Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 16 miles
Time: 1- 2 days
Accessible: Summer - fall. The Narrows are generally closed for much of the spring months due to snowmelt and spring run-off (typically April to June). Winter #hiking is possible with proper protection (wetsuits/drysuits), but snowcover will hinder access to Chamberlain's Ranch. A Zion backcountry permit is required for all Narrows top-down hikes.
A group of three of my girl friends and I embarked on one of the most challenging and difficult hikes we've ever experienced. We started our hike at Zion Adventure Company after renting our dry-suits as we needed them going into the #Narrows in the cold off-season. Zion Adventure Company rents wetsuits, dry-suits, canyon shoes, and hiking poles, and all the necessary equipment for the hike. It also has a shuttle that takes you very early in the morning to the start of the trail head from Chamerlain's Ranch northeast of Zion National Park. From there we descended into the upper North Fork as it slowly transformed from an open stream into the majestic and deep slot canyon that opens into the main canyon in Zion. Hiking Narrows was the most challenging and grueling thing I have ever done in my life thus far, both mentally and physically. We attempted to do a 1-day hike down from the top. It was 16 strenuous miles of exhausting terrain. We found ourselves racing against the clock as the hike takes at least 12-14 hours to complete. If you wan't more time to #explore, take photos, smell the roses..etc, I would suggest making it an overnight trip. At certain areas of the hike we found ourselves in waist to head-high water for a small portion of the hike due to the wet season. It is dangerous for hikers who do not know how to swim to go during these conditions. Nonetheless, it was a rewarding, exhilarating and breathtaking experience all at once.
Equipment Recommendations:
Footwear - Since you are hiking in knee to chest-deep water and rocky boulders almost all of the time, waterproof footwear with toe protection is a must. A good pair of neoprene or waterproof socks are highly recommended as they are much better at keeping your feet warm and less proned to blisters (trust me!).
Hiking poles - Hiking poles or a hiking stick is invaluable! There were so many times where my hiking poles prevented me from slipping on the rocks and seriously hurting myself. You will be in water almost all day with fairly strong currents and poles or sticks can really help with stability.
Dry bag - This was very useful in helping maintain my valuables..phone, wallet, camera etc. from getting wet, as my backpack was submerged in water for a portion of the hike.
Clothing - Clothing that you don't mind getting wet. A dry-suit is recommended for the cold off-season.
Headlamp - This little piece of gear was a life saver. It is invaluable if you get stuck in the Narrows after dark, like we did. Without a headlamp you won't have any chance of hiking out after final night.
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