A Hike for All Seasons
Each new season brings vast changes in temperature, scenery, and visitation to The Narrows. If you've visited The Narrows before during one season, we invite you to return to The Narrows during a different one to experience another side of this magical place.
SPRING conditions in The Narrows vary widely, based on the volume of snow and rainfall Southern Utah experiences during the winter and early spring. Deep snow packs lead to unhikable flood conditions for weeks or months, while light winter precipitation leaves the river hikable during the entire spring. Even in a low-precipiation year, expect spring hiking to feature higher water volumes, leading to deeper water, more challenging hiking, and an increased level of physical adventure. For those seeking a combination of physical challenge and solitude, spring is probably the best time to hike The Narrows.
SUMMER hikers often encounter low river volumes, making hiking easy and widely accessible. This accessibility can lead to vast crowds in The Narrows, as visitors from all over the world flock to one of the America's premiere hikes. Those seeking solitude often leave early during the summer season (before 8 a.m.) to hike the Narrows Bottom-Up route. Alternativley, the Narrows Thru-Hike, a 16-mile journey thorugh the entirety of the Narrows, offers a combination of solitude, physical challenge, and the opportunity to spend a spectacular night beneath the yawning heights the walls above. While June is typically quite dry in Zion, July through mid-September is "monsoon" season in southen Utah, when afternoon thunderstorms can dump fast and furious rainfall into our narrow canyons, increasing the risk of flash flood. If you plan your visit during late summer, create flexibility in your schedule so you can choose a safe day for your Narrows hike.
AUTUMN visitors find beautiful autumn foliage, perfect air temperatures, and beautiful, clear water flowing through The Narrows. With kids returning to school, The Narrows grows less boisterous and more serene, offering more opportunities for wildlife sightings and quiet, contemplative walks. Mid-September through November might be the most reliable time of year to hike, as weather systems are typically stable and moderate air temperatures make a visit to Zion ideal.
WINTER adventurers find icicles, snow, and near silence as rewards for their intrepid visit. Though the water is cold, fleecewear and drysuits enable the brave to the curious to enjoy The Narrows all winter long. Though daylight is short, the value in having the entire river to yourself can be more than worth the effort and preparation of a winter visit.
For a more detailed view of how The Narrows changes through the year, please see the chart below. PLEASE NOTE: This information is a reflection of past climate patterns only and is not reliable for predicting future weather conditions. Please check current conditions before hiking. Permits are required for Thru-Hikes from Chamberlain’s Ranch, but NO permits are required to hike Bottom-Up.
