Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Zion, please refer to the Zion National Park webpage.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get on this adventure:

• • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • A full day of hiking
  • Transportation to the trailhead if possible
  • All necessary Narrows specific equipment
  • Lunch
  • Taxes

What’s not included:

• • Transportation before and after the trip
  • Accommodations
  • Park entrance fee

You need to be able to hike for a full day, carrying a daypack and walking in water, depending on the Zion hiking tour you select. Each day trip, you’ll hike between five and eight hours. The desert terrain can be challenging and the weather unpredictable. That said, if you are looking for adventure and up to the task of multiple days of full-day trekking, you’ll be rewarded immensely.

A hike through the Narrows requires hiking in the Virgin River. You must get your feet wet since there is no trail. The depth of the water and strength of the current varies and there is always a possibility for the trip to be canceled due to flash flooding (this is a rare occurrence and your guides are able to anticipate any possibility by watching any change of precipitation).

Sturdy footwear is essential. Hiking boots with good ankle support are best. Sandals and bare feet are not appropriate. Make sure you bring quick dry clothes! It is a good idea to waterproof all of your belongings with dry bags. Smaller resealable bags provide extra protection for cameras and other valuables.

Water level fluctuates greatly from year to year and day to day depending on many factors. Walking is usually moderately difficult, with knee deep crossings on the slippery and uneven river bottom with frequent pools up to waist deep. When the current goes up, walking against the current becomes challenging and crossings of mid-thigh deep are frequent with pools that can be chest deep.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  • Hiking poles — optional
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  • Spare clothes for layering
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Sunhat
  • Snacks you can eat on-the-go
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and prices:

• • The guest to guide ratio for this private hiking tour is usually six guests and one guide. 
  • It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to run. 
  • Cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows. If you wish to attend this trip on your own, you’ll have to pay the price for two people.

If your hiking party is larger than six people, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements. 

Min. age requirements:

• • Anyone over the age of 18 can join these day-hiking tours
  • Children as young as 12 may join these day-hiking tours, but only on a case-by-case basis.

If you plan to hike with anyone under the age of 18, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to Zion National Park, most people fly into McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. From Las Vegas, which is only three hours away, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Zion National Park. The closest commercial flight airport is St. George Regional Airport, only an hour drive away from the Park. From there, you also can take a shuttle to Zion National Park.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, you will meet your guide at a predetermined location, usually at your guiding service’s shop. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.