Absolutely. Obsessed. That’s how I feel after my first trip to Zion National Park. The star of the trip was The Narrows – one of the best slot canyon hikes in the world. Another famous hike in the park is Angel’s Landing, but if you want to try something more accessible (and still a thrill) The Narrows is your best choice. After my first attempt of this hike in November of 2022, The Narrows is already on my revisit list. My group hiked 8 miles from the bottom-up, but I’m determined to complete the 16-mile top-down hike next time. If you’re not sure what I mean by “bottom-up” and “top-down”, keep reading because I’m about to fill you in!
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Why should The Narrows be on my bucket list?
In Zion National Park: The Narrows is an unmissable hike. Basically, you’re hiking in a river for 90 percent of the hike. Prepare to get wet! There’s no trail – just a gorgeous canyon and one way to get through it. I think that the added challenge of traversing the river also makes it so much more fun. However, The Narrows can be as difficult as you want it to be. You see all ages in the canyon, from young children with their families to older couples as well.
Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down
Most people who hike The Narrows start from the bottom-up, an out-and-back trek that takes you through the most scenic points of the canyon. You will hike upriver for several miles and you can turn around at any point. However, the farthest you can go before a permit is required is 5 miles up the river. Although that adds up to 10 miles round trip, the lack of elevation makes it still a relatively moderate hike. You’ll also be walking downstream for the last 5 miles, so it will be much easier.
The top-down route requires a lot more preparation and effort to complete. It can be done as a 16-mile day hike or a 2-day backpacking trip. If you only have one day, get ready for 12 hours of hiking and snack breaks. The backpacking trip is more popular as there are 12 campsites to pick from along the path. You also need to pack all of your camping gear and food for both days. The biggest challenge with planning a top-down adventure is getting a permit. Only 40 permits are awarded per day, which means you need to plan ahead. At the same time, this means that the canyon will be a lot less crowded than in the bottom-up hike.
What gear do you need to hike The Narrows in late fall/early winter?
Overall, the supplies required to conquer The Narrows in the fall or winter are similar to every other hike (or backpacking trip). The only additional factor you need to consider is the water. To protect yourself and your gear from getting too wet (and battle the cooler temperatures), here are a few items that will guarantee a more comfortable and safe journey.
neoprene socks and waterproof pants
Since we chose to hike Zion National Park:The Narrows in November, the water was COLD. And I mean 45-degree, hypothermia-in-less-than-an-hour temperatures. There are two main things that help you fight the cold as you complete this hike. First, you can keep your toes warmer by moving at a consistent pace. The faster you walk, the more your body will heat up and combat the cold temperatures. Although this will help, it will not completely counteract the effects of the water. Second, you absolutely need to wear the correct footwear and pants. I recommend at least wearing neoprene socks and waterproof pants for the trek. These pants were crucial for me staying comfortable throughout the hike: I was often knee-deep in chilly water, with not a drop actually touching my skin.
lightweight hiking shoes or river shoes
Essentially, you want a shoe that will allow water to drain out throughout the hike. There’s little that is more frustrating than being weighed down by water-filled shoes. You also want to make sure that the shoes can recover from being drenched for hours on end.
I chose to use my waterproof Ultra Raptor IIs for the hike. They are lightweight and extremely grippy as well. Their high-traction soles made it easier for me to move across slippery rocks (an added bonus). These boots also dried within 24 hours of getting out of the river. 10/10, would recommend.
sunscreen
Don’t be like me and forget that sunlight reflects off of water and back into your face. I wore my baseball cap and put sunscreen on my neck and I still ended up with burns on my nose and cheeks. Disappointing, to say the least. Even in the wintertime, UV radiation can still kick your butt if you’re not careful.
trekking poles
Trekking poles are a must when hiking The Narrows. The fast current and uneven rocks make it difficult to cross in some areas, and you don’t want to fall into the water. It can be really nice to have something to lean on throughout the hike.
You can make it work with just one hiking stick, or split a pair of trekking poles between two people. I felt more comfortable with a pole in each hand, personally.
You can rent all of this gear at the nearby shops as you enter Zion National Park and find The Narrows, but I wanted to own everything so that I could use the gear on future hikes. The waterproof pants, hiking boots, trekking poles and neoprene socks linked here are all items I bought, loved and plan to use on all of my future outdoor adventures. I hope you enjoy them just as much as I am!
(all photos were taken by @paulgmathew and me. dream team!)
