Do you need a permit to hike the Narrows in Zion?


Do you need a permit to hike the Narrows in Zion? If you are planning to hike the Narrows from the bottom up—starting at Temple of Sinewava, you do not need to obtain a permit. However, if you are hiking from the top down, either as a day hike or an overnight trip, you will need a permit.


Can you wear shorts in the Narrows?

Layers: The temperatures in the Zion Narrows can be much cooler than the rest of the park. In fact, we were surprisingly cold during most of the hike. Your bottoms are definitely going to get wet so we recommend wearing shorts or a bathing suit on the bottom.


How far can you hike the Narrows without a permit?

If you're up for a longer trek, you can hike up to Big Spring without a permit, making for a round trip of 9.4-miles, each mile revealing more of the unique and stunning beauty of The Narrows.


Can you swim in Zion Narrows?

Not really a park for swimming though you can hike in the waters of the Narrows. And there are areas where you maybe don't want to get your head in the water and especially not get it in your nose and mouth due to toxic cyanobacteria.


Can you wear water shoes in the Narrows?

For a trek deep into the narrows or a through hike I'd say rent the water hiking shoes from one of the outfitters. We choose the boot/sock/walking stick option and it turned out to be a great choice for us. The water came up to mid-thigh and was very muddy so you couldn't see where you were walking.


Can a 6 year old hike the Narrows?

The Narrows, although a very challenging hike, is absolutely possible with kids. We just did it with our 7, 5, and 2 year old children.


What time is best to do the Narrows?

Best time of day to hike the Narrows If you are only looking to do a small portion of the Narrows, then we recommend visiting in the late afternoon when it has warmed up a bit. The big rush tends to be in the morning as the people who want to hike the furthest start early.


Do you need a reservation to hike the Narrows?

If you are planning to hike the Narrows from the bottom up—starting at Temple of Sinewava, you do not need to obtain a permit. However, if you are hiking from the top down, either as a day hike or an overnight trip, you will need a permit.


Do you need a wet suit for the Narrows?

In the early spring and late fall months, neoprene socks, pants or bib overalls, or a wetsuit may be necessary to hike in the river.


Can a beginner hike the Narrows?

In general, most adults with a moderate fitness level will be fine and enjoy this activity. So if you're a beginner wanting to do the Zion Narrows day hike, don't worry! It can seem intimidating, but so long as you don't have difficulties getting around on a typical hike, you will be fine.


Are there bears in Zion Narrows?

Seeing an American Black Bear in Zion National Park is rare but not unheard of. Since bear sightings are so rare each one, even a possible siting, should be reported to park officials. It is important to know the procedure for bear encounters on the off chance that you may see one.


How do you hike the Narrows without a permit?

If you are planning to hike the Narrows from the bottom up—starting at Temple of Sinewava, you do not need to obtain a permit. However, if you are hiking from the top down, either as a day hike or an overnight trip, you will need a permit.


Is the Narrows in Zion worth it?

The Narrows hike in Zion is just too much fun. In all seriousness it's one of the best hikes in the national park system but is suffering from some serious overcrowding. Every step is the destination. There's a humbling aspect to walking through the canyon carved out by the water beneath your feet.


What time should you start the Narrows hike?

When Is the Best Time to Hike the Narrows? Start early in the morning to watch as the canyon walls light up with the sunrise. We started our hike around 9 AM and the river was mostly shaded thanks to the height of the canyon walls.


How many hours is the Narrows hike?

The Narrows stretches for 16 miles but that's if you hike top-down. Most people hike between 2-6 hours on the Narrows hike when starting at the bottom (~6 miles round trip). Since the Narrows hike is an in-and-out trail, whatever mileage and time you put in hiking in, you have to do out.


What water level is needed to hike The Narrows?

Prior to your hike, stop at the visitor center to check the water levels. If the water levels are above 75 cubic feet per-second (cfs), DO NOT HIKE THE NARROWS.