep or quick or if there’s a danger of flash floods.
You can ask the workers at Zion NP Visitor Centre or the gear rental store about present circumstances. Or test the Zion NP web site.
The stream charge of the river is measured in cubic ft per second (CFS). The increased the quantity, the harder the river hike will likely be.
On our go to, it was 50 CFS, which is straightforward/delicate. Hiking isn’t allowed over 150 CFS.
If the CFS is over 70, you’ll discover the stroll more difficult and the water will likely be deeper.
Water stream is highest in April after the snow melts and the river is usually closed to hikers.
Note that there’s presently a warning about poisonous cyanobacteria within the Virgin River. It remains to be protected to hike The Narrows however don’t drink the water or submerge your head.
Getting to The Narrows
The Narrows hike begins on the far finish of Zion Canyon Scenic Drive on the Temple of Sinawava.
For a lot of the yr, personal automobiles aren’t allowed to drive into the park, so you need to take the free shuttle bus (get off on the final cease). There could be lengthy waits for the shuttle.
In winter, often from December to February (besides Christmas/New Year), the shuttle doesn’t run so you’ll be able to drive (as we did).
It takes about 20 minutes to drive from the park entrance in Springdale to the car parking zone for The Narrows. Arrive early as it might refill by noon, and so they received’t allow you to drive into the park if parking is unavailable.
From Temple of Sinawava, you begin with a one-mile / 20-minute stroll on the paved, principally flat Riverside Walk. It could be icy in winter however it was nice for us.
At the tip of the trail, you’ll see the river. This is when you must get your ft moist—begin strolling in it and head proper.
You can’t get misplaced within the canyon as you merely observe the river upstream so far as you need. There aren’t any indicators, however there are just a few landmarks you’ll be able to look out for on The Narrows map (Zion Adventures supplies one).
We additionally saved the AllTrails Narrows map offline, which helped us see how far alongside we have been. There’s no cellphone sign, so an AllTrails+ subscription is required for offline maps. It’s nicely value it as we used it all through the park.
If you’d slightly discover with a information, this Zion Narrows Hike from Springdale consists of transport, a information, lunch, and a few gear.
Zion Narrows Map
This map reveals the important thing factors for visiting The Narrows.
This Zion Narrows map from Zion Adventure Company reveals distances and landmarks to look out for within the river.
What to Expect on The Narrows Hike in Winter
When we entered the river, it felt unusual at first with the discomfort of chilly water seeping into our boots and the uncertainty of strolling on slippery rocks. We quickly discovered our (considerably sluggish) stride, although.
On a lot of the stroll you might be within the river, however there are just a few seashores you’ll be able to come out onto. We left the river each time we may to make issues simpler.
We have been principally knee-deep within the inexperienced water, however there have been some waist-deep sections. If we had continued all the best way to Big Springs, we might have needed to swim at some factors.
We always needed to asses the perfect path to take by the river—making an attempt to keep away from the sooner rapids and deeper sections. One facet of the river could be knee-deep whereas the opposite is chest deep.
Some calmer sections with sandy bottoms are straightforward, however principally the floor underfoot is rocky, uneven, and typically slippery. You typically can’t see the rocks by the water, so it makes it troublesome to know the place to step.
The hardest sections have been the rapids, the place the present is robust and the rocks slippery. We discovered it finest to wedge our sticks into the riverbed, transfer just a few steps, cease, transfer the stick and repeat. This approach we all the time had the stick with anchor us.
The strolling stick saved us from falling over many occasions and we wouldn’t wish to do the hike with out it.
My one dip within the river got here in a deeper part with a delicate fall ahead. Other than moist gloves, I emerged unscathed.
Although it was more difficult than strolling on a path, we discovered the river hike surprisingly calming. As we needed to always give attention to our subsequent step, there was no room in our minds for different ideas or worries.
Except to admire the beautiful fantastic thing about the environment.
The entire Narrows hike is in a gorge with steep pink and black rock partitions towering above you.
There’s all the time one thing new and attention-grabbing to admire—jagged peaks, swirly rock patterns, timber rising out of sheer rock faces, frozen waterfalls dangling from cliffs, even deer on the one sunny seashore.
After two hours, we reached the beginning of the slender Wall Street part at a junction with Orderville Canyon.
Orderville Canyon can be value exploring—we walked a brief approach down it to a tiny waterfall.
Wall Street is a spotlight with its tall partitions, fewer seashores, and sooner rapids.
By the time we reached Floating Rock, which bisects the river, we have been feeling drained, so we headed again the best way we got here.
Is The Narrows Worth It In Winter?
Yes, The Narrows is totally value climbing in winter! We are so glad we did it—this distinctive expertise actually lives as much as the rave evaluations.
Despite aching legs on the finish, we didn’t wish to depart the water behind. It was a soothing, awe-inspiring, and enjoyable hike and simpler than we anticipated.
With the proper gear, climbing the Narrows in winter is the perfect time as a result of you’ll be able to take pleasure in it with out the crowds.
Don’t get too nervous in regards to the particulars—simply lease some gear and go for it! I hope you take pleasure in it as a lot as we did.