assembled007

We will be in Zion next month and are looking at the Zion Narrows hike. It seems like a great hike, but I wouldn't say our group consists of experienced/avid hikers, plus we'll have some older folks with us. We're looking at the Bottom-Top hike so a simple day hike. Curious to know how 'strenuous' this hike is and if it's doable for the casual tourist who maybe hikes once a year. It seems like it can be fairly strenuous if you want it to be...

J62

No, I would not say the narrows hike from bottom to top is relatively easy. The entire hike is along the rocky river bed and most of it is knee deep in the water. It is not a smooth trail and is a several hour hike.

But there is no need to do the entire hike all the way to the point of return. Most tourists only go to the end of the paved trail from the bus stop - about 1mi. Of those that proceed on, many only go 100 yards or less, so if you can go 1/2 or even just 1/4 mile you will be away from all the crowds, around a few bends. Even with that short hike you can get a sense of the beauty of the Zion Narrows.

It is ok for your group to split into several groups - those that are more fit can plan on a longer hike, and those that are not a shorter one. You can all meet up later back at hotel, or on the lawn at the Zion lodge, or any other meet up point.

PaulRabe

Another suggestion is Lower Emerald Pools. The trail is uphill, but it's a mere 0.6 miles to the pool. Nice views into the Canyon are available as you walk up
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pr77x/14773249421/
You can either hike back down, continue to the Upper Pool, or extend the hike to the Kayenta Trail.

This pdf gives info on Zion hiking:
http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisi...uide2013-4.pdf

Travelmom99

I did the Narrows hike (all the way to the Narrows) with very little effort when I was out of shape. You're going in the perfect time of year - the water will be extremely refreshing in the heat. Just make sure everyone has water shoes and pick up the big sticks at the beginning of the river trail to help with balance. The Emerald Pools hike is nice but doesn't even compare. Do the Narrows ... it will be a lifelong memory.

mlgb

The issue is really the slippery bottom and whether the "older" folks have good balance and would have concerns if they fell. Probably depends on how you define "older".

I think the idea that they just go to the first bend is okay.

Emerald Pools isn't anything like the Narrows.

utahtea

Just to clarify some information that has already been posted regarding this hike.

The free shuttle buses run to the Temple of the Sinawava where the one mile "Riverside Walk" starts. The "Riverside Walk" is beautiful and the canyon gets narrow but you are walking on a easy paved path. At the end of the "Riverside Walk" the "Narrows" hike begins and you have to cross the Virgin River. If it's a good day, it will be low and clear BUT the rocks are slippery so make sure you have good river shoes and take walking sticks. Most people only go in a couple of miles. We did that years ago and it's fun.

The whole Narrows hike is 9.4 miles round trip and takes 8 hours according to the Zion website. http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisi...uide2013-4.pdf

Always check weather and river conditions before you head out for the Narrows trail.

Utahtea

willowjane

Good information! Thanks for sharing.

RVvagabond

Starting at its mouth/beginning is Chamberlain Ranch - no turning back.
Utahtea has the right approach as you can turn around at any time.
It is about 3-4 miles upstream to the high/narrow cliffs.

Caution- need 'walking sticks (2 is best)' and proper shoes - at least ankle high tennis shoes. You can rent both at Zion Adventures sporting goods store. I feel they are overpriced, but shop around. Each of their 'sticks' is about $7 per day rental - yuck. Bring your own or cut some branches somewhere. Should be elbow high at a minimum. In addition to balance, probe ahead for a 'hole'.

If you have ebook (Kindle) capability, I suggest purchasing this book (either 1 or 2). It has several Youtube links to demonstrate that hike. Also the author incorporates helpful hints on water temp, volume, etc. A printed copy is also available, but it does not have Internet links
http://www.southutahparks.com/

Bring camera with wide angle lens capability

Vaga

mlgb

Make that camera waterproof.

assembled007

Thanks all for the good advice. I think we have a pretty good idea of our options now -- sounds like we can hike as far as we can get or until some in the group need to go back (if we all choose to stay together).

Is there a 'recommended' time of day to do this hike, assuming we set aside 4-6 hours to do it, if not more?

J62

Personally I prefer very early in the day to visit the Narrows since it will be much quieter and less crowded. By mid day there can be hordes to contend with. When I last hiked the narrows bottoms up (May 2013) I was on the first bus of the day, around 7am. The first people I saw were hikers coming from the top down, about 3 hrs into the trek. .

Not saying you need to be that early...

Nelson

Ditto what J62 said, earlier is better. For one thing thunderstorms tend to form in the afternoon and you want to be out of there before that happens. Also, that beautiful golden light that you get down there happens early in the morning.

I hiked up to the Orderville Canyon Junction in July a few years ago, which is about 2 miles. Totally spectacular. There were nearly 40 river crossings in those 2 miles!

A couple of pointers that may be helpful: along with your good footwear and trekking poles, it pays to study the river a bit. When possible, don't cross in the nice looking calm sections as they are deeper than they seem. Instead cross where the ripples are entering the calm water. The water is shallow there, and not moving too fast. I learned this from a ranger.

Also, even if the forecast calls for 100 degrees in the valley, it can be quite cool in The Narrows. There is not much sun shining doen there and the water is cool/cold. Good idea to bring a warm layer along.

Have fun.

mabella101

Definitely try to do the narrows as far as you can. On our previous trip my husband couldn't do the hike because he had broken his toe a week earlier. This hike is so spectacular that we are considering scheduling a weekend trip just so that he can experience the hikes majesty. I ended up doing the hike with my two nieces. This remains one of their all time favorite vacation memories. I wouldn't say the hike is difficult. It just requires balance. There are spots where the water rises so if anyone in your party cannot swim or float I wouldn't recommend it. But by taking it slow and just going aa far as you feel comfortable, I would by no means consider it tough. We rented shoes sticks and a waterproof case from Zion adventure company. The waterproof case was invaluable as i was able to keep my cash and credit card and a small snack bar from getting wet.
Also as far as the time, earlier is better because keep in mind that if tour not staying in the park the shuttle takes awhile to get you to the start of the hike. In addition you still have the mile or so riverside walk to get to the atart of the narrows.
Enjoy!!

mabella101

Sorry for the ty-pos!! Replying from my cell phone.