The Narrows | Zion National Park | A Beginner's Guide

Zion National Park - Zion Narrows! The Narrows at Zion National Park has been one of my all-time favorite hikes. Meander up the pristine Virgin River surrounded by large narrow stone walls in this beautiful slot canyon. Start at the Temple of Sinawava (end of the "Scenic Drive"), hike up the Riverside Walk Trail, and then enter the water about a mile later. Go upstream as far as you want and return the same way. No permits are necessary for this hike at Zion National Park.

NOTE: As of 7/20, the Park Shuttles have resumed running at limited capacity by reservation only.

HEED THIS FOR THE NARROWS!
*The biggest danger is flooding in the narrows. By no means enter the canyon against the advice of a Park Ranger. Avoid if rain is in the forecast.
*A walking stick or wooden pole is nearly essential for balance.
*We used normal gym shoes, but many rent special boots for warmth, traction, and stability. The water can get really cold!
*Sufficient water.
*Dry bags if desired.
*A wetsuit if hiking in the off-season.
*Expect large crowds - if want you fewer people, start early or visit in the offseason.

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[west.coast.hiking]

This is the most memorable hike I've done. Definitely a unique hike with beautiful scenery.

[sanchayansarkar]

The best channel for making me motivated for visiting national parks. Last year, i visited 15 of them and many of them were influenced by this channel.

[maddieocarroll]

What a convenient time for posting this video!!! I am in Utah right now camping right by Zion
and I am hiking the Narrows in the morning!!! I am so excited!!!

[juliesmith]

It was such a great hike. So much beauty. What a wonderful hiking partner I have!

[keenarcayan]

My friend thanks for posting! I always enjoyed all your post. I remember my last hiked at the narrows was 1996 when I used to lived in St. George, UT. Was a great experienced. God Bless You and Your Family.

[spartan-uorl]

It's my dream to one day visit zion, beautiful video thank you

[patrickscully]

Beautifully made. Such talent and lovely music score too. What a delightful looking place.
Thanks.

[AmericasParks]

PLEASE NOTE: As of July, 2020, THE PARK SHUTTLES are now running again, but they do require ADVANCED RESERVATIONS. ALSO - My beginner ADVICE for this hike is listed in the DESCRIPTION BELOW.

[adventureswithLK]

Loved it. You showed a perspective of the Narrows and your hike that I have never seen before, and it was fantastic. Have a great week and hope the feet have warmed back up.

[reneeh]

Ah, the Narrows. The hike that made me fall in love with hiking. We rented the waterproof shoes, socks, & poles from an outfitter near our hotel. Stay safe! Be well!

[beachgirl]

As truly gorgeous as it is, there is nothing I would wait in that line for. Just too rough and "people-y" for me!
So glad you shared your experiences.

[candyemmons]

Came to learn about the Narrows hike, but loved how you captured this moment in history.

[DC-zkwu]

Always enjoy seeing new content from you Randy. Glad to see that you made it back out this way.

[MarkH]

Beautiful and amazing footage! Wonderful seeing you two again on your Americas Parks explorations! Really good music, too! Thank you, Randy!

[jennazhang]

My friend and I are soooo excited to check out Zion next week! Thanks for showing us this amazing trail ❤

[davidnyro]

Did this last summer (2019). Bottom up. Definitely recommend for all bucket lists! I've rafted the Colorado through the Grand Canyon with three buddies in our own, private raft, hiked and climbed in a bunch of mountain ranges, been to all our national parks, except in Alaska, Canadian Rockies, seen volcanoes erupting, Italy's Amalfi coast, Napali, Northern Lights, tornadoes, 65- foot high surf at Waimea...a lot of amazing sights. (Lucky me!) This is near, if not AT, the top. Didn't do the entire 16 miles. Can't. Had to turn around at Big Spring, about 3.6 miles in. (Mandatory turn-around for all bottom-uppers, is my understanding.)
One thing not shown/demonstrated here is that there are - or were when I was hiking it - places where the river runs swiftly and deep enough (and that can be as little as two to three feet deep) for one to run the river, as in, just get in and let it carry you along for a few yards. (Just keep those shoed-feet downstream, kids! Rafting 101!) Do it again and again, if you like. When I went, a bunch of kids were doing this. And some "overgrown kids, " like me. I wore my Keen reef walkers, which worked great! Just be sure they are cinched on nice and snug. The water was delightful. It was the end of July, air temps in the upper 80's, no threat of rain or T-storms. I'd say the river water temp was in the upper 60's, low 70's, especially in some of the shallower sections and in the sun. When I went swimming, it was totally easy to immerse in T-shirt and shorts. No shock to the system.
One final observation. I didn't mind the crowds. It was full of people, but wasn't congested. (I was hiking alone. I'm an introvert-extrovert, btw.) I have rarely felt so much joy, wonder, and happiness as I felt in there. It wasn't just because I was giddy from the experience. Everyone was feeling it, and one could sense that communal spirit. The "peace, love and happiness" was real. The kids were in heaven and their parents were reflecting that too. That, as much as the humbling, awe-inspiring wonder of the landscape itself, was my greatest take-away. It was like the Truman Show, with everyone saying "Hello" and smiling. It reminded me of the Louis Armstrong song "What a Wonderful World."
Fun vid, well-done.
One suggestion, if I may, for the next one: more shots up the canyon walls to the rims (or close, anyway.) Would love to have seen a few more pans up and around. There's also some cool vegetation I didn't expect to see in the canyon.
I am definitely going to do this again as soon as possible! 2020 is probably a no-go, but 2021 is on the wishlist radar!

[brucecosgrove]

Did the Narrows 4 times. Glad it was many years ago before the massive crowds they have now. Nice video.

[ActiveTravelWestUSA]

A must do hike in this extreme heat! Get out of Vegas and go cool off! Great video! Thanks!

[babetravelling]

U’re such a pro on this. Thanks for the well detailed advice fo this trail.

[KalebJackson]

Wow! What a nice hike huh? I've never been to Utah but I'm glad that I get to join this journey on this National Park with you guys lol.