Conquer The Narrows, an Iconic Hike at Zion National Park
Updated July 2024
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The Narrows at Zion National Park
Discover the most awe-inspiring beauty at The Narrows at Zion National Park where you get to walk through the iconic slot canyons in Utah. This is a place you will definitely need to add to your bucket list of places to visit while in Utah. We have been here twice now since we love it so much. You will walk through the cool waters of the Virgin River next to the towering sandstone walls on both sides creating a peaceful and serene setting. Walking in the water at The Narrows is an unforgettable experience and what is better than walking through cool water after being out in the hot desert for a few days.
Cost: $35 for a vehicle up to 15 people and is good for 7 days. We had a National Park Pass so were able to get in this park for FREE.
Park hours: 24 hours a day every day
Pets are allowed in the park but the only trail they can go on is the Pa’rus trail.
Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Visitor Center hours: 8am to 7pm daily.
Restrooms and water fountains are available at the visitor center. You can also pick up souvenirs, get a map of the park, and get trail information from the park staff.
Shuttle Bus
Shuttle bus hours: 6am to 8:15pm in the summer, 7am to 7:15pm fall, and 7am to 6:15pm in the winter. Hours are subject to change. Check out their website for updates.
No ticket or reservations needed
Shuttle typically runs from March to November
No pets allowed on the shuttle
Bike rack available on the front of the bus. No fat tire or e-bikes allowed
The shuttle bus starts at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and goes to the trailhead of The Narrows. The shuttle will make several stops along the way. You can choose to stay on until you reach The Narrows or get out and explore from any of the stops. The park map will show the stops and there is also a sign in the bus with the locations and stops listed. If you want a ride back to the Visitor Center where you might have parked, you will need to pay attention to the last route of the day out of The Narrows at Temple of Sinawava. Temple of Sinawava is stop #9 and the last stop the shuttle makes before returning to the Visitor Center.
The last shuttle time out varies depending on time of year. Always check the park for current hours. If you miss the last bus, you will have to walk the 9 miles back to Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
There are two shuttle bus routes
Zion Canyon line - this bus runs inside the park
Springdale line - this provides transportation from Springdale to the park
Hiking The Narrows
Hike: 9.4 miles round trip. You can stop at any point and turn around. The farther you walk, the less crowded it gets. Hiking from Sinawava to Big Spring is a strenuous all-day 10-mile hike and does not require a permit.
Walking through The Narrows requires walking in water and over small to large rocks the entire time that can be slick. It is imperative that you wear good hiking shoes that can get wet. Trekking poles are useful in some of the deeper areas and help to keep you balanced as you walk over the rocks.
In some areas the water can be waist deep so if you have small children they might need carried through this point.
The water temperature is cool year-round although it tends to be a little warmer in the summer months.
There are restrooms, water bottle refill station, and water rinse off stations for your feet at the trail head. On your walk back your shoes will get dirty from the red dirt, so this is a good place to rinse them off before heading back to your car.
Flash flooding
The Narrows is prone to flash flooding and is more prone during the spring months when the snow is melting or due to excessive rain. The Narrows will occasionally close in the spring if water flow is high and there is potential for flash flooding. Check the weather and consult with park rangers if you are traveling during times when flash flooding is more likely.
Essential hiking gear for The Narrows
My then 5-year-old did well hiking The Narrows but a few places he needed assistance walking as you are constantly walking on rocks, but with assistance he did really well overall.
Kids
North Face brimmer hat
Water shoes, wearing socks with his water shoes helps my son’s feet feel more comfortable and helps keep dirt/sand from bothering his feet.
rash guard for comfort
Adults
I love my Teva Sandals and wear them on almost all hikes. I am wearing them while walking The Narrows as shown below. They have good tread and are comfortable to wear no matter where I am walking. #tevasandals #teva
Camping at Zion National Park
There are three campgrounds in Zion National Park. Reservations are recommended from mid-May to November. All campgrounds were full when we arrived in June so get advanced reservations to guarantee a spot.
Watchman campground: Located 1/4 mile from the south entrance near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
Reservations are required.
Open 24 hours.
Amenities: trash, water, dump, picnic table, fire ring, flush toilets, NO showers. Year-round amenities.
95 Electrical sites are available for $30 a night. Tent sites are available for $20 a night
No generators allowed
South campground: Located 1/2 mile from the south entrance.
CLOSED AS OF JULY 2024 FOR RENOVATIONS
Reservations are needed.
Open 24 hours.
Amenities: picnic table, fire ring, trash, dump, water, flush toilets, NO showers. NO electric.
Sites are $20 a night.
Open May to September if weather allows.
6 primitive campsites available for reservation only.
Amenities: pit toilets and trash. No water.
Sites are $25 a night.
Vehicles longer than 19 feet are not permitted.
Limited cell signal.
6 Places to Visit in Utah
Grab this FREE one-page list of places to visit in Utah? Click on the link below for this FREE list.
FREE Boondocking locations near Zion National Park
We were able to camp for FREE outside of Zion National Park. There are no facilities at this location so make sure you use the restroom at the park before you head to your campsite to sleep for the night.
GPS: 37.22033, -113.16161, this is on North Kolob Terrace Road in Virgin, Utah. This is BLM land and is free for up to 14 days. There was a fire ring and a few trees for shade. It was a very quiet area with only a couple other campers but plenty of space to spread out.
This spot is located about 22 minutes from the south entrance of Zion National Park.
Find this spot on Campendium
Ariel view of campsite, near a creek
2nd Boondocking location near Zion National Park
The summer of 2022 we found another camping spot near Zion National Park. This is located on North Bridge Sheep Road W in Virgin Utah. You will travel down a gravel road and find several camping locations off the main road. There are rock fire pits available.
You can see the Hurricane Cliffs in your view making this a peaceful place to camp. Other campers are seen in the distance but not close enough to bother us. .
GPS: 37.18582, -113.22221
This spot is located about 26 minutes from the entrance of Zion NP.
Check out this related blog post on FREE boondocking locations across the United States
Other Park activities
Visiting The Narrows was such an amazing experience and one of our favorite hikes! There are many other trails and activities to explore within Zion National Park so check them out while you are there.
Bicycling
Backpacking
Ranger-led activities
Rock climbing
River trips
Horseback riding
Stargazing
and more
Another popular hike is the Angel’s Landing. Permits required. 5.4-mile round trip hike.
Check out these related posts
I am just amazed at all the natural beauty this country has to offer. There are so many natural structures to explore, mountains to climb, and rivers to explore. I would love to be able to travel full time someday and have time to explore all of the great things around this country. I just want to see it all! As I browse Pinterest or Instagram I get so inspired by others and continue to add new places to visit to my list.
I hope you have a bucket list that you have started. I hope you can start crossing off places you have visited and are enjoying making memories with your family or even if you travel solo, I hope you are having the best time of your life.
My bucket list is currently at 73 pages in Google docs. How long is your bucket list?
Enjoy your journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel with my family and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can usually find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures.
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