My partner and I are heavier 40 somethings. Recently we have begun hiking and enjoying the process of getting stronger and healthier. We are planning on visiting Zion National Park in the end of March. We have decided that we want to walk a few miles up stream from the bottom of the Narrows. My question is, this is one of our first "difficult" hikes, and we are not sure what equipment we may need for this hike. Also, are we crazy for thinking this is an appropriate first "difficult" trail? Is the water too cold in March or the water too deep (i'm only 5'1"). I expect it to be tough, but I would hate for it to be punishing.
I see a lot of lists and descriptions of the hike, but most address the equipment needed for the full 16 mile hike. We are only planning on hiking from the Temple of Sinawava to "Wall Street" I am wondering if any one can give some advice on a realistic equipment list we may need for bottom of the Narrows to around Orderville Canyon and back to the bottom. It will be at the end of March, so I am not sure if the water level will be high yet, will we need full body dry suits or would renting water shoes, socks, and dry pants be enough for the lower two miles? Thoughts?

The Narrows hike from the bottom up to Orderville is more of a walk than a strenuous hike, at least compared to Observation point or Angels Landing which entail a lot of elevation gain.

What makes it difficult is uneven footing nearly the whole way since you are walking in a rocky river bed, and the water.

When conditions are right nearly anybody who can walk the distance on a flat even trail can do the walk th wall street.

The problem is your timing. Yes, the water will be too cold to wear anything but full dry suit. You are constantly criss crossing back and forth across the river to get to the dry bank on the other side as the river snakes, and all it takes is one step into a deep pool and you're up to your neck. The air in the slot canyon itself will be very chilly - perhaps 10 to 20 degrees cooler then the main part of Zion canyon, so you do not have the benefit of warm air to dry you out. I did this hike in v. early May once and wore a dry suit and was glad I did. I would have been gladder if I'd kept it zipped up tight to my neck when I slipped and got soaked and chilled to the bone. Thankfully I found a sunny rock at high noon where I could doff all my wet clothes and dry out.

Perhaps an even bigger problem will be the water level. I believe the NPS closes the trail when the water level is above ~100cfs, and March will be prime snowpack melt season. You can check water levels here, and the gear rental shops in Springdale all monitor the level as well.

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?09405500

Hiking the Narrows is a day to day thing. You will need to check with the Visitors Center the day before to find out if it's a go. It will probably be high runoff and not open to hiking, but you never know. The head out to rent your gear.

There are many other beautiful hikes if the Narrows is not open.

Do you have your reservations yet? if not this may be your biggest problem. hurry!

I don't believe that a reservation/permit is required to hike UP the river from the Temple of Sinawava

You DO need a permit to hike down the river from Chamberlain Ranch, through the Narrows, existing at Temple of Sinawava.

J62 is on target. This has been a snow year and the water could be very high (and cold).

Suggest doing several lesser hikes within the park or just hop on to Bryce.

Or Death Valley, California

Vaga

Thanks for the responses. Lots of good advice and recommendations.

I meant lodging reservations. Sorry if I wasn't clear.