Wanderbrush

On our last day in Zion, we decided to take on one of the park’s most iconic hikes—the Narrows. While this wasn’t part of our original itinerary, a conversation with fellow travelers in Springdale on our first night quickly convinced us this hike was a must-do.

Preparing for the Hike

Since we were hiking the Narrows in winter, proper gear was essential. We rented everything from Zion Outfitters, opting for the dry bib package, which included dry bibs (or waders), Adidas Hydro Lace boots, neoprene socks, and a wooden walking stick. For an extra fee, we could have rented a dry top, but Mason and I chose to wear dri-fit long sleeve shirts instead. We also added a waterproof backpack to carry our water bottles, snacks, and cameras. Pro tip: if you’re bringing electronics, make sure to use an extra waterproof bag for added protection. While the gear is designed to be waterproof, a little extra caution never hurts.

Our rental came to $110 for the day, which was a great deal considering the quality of the equipment. We placed the order the night before, and had until 10 a.m. the next morning to pick it up. After a relaxed start to the day, we arrived at Zion Outfitters around 8:45 a.m. The staff was friendly and helpful, guiding us through the process of getting suited up. Don’t rush this step—properly securing your bibs, boots, and socks is crucial to avoid water seepage during the hike.

Starting the Adventure

After gearing up, we made our way to the Narrows trailhead. The parking lot was packed, partly due to the Riverside Walk, a one-mile paved trail that runs along the Virgin River. We ended up parking at one of the pull-offs nearby but, as we stepped out, we were filled with excitement to begin our adventure.

We walked the Riverside Walk, passing other hikers in their gear, which got us even more pumped to start the Narrows hike. The actual hike begins at the head of the North Fork of the Virgin River, where the fun truly starts.

Navigating the River

The first mile of the hike was on a paved trail, but soon enough, we entered the river, where the real challenge began. We spent a little time adjusting to the bibs, boots, and walking stick—especially as the river rocks required some careful footing to avoid slips. The cold water added an extra layer of excitement (and challenge), but the gear did its job in keeping us dry and warm.

Weather-wise, we lucked out. It was a clear, sunny day, and with no rain forecasted, we felt safe. Flash floods are a serious concern in the Narrows, so make sure to check the weather before you go.

As we ventured deeper into the canyon, the water levels and current varied. There were sections that were more challenging, with rougher currents, but overall, the hike was manageable for us as novice adventurers. The walking stick will be your best friend on this hike. Towards the beginning, spend time going slow and steady to get a gauge for how to get your footing.

The full length of the Narrows hike spans about 4.5 miles, but with our late start and an early sunset, we only made it 1.5 miles in before turning back, for a total of around 5 miles.

The return journey was just as beautiful, with plenty of spots along the way to pause for pictures and take in the peaceful surroundings. While the Narrows can get busy, we were fortunate to find some quieter moments to enjoy the scenery.

A Well-Deserved Break

Back on dry land at the end of Riverside Walk, we felt a wave of relief as we rejoined the paved trail. We made our way to the parking lot, eager to shed our wet gear and slip into something more comfortable. We also got some time to soak in some of our last moments in the park while the sunlight cascaded down on the canyon walls.

By this point, we were starving, so we headed back to Springdale for an early dinner at Camp Outpost Co. This casual yet cozy spot was perfect for a post-hike meal, offering a robust menu and excellent service. The food was delicious and just what we needed after a long day in the canyon.

After returning our rental gear to Zion Outfitters, we did a little souvenir shopping before heading back to the hotel. The day had been exhausting, so we took some time to unwind on our hotel balcony, which overlooked the stunning canyon. We watched the sunset, reflecting on the amazing day we had just experienced.

Star Gazing Under the Zion Sky

As if that wasn’t enough for one day, we decided to squeeze in one last adventure—stargazing. After picking up snacks and drinks at Sol Foods Supermarket, we drove back into the park to find the perfect spot for long-exposure shots of the night sky.

The stars over Zion were mesmerizing, and Mason’s photos captured the beauty of the night perfectly. We spent a couple of hours in the park, fully immersing ourselves in the tranquility and majesty of Zion after dark. As the evening wound down, we made our way back to the hotel to pack up, ready for an early drive back to Vegas to catch our flight.

Reflecting on Our Zion Adventure

Zion is one of those rare places that never loses its magic, and this trip was no exception. Hiking the Narrows in winter was an unforgettable experience, made even better by the lack of crowds and the serenity of the season. From our first visit to Zion two years ago to this most recent trip, the park remains one of our favorites. And we’re already planning our next visit! Until next time, Zion.