Last Updated on September 9, 2025
Zion National Park is packed with jaw-dropping views, and few adventures capture its magic quite like hiking The Narrows. This isn’t your typical day hike. Instead of following a dry trail, you wade upstream through the Virgin River surrounded by towering canyon walls.
For our family of five, the hike to Wall Street (the most dramatic stretch of The Narrows) was an unforgettable experience and the highlight of our three days in Zion. Here’s everything we learned from that hike – including what to expect, what to bring, and whether this epic river trek is right for you.
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What is The Narrows?
The Narrows is the skinniest part of Zion Canyon, where the Virgin River has carved a path between sandstone cliffs that tower up to 1,500 feet high. Instead of hiking on dry ground, you walk directly in the river itself. The trail is slippery, rocky, and sometimes deep – but the payoff makes it worth every step.
Around each corner, there’s something new: swirling rock walls, lush hanging gardens, and beams of sunlight shining down into the canyon. This unique setting feels less like a trail and more like exploring a natural cathedral.
Our Experience
We began our journey around 9:15 a.m. at the Temple of Sinawava, the final stop on the Zion Canyon shuttle. From there, we followed the Riverside Walk, a paved path that runs along the Virgin River. It’s about a mile long and makes for a nice, easy warm-up before the real adventure begins – in the water.
Once in the river, we had to navigate slippery, uneven rocks, and balance through the current. It was like walking on wet bowling balls! We found ourselves trying to focus on each step while also marveling at the sheer scale of the canyon walls surrounding us. Progress was slow and more demanding than a typical hike, and trekking poles were a lifesaver for balance.
Roughly an hour in, we took a break and recharged with snacks. It was good to sit and rest our legs a bit. As we continued deeper in the canyon, it narrowed dramatically. By noon, we reached Wall Street, the most famous part of the Narrows. Here, the river winds through a gorge only 20–30 feet wide, flanked by cliffs nearly 1,500 feet tall. The light barely makes it through, and the sound of water bouncing off the rock walls echoed around us. It felt surreal.
After soaking in the views, we retraced our steps and stopped for a picnic lunch along the way. We made it back to the shuttle stop by 2:45 p.m. Altogether, we hiked about 6 miles in 5.5 hours – but it didn’t feel that long. We took a ridiculous number of photos (even by our standards) because every stretch of the canyon looked even more amazing than the last.
Tips for Hiking the Narrows
Some people try hiking The Narrows in sneakers – or even flip-flops – but we don’t recommend it. The rocks are super slippery, the water is cold (even in summer), and having the right gear makes a big difference for both comfort and safety.
We rented our gear from Zion Outfitter in Springdale, just outside the park, and had a great experience. For our October hike, we used:
- Canyoneering boots: Sturdy with grippy soles for traction
- Neoprene socks: Kept our feet surprisingly warm in the icy water
- Trekking poles: Essential for balance on those “bowling ball” rocks
- Dry pants: Kept us warm when the water got deeper (our 11-year-old got a full kids’ drysuit because the water was deeper on her)
- Waterproof backpack: Protected our snacks, extra layers, and phones
Other good rental shops include Zion Adventure Company and Zion Guru, all offering affordable packages.
NOTE: Rentals sell out fast during peak season. Reserve your gear online and pick it up the night before, so you’re not stuck waiting in line the next morning.
Be sure to wear quick-dry clothes (synthetic or wool). Avoid cotton since it absorbs water. Pack plenty of snacks, at least 2 liters of water per person, and something waterproof for your phone and valuables.
When to Go
The best time to hike The Narrows is usually late spring through early fall (May–October) when river levels are safer and temperatures are more comfortable.
We hiked in October and loved it – the morning was cool, but by early afternoon temps hit the low 70s, which felt perfect. Just remember: water in the Narrows is cold year-round, so gear is key even in warm weather.
A few safety reminders:
- Flash floods are a serious risk. Even if it’s sunny where you are, there could be storms upstream sending high levels of water and debris through the canyon.
- Always check the forecast and river flow rates before heading out. The trail closes when flows are above 150 CFS. Under 70 CFS is generally ideal.
You can check current conditions here: Current Conditions – Zion National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Is It Good for Families?
Yes – with some caveats.
Our kids (ages 16, 14, and 11) loved the adventure. Hiking the Narrows with kids can be a blast if they enjoy climbing over rocks and splashing through rivers.
That said, this hike can be physically demanding especially if the water is deep and flowing. If you’re unsure, just hike the first mile or so into the canyon and then turn around. Even a short stretch offers incredible scenery without pushing younger kids too hard.
Our Zion Highlight
For us, hiking The Narrows was the highlight of our trip to Zion – and one of the most unique hikes we’ve ever done. We tackled it at the end of an 8-day journey through Utah’s national parks, and even after all the stunning sights we’d seen, The Narrows still blew us away. It’s not just a hike – it’s an adventure. The water is the trail – and the experience is unforgettable.
If you’re up for a challenge and prepared with the right gear, this is one trail you absolutely don’t want to miss.
Have you hiked the Narrows? Any tips or advice you’d like to add? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!
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