The Narrows at Zion National Park
The Narrows at Zion National Park - Springdale, Utah
Utah was the first stop on our West to East road trip this summer. This was also our first time in Utah and we were excited to take in the glorious red rocks and canyons.
Zion National Park is in Springdale, Utah about 50 miles from the border of Arizona and Utah. We stayed in a cozy Airbnb nestled in St. George. We chose that location with intentions of skipping the crowds of Zion and hanging in Hurricane/St. George area but ended up in Zion because we were attracted to The Narrows hike. Our drive from St. George to Zion was 36 miles of red mountain views and crystal blue skies.
The town of Springdale is a cute little tourist town bustling with all kinds of shops and restaurants. Here you can find hotels, campgrounds, spas, and museums. Entry to the National Park itself costs $35 but for $80 we bought the American the Beautiful Annual Parks pass that gives you access to all the United States’ protected parks.
Keep in mind, trail enthusiasts and travelers come from all over the world to experience the majesty that is Zion National Park, so expect a crowd, especially during the peak seasons April-September. Also know that to get around Zion National Park, you will have to take the park shuttles. They pick up and drop off at 9 different stops throughout the park.
The Narrows Trail
Things to consider: The shuttle ride from the Zion Visitor Center to the trail head at the Temple of Sinawava is about 45 mins. The 1 mile walk to the opening of the gorge via the Riverside Walk Trail took another 25 mins. Be prepared to walk against the current through the Virgin River. The deepest part for me came mid-thigh and I am 5’3”. I wore Vibram 5 finger shoes and had to walk a little slower. By the end, my feet were a little achy. For those with less balance and weaker ankles, I suggest wearing ankle boots and using a walking stick.
Bottom-Up Hike from the Temple of Sinawava to Big Springs (6 miles one way)
This is the hike we did. The shuttle drops you off at the Temple of Sinawava. From there you hike along the Virgin River on a wheelchair accessible path before entering the Narrows. From this point on you are walking against the current into the gorge. Once you get to Big Springs, you turn around. We turned around after about 2 miles in.
Top-Down Hike from Chamberlain's Ranch to Temple Sinawava (16 miles straight through)
This hike requires a permit to access the trailhead at Chamberlain’s Ranch. The entire hike takes most hikers a full day to complete.
The Narrows is the narrowest section in Zion Canyon. This gorge has walls that reach up to a thousand feet high and parts of the river that go 30 feet deep. Follow a trail along the Virgin River and into the bottom opening of the canyon. From there, walk up the river enclosed in the canyons’ smooth walls.
The hike was a little too crowded at first but once it cleared, we spent time admiring the breathtaking beauty and the tranquility of the gorge. I always love to reward myself with some playtime while on a hike and we got to enjoy some rock climbing, relaxing in the refreshing river, and capturing great GoPro footage with no hikers around to photobomb.
Our hike started around 4pm and by 6pm we were ready to turn around and make our way back to the shuttle at the Temple of Sinawava.
I suggest adding this adventure to your bucket list when passing through Utah! Next time, I would like to stay in the town of Springdale and spend a few days exploring more of Zion National Park.
Other Places in the area:
Grand Canyon North rim - 110 miles
Bryce Canyon - 72 miles
Sands Hollow - 32 miles
