National Park Update: conditions perfect for hiking Zion narrows

SPRINGDALE — Conditions right now are perfect for hiking the narrows in Zion National Park, but the excellent weather will not last for much longer.

I took a trip Labor Day to explore the narrows hike in Zion National Park, beginning at the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop. The high that day in the park and in nearby St. George cleared 100 degrees, but the high canyon walls and cool water in the Virgin River made for a comfortable hike.

I made the trip in a pair of shorts, a t-shirt, and a pair of hiking sandals and a hat. I was fine for the whole trip, never getting too hot or too cold. When I first stepped into the river, the water felt very cold on my feet but I adjusted quickly, and the water temperature did not bother me for the rest of the hike.

That being said, many other hikers on the trail were wearing rented neoprene socks and hiking shoes from the Zion Outfitter store.

I also would recommend some kind of walking stick. I used a single trekking pole. While the hike is possible without one, the stick gives you extra support in the fast moving water and allows you to feel for objects or terrain changes in the murky river water, allowing you to traverse the river with much more confidence.

Cyanobacteria is still a threat in the narrows, and the National Park website says to not drink the water, even through filters, or submerge your head under the water. However, recent monsoon rains have increased the flow of the river to where it is not as dangerous as it was earlier in the summer. Nobody in my group that day had any problems with itch or sickness after the hike, and we all spent the whole day in the river.

The water height was most often mid-calf to knee height, in some places as deep as my waist and in one part near Big Springs up to my chest, but that was as deep as it got.

Our group hiked almost all the way to Big Springs (usually considered the end of the “trail”) and then went back. We did not have a very accurate reading, but think we hiked around 9 or 10 miles. We began the narrows hike at 11 am and were back in our cars at 6 pm.

Make sure to bring a good amount of water to drink, as well as some snacks. The hike is out of the sun so it does not get too hot, but walking upstream can be strenuous and dehydration is always a risk during the summer.

The summer monsoon season is almost past, but flash floods are always a concern in the canyon. Look up weather reports before the hike, look at signs in the park, and ask park rangers if you have any questions. You do not want to be in the narrows during a storm.

The hike was stunning, and the combination of perfect weather and hiking conditions made it even better. Colder fall temperatures are on the horizon, so I would recommend taking advantage of the warm weather now and hiking the narrows as soon as you can.