Where the Virgin River flows downstream through Zion national park, one of the most popular river hikes is made. Located in Springfield, Utah, lies the Temple of Sinawava Narrows hike. The hike offers two options: a two-day top-down hike or a one-day bottom-up hike. After five trips hiking the bottom-up path, here are some tips and tricks to know.

When to Go

The river is glacier melt running from the Navajo Reservoir in the Dixie National Forest, so the water is cold year-round. It’s important to plan your trip according to the expected rainfall and also around temperature. During the summer, the water temperature is around 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and the weather ranges from 50 to 80 degrees. It is my favorite time of year to go because the sun is out more often during the hike, providing nice sunny breaks during the beginning of the hike. In the winter months, hypothermia can become a real concern.  With the water being around 40-45 degrees and the weather ranging from 25 to 50 degrees,  wearing the correct gear is crucial. Although the temperatures can be miserable during fall and winter, the scenery is absolutely beautiful, and the water levels are lower. 

Where to Stay

Almost every year, I have stayed up in Springdale. My family has stayed in the Zion Canyon Campground and we absolutely love it. The RV park provides cabin rooms, tent spaces, and RV spaces. There are also Airbnbs, RV parks, and hotels in the area. Another option is staying inside the national park, which provides direct access to several hikes and wonderful cabins. 

What to Wear 

Many places around town sell and rent out narrows hiking gear. I have the most experience with Zion Outfitters because it is directly across from the campground we stay at. Zion Adventures, located directly before entering the park, is also a good place to rent, although it can be a lot busier during the summer months. There are a couple options when deciding what to wear to the narrows. Just hiking boots with wetsuit socks, boots and socks plus waterproof bibs, or boots, socks, and a full waterproof suit. The past few times I have hiked, I have gone in the summer and only found it necessary to wear hiking boots with socks and a hiking stick. If you get cold easily or don’t want to be wet all day, the bibs are a great choice. For colder days or days when the water is too high for the bibs, a full body suit is also a great choice. The full body suit keeps water out from the neck down, and I’ve found it allows for the abdomen area to fill with air and allows us to easily float back down the river. The full body suits can get hot very easily on the walk to the narrows and also on the bus ride up, so we tied ours around our waist or shoulders. Underneath all of this, I recommend renting socks and shoes no matter the time of year. You will just need some sort of base layer. When I went in the winter we did a regular under armour base layer and a warmer legging and long sleeve that is specifically NOT cotton. When wet cotton can get very heavy and can become dangerous. 

What to Pack

On every hike, I wear a water backpack with room for snacks. It’s not necessary but definitely helpful to have a standard dry bag to keep keys, phones, and wallets in if needed. We find it best to use a waterproof phone pouch to carry our phones because you can take photos without worrying about getting your devices wet.It’s always good to bring snacks on longer hikes, so we pack meat sticks and then other lightweight snacks that are also waterproof. I have also found it helpful to pack bandaids and sunscreen just in case. The canyon is mostly covered from the sun, but you can never be too safe. The rocks under the water tend to be sharp and can cut really easily, so I always pack bandaids incase of an accident. My most recent hike I also packed my go pro along with one extra battery in my drybag. I don’t think this is something I will be doing again because as soon as it got wet, it would shut down due to the cold. I also had a hard time holding it while also holding my hiking stick. The most important thing is to pack enough food and water to keep you energized throughout your hike. 

The Actual Hike

To get to the Narrows you must bike, walk, or take the shuttle up to the Temple of Sinawava. Bike Riding up to the temple is beautiful but is not recommended if you plan on doing the hike that day. After getting up however you choose, there will be a one mile hike along the riverside. It is paved and wheelchair accessible. It is a nice short walk that leads to the entrance of the Narrows. For six miles, you will be in the lower Narrows until you reach the junction between Orderville Canyon and Wall Street. The turnaround spot for Ortervill Canyon is closer than the Wall Street turnaround. The Big Springs is the turnaround spot for the rest of the hike. 

Flash Floods

Flash floods are extremely dangerous and can appear in minutes without any warning. The best way to stay safe is check online at the Zion website to make sure that the hike is open and that the flash flood warning is low. Warnings are posted all around the canyon saying to watch out for a rise in water levels, increase in water speed, and things floating down the canyon like sticks, leaves, and squirrels. If it has rained recently, the hike won’t be open, but if  it starts to sprinkle or rain while you are hiking, the safest bet is to turn around. If it starts to rain heavily or if for some reason you know a flood is coming, get as high as possible and stay for 24 hours. You won’t be able to out hike a flash flood no matter how fast you think you are. 

Other Zion Hikes

Other than the Narrows, Zion had many beautiful hikes that range in difficulty. Angels Landing is a beautiful 4.3 mile hike that is considered more difficult and for experienced hikers. The Emerald Pool trails are one of my favorite hikes; it’s kid friendly and leads you to sets of pools. 

Other Things to do in Springdale

Although Springdale is small and Zion is the most popular thing to do in the city, there are many other things to do if you don’t feel like going into the park. Biking and i-biking around the city or even in the park is a great way to spend any day. We rent our e-bikes from EBikes Zion, but there are lots of e-bike and regular bike rentals around this city. Every time we go into Springfield our number one thing to do is go to Hoodoos and get ice cream. Our family may be biased because we haven’t even tried anything else, but Hoodoos is a great ice cream shop and general store. The Springdale Town Park park is a great place to hang out and play a game of volleyball. 

The Narrows is one of the prettiest and emotionally fulfilling hikes I have ever done. I just keep coming back no matter what. Springdale is a place that I will continue to visit forever. It’s the best for your next family or individual hiking trip.