Zion National Park - The Narrows Bottom-Up Hike

Zion National Park’s The Narrows bottom-up hike is one of the most spectacular hikes in southern Utah. You get to experience astounding views from within the canyon while trekking up through the refreshing clear waters of the Virgin River.

Blonde Hair Girl Hiker in Beanie at Zion National Park

Prepare for The Narrows – Bottom Up Hike

If you find yourself planning to hike this trail in the fall and early winter, prepare for cold weather with 40-degree water. The trip shown in these photos was shot the weekend before Thanksgiving and warm clothing was an absolute must!

Zion Adventure Company rents out Gore-Tex Dry Pants, Canyon Shoes, Neoprene Socks & Hiking Poles for about $45 a person so we went that route.

If you plan to hike further than Orderville Canyon ( permit required ), they advised a full dry suit as in some areas it can be neck-high water. With only the expectation of going to the waist-high section, the Dry Pants Package they offer did the trick. Read more about Zion Adventure Company rentals.

Do your research ahead of time, there is very little cell phone reception within Zion National Park.

Getting to The Narrows – Bottom Up Hike

Zion National Park has a shuttle that typically runs throughout the park allowing access along the scenic drive to the popular West Rim Trail, Emerald Pools, as well as the Narrows. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, you’ll need a ticket to ride currently. However typically during the off-season date, the shuttle system does not run. You are then able to drive through the park yourself and park near the Temple of Sinawava where the trailhead begins.

Girl Hiker in Zion Utah The Narrows Hike

It was about 32 degrees outside that morning and we began the hike pre-sunrise to avoid the crowds. I came prepared with a beanie, gloves, long-sleeve shirt, and jacket with a vest.

I would also recommend a dry bag to keep your camera and cell phone in. The current can be a little strong in some spots so be careful and take your time, one slip means a very cold and wet hike back.

We did the 2.7-mile round trip section of the bottoms up trail and it took us about 5 hours.

There is also a top-down, day and overnight hike that you can begin at Chamberlain’s Ranch. You will need a permit for this option if you choose this less popular but more adventurous approach.

Zion National Park The Narrows @_ashlee.ann_

The Narrows – Bottom Up Hike Regulations

Always check the Zion National Park website as it will inform you of any current park restrictions. You can also get a map here as well. Road closures near town can delay traffic in and out of the park for hours sometimes.

There are many regulations to abide by when visiting this canyon.

Make sure you have the proper equipment, skill set, and physical capacity to do this hike. The hiking is mostly through water, no actual “trail”. Stay on the waterbed to avoid damage to plant vegetation along the sides.
Always check water quality sites for current issues.
Do not vandalize the canyon. This includes graffiti, leaving muddy handprints, and even stacking rock cairns on this trail.
Pack in, pack out. Do not leave any trash in the canyon. This includes wrappers, apple cores, fruit peels, and nutshells. If doing the top-down hike with a permit, all solid human waste must also be packed out of the canyon.

Please read more here before visiting.

Overall, it was a beautiful hike that I would highly recommend if you are looking for an adventurous fun day hike in the water. Nothing beats the views of these massive glowing orange canyon walls and deep blue water.