USA Zion Narrows

The hike in the Zion Narrows is frequently ranked among the top 10 hikes in the U.S. Most of the time you're hiking in the Virgin River on wet and slippery bowling ball sized rocks but when conditions are good, it is in my opinion one of the most beautiful places on earth. During the spring, summer, and early fall the Narrows is PACKED with tourists. I’m talking Disneyland type crowds. I’ve been there many times in every season. One certain alternative to avoid the crowds is to go in January or February. During cold wet winters, you’ll see numerous frozen waterfalls and very few people. If you don’t have the appropriate gear there are numerous outfitters in Springdale, Utah (just outside the park entrance) that rent dry suits, water shoes/boots, neoprene socks and trekking poles. Don’t attempt to enter the Narrows without appropriate winter gear. The river water is very cold in the summer and bitter cold (snow melt) in the winter.

If you want to beat the crowds, check the Zion National Park website to see when the shuttles start running the day you plan to go. Whenever the first shuttle is scheduled to depart from the Visitor Center (around 6AM), try to be on it. It takes about 45 minutes to get from the Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop where your hike begins. Another 20 minute hike along the Riverside Walk will get you to the beginning of the Narrows. For photography, the light in the Narrows is best from around 10:30 AM until late afternoon depending on the time of the year, so you must decide if want fewer people or better light.

Until recently, the Zion Shuttle was free. Due to COVID restrictions, you must now purchase a shuttle ticket in advance ($1 US). You must board the shuttle at the Zion National Park Visitor Center. Once you ride into Zion Canyon, you may get off and back on at any shuttle stop in the canyon as often as you want but when you ride back to the Visitor Center, your ticket becomes void.