Chasing The Narrows: Our Zion National Park Adventure
Updated: Oct 4
Chasing The Narrows: Our Zion National Park Adventure
Zion National Park had been on my list for years, and the second we drove in, I understood the hype. Massive red sandstone cliffs rise straight into the sky, carved over millions of years by wind and water. The colors seemed to change throughout the day, from deep reds and oranges in the morning to softer golden shades in the afternoon.
Standing in the middle of the canyon, it is hard not to feel a little small in the best way.
Here is how our trip went, along with everything I wish I had known before visiting.
Good to Know
Entrance fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days
Zion Canyon shuttle: During the shuttle season, private vehicles generally cannot drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive beyond the Canyon Junction area. The park shuttle takes visitors from the Visitor Center into the canyon.
The Narrows permits: A permit is required for the top-down route that begins at Chamberlain's Ranch. The bottom-up route from the Riverside Walk into the Virgin River, which is the route most day hikers use, does not require a permit.
What to wear: Water shoes or sturdy river-hiking shoes are a good choice. A trekking pole can also make walking over the uneven riverbed much easier.
Water conditions: Check Zion National Park's current Narrows conditions before your hike. Water levels and weather can affect whether the route is safe or open.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall generally offers warmer conditions for hiking in the river. September can be a great balance between comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds.
Our Zion Itinerary
Day 1: Into the Canyon
We started at the Visitor Center and boarded the shuttle into Zion Canyon. As we traveled deeper into the canyon, the sandstone walls seemed to get taller at every stop.
The shuttle ride itself became part of the experience. Instead of seeing the park from behind a car window, we could look straight up at the cliffs surrounding us. We stopped to take photos, explore different parts of the canyon, and get a feel for the area before our Narrows adventure the next day.
By the end of the day, we were already looking forward to the hike we had come for.
Day 2: Hiking The Narrows
This was the day we had been waiting for.
Instead of following a normal trail, you hike through the Virgin River itself, with canyon walls stretching high above you on both sides. The water was cold enough to make us gasp during the first few steps, and the riverbed was uneven and slick in places. But the water was so clear that we could see the smooth, colorful rocks beneath our feet.
What We Brought
We brought water shoes, a dry bag for our phones, and trekking poles. The trekking poles were especially helpful because the current can be stronger than it looks, and the riverbed is constantly changing under your feet.
A couple of miles in, the canyon became incredibly narrow. At some points, the walls seemed to rise almost straight out of the water. Sunlight streamed between the cliffs and bounced off the river, creating a golden glow.
The sound was just as memorable as the scenery. The river echoed between the canyon walls, creating a constant background noise that somehow felt peaceful.
We stopped several times and just stood there without talking.
You can see the rocks beneath the water!
We did not rush this hike. We took our time, stopped for photos, and let the river set our pace instead of trying to hurry through it. That made the experience feel less like checking a trail off a list and more like exploring the canyon itself.
Where to Stay
If you are visiting Zion, Springdale is one of the most convenient places to stay because it sits directly outside the park's south entrance. Many hotels are close to the park shuttle, making it easy to leave your car behind.
Inside Zion National Park
Zion National Park Lodge
Staying inside the park puts you close to the canyon and eliminates the need to commute from another town.
Springdale
Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park
A convenient option near the park entrance, especially for families who want to stay close to the shuttle.
Zion Pioneer Lodge
A Springdale option close to the park and the town's restaurants and shops.
Hurricane
If Springdale is booked or prices are too high, Hurricane can be a good alternative. It is farther from the park, but there are usually more lodging options.
Wingate by Wyndham Hurricane/Zion National Park
Comfort Inn & Suites Zion Park Area
St. George
St. George is farther away but offers many hotels, restaurants, and other amenities. It can make sense if you are combining Zion with other southern Utah destinations.
Hyatt Place St. George / Convention Center
Hilton Garden Inn St. George
Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center St. George
Also Nearby: La Verkin
Best Western Plus Zion West Hotel
Always double-check current hotel information and booking details before making a reservation.
Short on Time?
If you only have one day in Zion, I would prioritize the canyon.
Start early and take the shuttle toward the Temple of Sinawava. From there, follow the Riverside Walk toward the entrance to The Narrows. If conditions are safe and you are prepared for river hiking, you can continue into the Virgin River.
Afterward, use the shuttle to explore another part of Zion Canyon and stop at viewpoints along the way.
Starting early is especially helpful because Zion can become much busier later in the day.
What I Would Do Differently
The biggest thing I would recommend is preparing for the river before you arrive. The Narrows is beautiful, but it is not a normal paved trail. Your feet are constantly adjusting to rocks underneath the water, and the current can make certain sections harder than they look.
I would also check the weather and river conditions immediately before going. Zion is an incredible place, but the conditions can change, and safety matters more than finishing a hike.
Final Thoughts
The Narrows alone made this trip unforgettable.
My feet were tired, the water was freezing at times, and every step across the riverbed took concentration. But those little challenges are also what made the experience feel like an adventure instead of just another hike.
When I think back on Zion, I do not just remember the giant cliffs. I remember standing in the river, looking down at the rocks beneath the clear water, with sunlight shining through the canyon above me.
That is the part of Zion I will remember for a long time.
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