Spring is a season of dramatic transformation in Zion National Park. As the snowmelt begins its journey from the high plateaus into Zion Canyon, the Virgin River swells, turning The Narrows into a powerful display of nature’s raw energy.
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While the winter chill begins to lift, spring in the canyon is a unique experience. It’s a time of lush hanging gardens and sapphire waters, but it’s also a season that requires a specialized approach to gear and safety. Since 1996, Zion Adventures® has helped thousands of hikers navigate these changing conditions. Here is how to experience "The Great Awakening" safely and comfortably.

In the spring (typically March through May), the primary factor for any Narrows hike is the cubic feet per second (cfs)—the measurement of the river's volume and speed.

• The 150 CFS Rule: For your safety, the National Park Service closes The Narrows to all hikers if the river flow exceeds 150 cfs.
  
• The Spring Variable: Flow rates can fluctuate daily based on temperatures up on the plateau. We monitor these gauges hourly to ensure our guests have the most accurate, up-to-the-minute information.
  

Don’t let the blooming desert wildflowers fool you; the Virgin River remains bracingly cold, often hovering between 40°F and 50°F. Because the towering canyon walls block most direct sunlight, the air temperature at the riverbed stays significantly cooler than the rest of the park. Proper thermal protection isn't just about comfort—it's essential for safety.

To truly enjoy the hike rather than just enduring the cold, specialized equipment is a must. We pivot our rental packages in the spring to prioritize maximum thermal protection:

• Dry Suits & Bibs: Our high-performance dry gear creates a watertight seal, keeping your insulating layers bone-dry even in waist-deep pools.
• The Narrows Equipment Package: This includes high-friction canyoneering boots designed for slippery "bowling ball" rocks, 5mm neoprene socks for warmth, and a sturdy wooden hiking staff—your "third leg" for stability against the spring current.

Experience matters when you're heading into the backcountry. As the longest-running outfitter in Springdale, we’ve spent nearly 30 years helping hikers safely navigate the Virgin River. With over 1,700 five-star reviews, our reputation is built on one simple goal: helping you have the best day of your vacation through expert knowledge and premium gear.

Whether you're looking for a Guided Narrows Hike with an local expert or need to rent the right gear for your own journey, we’re here to help you navigate the season with confidence. Is the river calling your name today? Swing by the shop at 36 Lion Blvd for the latest updates!

Spring Break is a magical, albeit busy, window for Zion National Park. Between mid-March and late April, the high desert awakens: the cottonwoods begin to bud a vibrant lime green, the Virgin River roars with snowmelt, and the soaring Navajo sandstone cliffs are often streaked with ephemeral waterfalls. However, as any seasoned traveler knows, Zion during Spring Break can be a logistics challenge. Between the Zion Canyon Shuttle lines and the scramble for Angels Landing permits, it’s easy to feel like you’re spending more time in queues than in nature.

At Zion Adventures, we’ve been guiding and outfitting explorers since 1996. We’ve seen every "crowd crush," and we’ve mastered the art of the detour.

It can be challenging to know if a half day or full day experience may be right for your group. With different abilities, appetites for adventure, and expectations, planning for a family or group vacation is daunting. Zion Adventures prides itself in adapting our tours to meet your group’s needs by balancing varying expectations. We have a wide variety of terrain available to help create the experience that’s ideal for your group.

With a longer timeframe comes even more freedom. Guides are able to customize your experience even more to meet your needs. None of our tours are cookie-cutter experiences. Instead, we form our trips around your interests and abilities.  ​​

The majority of visitors to Zion National Park spend two to three days exploring here. A half day or full day tour can make a great addition to your itinerary and provide insights to help you navigate the park in varying seasons. Below are some of the most common itineraries.

Zion Adventures offers even more experiences to help round out your time here in Zion. Past visitors have utilized Zion Adventures to create some very unique and memorable experiences. If you’ve got creative ideas for your journey we’re more than happy to help shape your Zion experience. Please give us a call to talk to our team about your plan.

Below are some of the services we offer which visitors frequently utilize: 

• Shuttles - Zion Adventures offers shuttles to several popular trailheads including Chamberlain’s Ranch (Narrows top-down), Lava Point (West Rim Trail), and Lee Pass (Zion Traverse). These shuttles assist visitors in setting up for overnight backpacking trips or longer day hikes. 
• Instructional Courses - Zion National Park does not allow canyon guiding inside its boundary, however many groups are seeking to complete popular canyon routes inside the park. To help with this need, we offer instructional courses with gear rental so visitors can explore these incredible spaces. ​
• Gear Rental - In addition to Narrows gear rental, we offer overnight camping gear for those traveling without the ability to bring along tents, sleeping bags, or other bulky items. We also offer gear rental for winter exploration in Zion including traction devices for feet and snowshoes. 

Cooler days, golden cottonwoods, and crisp canyon air make October magical—and busy. With the right gear, guides, and planning, your family can experience Zion safely and stress-free.

October brings mild days, crisp mornings, and vibrant cottonwoods—ideal conditions for both kids and parents. It’s also one of the most popular months in Zion, which means planning ahead matters. Reserving e-bikes, booking guides for the Narrows or Angels Landing, and choosing a half-day canyoneering tour can make the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one.

​Hiking the Virgin River is an unforgettable Zion experience for families. Cooler fall temperatures mean proper equipment is essential. Rent Narrows gear like river shoes and neoprene socks, or book a guided Narrows hike where our team helps set the pace, manage conditions, and simplify logistics.

One of Zion’s most iconic hikes, Angels Landing requires a permit. We hold permits and offer guided trips that help families move confidently and safely. If you’re traveling with younger kids, Scout Lookout is a rewarding alternative with incredible views and no exposure to the chains.

The Pa’rus Trail is paved, mostly flat, and perfect for fall family rides. Renting e-bikes allows you to explore Zion Canyon at your own pace, skip shuttle lines, and enjoy cooler temperatures and scenic views along the river.

For families with older kids or teens, a guided half-day canyoneering tour is a memorable way to experience Zion beyond the main canyon. These tours combine adventure, teamwork, and exploration in a setting that feels both exciting and approachable.

• Start early or go later in the day for calmer trails and softer light.
  
• Bring layers—mornings can be chilly, and afternoons warm up quickly.
  
• Consider guided trips for the Narrows or Angels Landing to simplify planning and safety decisions.
  
• Reserve e-bikes ahead of time to avoid shuttle waits and parking headaches.
  
• Build in buffer time for snacks, photos, and rest so the day stays relaxed and enjoyable.
  

Since 1996, we’ve helped families explore Zion with confidence. From Narrows gear rentals and e-bikes to guided experiences on Angels Landing, the Narrows, and family canyoneering tours, we handle the details so you can focus on spending meaningful time together in one of the most beautiful places in the Southwest.

Reserve Narrows gear, book a guide for Angels Landing, or add a family canyoneering tour to your trip. We’ll take care of the logistics so you can enjoy Zion at its best.

We are proud to be launching a new logo as a part of the ongoing evolution of our brand.
Every year we examine our products and processes, and put them to the litmus test. This is how we stay committed to growth; how we continue to raise our standards; how we create new products and methods to better serve our guests.

We have recently reached some exhilarating milestones.

• We launched ourselves wholeheartedly into a comprehensive bike program that is culminating in our new bike shop, Red Coyote Cyclery. It is strategically located in Virgin, Utah and will be opening really soon.
  
  
• We designed and constructed a via ferrata exit to our privately owned canyon, Eye of the Needle.
  
  
• We erected a building - located on our property on the Kolob Terrace Road - which will become a storefront for our Kolob recreational services.
  
  
• What’s more, we have a partnership with the Fairfield Marriott hotel - opening this spring in Virgin.
  
  

It is only natural we chose this time to evaluate our company’s brand and logo. We wanted to ensure it was in sync with who we are, and we wanted a graphic we can carry with us into the future. After much deliberation, we selected Michael Sayre Design (in Emmaus, PA) to help us create a graphic identity that embraces our spirit and can serve as a visual ambassador for our brand.
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Our new logo is inspired by the Native American petroglyphs found in our backyard, specifically the spirals and snake-like images you may find in Zion. Although petroglyphs are soft and curving and our mark is sharp and angular, there is a relationship in the flow of the lines. It has something to do with the connected letters and the lack of a cross hatch on what our eye interprets to be an ‘A’. The result is dynamic, crisp, modern and professional. You’ll see it applied in several creative, but purposeful ways as we move forward.

​The task before us now will be to introduce it to you. We realize that changing a logo is a process that can involve many steps and take some time. We appreciate your kind support during this exciting transition.
 
Keep your eyes peeled for our new logo – it’s coming soon.

Spring in Zion is notorious for surprising visitors. Those coming from parts of the country still mired in the depths of winter's hold may be surprised to find the weather has followed them. In my five years of winter exploration in the area, I've had the fortune of experiencing nearly every type of weather possible. From 60s and sunny, to road closures and flooded canyons. This year though seems to be on track for the latter, meaning that many visitors may find themselves puzzled with what they can do when ZIon's most popular destinations, including The Narrows, are inaccessible. Thankfully, Zion Adventure Company has 22 winters under their belt, and with that, all the information you need for a fun, safe, and successful visit. 
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Anticipating and Understanding Narrows Closures

The Narrows is one of the largest slot canyons in the world and the premier hiking destination in Zion's main canyon. Every year, tens, if not hundreds of thousands of visitors make the trek up the 1 mile Riverside Walk to the gateway of the Narrows, where they choose to enter the Virgin River and begin their Narrows experience.

Seasonal precipitation can have a dramatic effect on the state of Zion Canyon, especially the Virgin River. While the Virgin River typically flows between 30-40 cubic feet per second (cfs) during the Summer season, seasonal run off between the months of March through May can see that flow increase ten fold, leading to both treacherous and unsafe conditions. The National Park Service will close The Narrows when the flow exceeds 150cfs, meaning hikers will not be able to access the hike at this time. This can be a disappointing surprise for visitors, many of whom have planned their entire visit around this experience.


2019 Estimated Spring Conditions 

Snow pack in the higher elevations north of the park have historically been the best indicator of the severity of an anticipated Narrows closure. Last year was an outlier and saw very little snow in the area, but if we look back at the winter of 2017, which inevitably lead to a Narrows closure from March 12th through May 27th, we saw a significantly smaller snow pack than what currently exists, meaning it's likely to expect The Narrows to be closed until mid June or later, depending on continued weather developments. 


What Else Is There To Do?!

This is the big question. A Narrows closure is a bummer, we know, but there's still so much to do here! If you've made it this far into our site, you've likely discovered the photos and descriptions of many of the amazing adventures we offer in and around Zion National Park. Canyoneering, mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking; the list goes on and on. 

Zion Adventure Company began in 1996 with the idea that we could share this amazing place we call home with visitors from around the world, by fostering relationships with anyone who came through our door and presenting them with opportunities to intimately explore the truly remarkable landscape that is Zion. Below are some of our favorite adventures that we share with our visitors and work as great alternatives if other destinations are unavailable. Take a look! 

Our most popular adventure, Canyoneering connects visitors with the regions most notable landscape feature, sandstone slot canyons. Wind, sand, water, and time have all combined their powers to create a system of amazingly beautiful canyons that weave their way throughout the desert southwest. Once people began exploring these places, they quickly realized that technical equipment and skill were needed to traverse and descend the many natural obstacles presented.

Mountain Biking in the desert southwest has been synonymous with the Moab area of Utah ever since the first bikers showed up in the 1980s, looking to explore the unique rolling sandstone, "slickrock" landscape only found in this part of the country. Since then, mountain bike access has exploded across the region, leading many visitors to look outside of the crowded trails of Moab for something a little different. Well, luckily for you, the mountain biking in the Zion region may be our best kept secret. 
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Zion's original adventure sport, explorers from around the world have been coming to scale the sandstone walls of Zion for almost a century. Climbing can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding trips that we offer. Once on rope, you push both mental and physical barriers that you never thought possible, and are rewarded with a feeling of elation and accomplishment that will last a lifetime. Like many of adventures previously mentioned, Zion Adventures offers trips for families and individuals of all skills and abilities. Whether it's your first time on rope or you're looking to join a guide to challenge your current abilities, we have the right trip for you. See the entire list of trips here. 
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If your true desire is to see Zion with your own two feet, there are miles of hiking trails to explore outside of the Zion Narrows. ZAC offers custom hiking trips on many of the popular trails in Zion's main canyon. Want to have a mellow day, but learn more about what makes Zion unique? The Riverside walk, Weeping Rock, or Emerald Pools are perfects fits. Wanting to tackle an all day objective or maybe challenge your mental fortitude? Angel's Landing and Observation Point might just fit the bill. To see what's right for you, check out our hiking page. 
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Any search of "Things to Do in Zion" is likely to tell you that The Narrows is THE thing to do in Zion. While The Narrows is amazing, there are still so many unique things to see and places to explore. With The Narrows likely to be closed for a significant period of time this spring, I'm issuing a challenge. Buck the conventional visit to Zion. Tie in to a rope, get your feet on a trail, butt on a bike, and see a different side of Zion that you never expected. We'll be here as we always have for the past twenty two years, giving you everything we have to share, inspire, and create moments and relationships that will last a lifetime.  

​- CB

Maybe you've heard about it, maybe not, but Zion Adventure Company has been working tirelessly for the past two years to develop one of the, if not the, most unique canyoneering/adventure experiences in the greater Zion area. The Eye of the Needle (EOTN) canyon descent, finished off with the 400+ ft. via feratta ladder ascent, is an adventure like nothing else. This past April, myself and a group of other guides loaded up the Land Cruisers and headed up north of Zion to one of the company's cabins for a weekend of adventure; our goal was to complete some of the beautiful canyons found north of the park, including Eye of the Needle (our privately owned flowing water canyon) and to experience the newly completed ladder for the first time. 

Upon arrival, we ditched all of our gear at the ZAC cabin, and headed immediately down the trail to the practice wall, a 50ft. high demo wall that allows you to experience the systems used and sensations felt while ascending the via feratta. BIll Westerhoff and Rich McIver, the chief engineers of the via feratta, gave us an active demo of how to set up our safety systems, including how the safety cable and gear worked together, and how best to set ourselves up for success on the ladder. While I've guided canyons for a number of years at ZAC, climbing 400ft+ up a via feratta was a completely new experience, so I was curious how it all worked. In the end, it's quite possibly one of the safest systems I've ever been attached to. Essentially, at no point are you not attached to either the safety cable or the ladder by less than two points of contact. You also have an "auto-locking" device that slides up the cable with you, and an extra tether on your harness that allows you to rest on the wall, or go hands free for a sweet picture of the amazing canyon unfolding below. 

Once the demo was finished, we hiked a short distance to the head of Eye of the Needle, and began our descent. Eye of the Needle is one of the few flowing water canyons found in the desert southwest. Springs keep this canyon running year round, giving it a "Class-C" rating. The rating system lists canyons as either A (dry), B (stagnant water), or C (flowing). Flowing water presents its own unique challenges in canyoneering, as you are forced to adapt to your environment. Communication and rope management are imperative for a safe and successful day. 
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(Eye of the Needle may be on of the most demanding canyons that we offer. While the canyon itself is shorter than most, and drops precipitously from the start; the challenge of maneuvering through cold, flowing water, and traversing several sections of flash flood debris can be physically demanding for even the most seasoned canyoneer.) 

We were likely the first people through EOTN this season, and so we found a bit of maintenance was in order.  Checking bolts and replacing anchors is par for the course as a guide, with staff trips being no different. There's nothing quite like anchoring yourself to a bolt out over 120ft of exposure to replace an anchor. We crushed out the remainder of the canyon, including the dramatic and aptly named "Eye of the Needle" rappel, where you rappel through a beautifully eroded feature in the rock, giving the canyon its namesake (sorry, no photo spoilers!) 
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Upon completion of EOTN, the anticipation was building in the group to finally get on the via feratta. We as guides had heard so much about this project over the previous few years, but had yet to set eyes on it ourselves. Now was our chance. Trust me, it was worth the wait. I geared up quickly, took a deep breath, and clipped myself into the first rung. Let's see what all the fuss is about.

Simply put...wow.
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The first 30ft or so are almost completely vertical, so you find yourself really focusing on your hands and feet. This gives way to a more forgiving angle, which suddenly allows you to relax and realize you're already way off the deck! I really didn't know what to expect of the ladder. As my climbing background has mostly kept me a pitch or two off the ground, I've never had the opportunity to experience the elation and exposure offered by climbing one of the "big walls" in Zion. The via feratta gives you all of that and more. The ladder is not a straight shot from the canyon bottom to the top, but instead a series of traversing sections that move both vertically and horizontally up varying degrees. This not only gives you that "big wall" feeling, but forces you at times to look down for your footing, which in turn forces you to see 300ft straight down! Gulp! Amazing!  
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Soon enough I clipped my last rung and was over the edge. What an amazing job the crew has done with this project. The time and care put into crafting such a challenging, yet riveting route certainly reflects the dedication they have for presenting future visitors with a once in a lifetime experience. I feel like I speak for my fellow guides when I say that this sentiment is shared across the board. 

The remainder of the weekend was full of canyon fun and frivolity, but was hard pressed to exceed our first ascent of the via feratta. There's been a lot of chatter and excitement out there on the interwebs about this project, and so we invite anyone curious about the adventure to contact us with any questions or inquiries about potential bookings. We've been beyond excited to finally share this project with the public, and as the leading innovative force in Zion for over 20 years in both Narrows outfitting and guided adventures, we will continue working hard to give you or your family some of the most unique, unforgettable experiences possible in this place that we call home.

Thanks again for reading. See you on the trails (or ladder?)! 

- CB

A brief introduction
 
Touted as one of the top national parks of the United States of America, Zion National Park is a proverbial must-visit for the biggest adventure freaks out there. There is no dearth of adventurous activities that you can actually try out there. Do educate yourself about the same in a bid to be guided – more so if you’re actually planning a trip there.
 
1.   Canyoneering: It refers to an outdoor activity which is actually a combination of various deeds including rappelling, route finding, swimming, and hiking. Now, Zion takes a leading role in the country when it comes to drawing crowds interested in exploring this particular activity. The Canyon Overlook Trail remains one of the busiest hiking routes whereby a 1-mile round trip takes hikers along the rim of one of these most popular technical canyons in the park, Pine Creek. If you are willing to take a technical canyoneering trip here, you will eventually require a permit through the park service. However, Ordervillle Canyon is considered a beginner canyoneering route, and to get the right skills to complete the route, you will need some training before hand. (Zion Adventure Company offers training specifically for the canyons you wish to adventure through.) The Orderville Canyon trip is designed for the more seasoned trippers. Trippers are advised to follow the park regulations primarily meant to protect over 124,400 acres of greenery.
 
2.   Paved Biking: Ask the experts and they will tell you that if you’re opting for biking here, you will only be accessing the paved paths since the hiking trails are not really accessible for bikes. Notably, since most of the national parks are virtual wildernesses, you are not really allowed to bike there. However, Zion is one exception in that case. Those who already have taken a ride through Zion will vouch for the scenic beauty encompassing the place. There are 2 roads within Zion that bikers can experience, the Scenic Drive in the Main Canyon for a casual peddle , and the Kolob Terrace Road for those who are avid cyclists.  You want to know what’s in store for you.
 
Here’s a look:
 
·         Thousand feet vertical cliffs made of sandstone of myriad hues
·         Exceptional features formed by rocks
·        Treacherous terrains that will require you to keep your eyes firmly on the tracks even while you would want to enjoy the scenic beauty
 
 
3.   Mountain Biking: Now, you have to remember that the Zion National Park does not really allow mountain biking on hiking trails. Travelers can definitely educate themselves about nearby trails like the JEM Trail area or the Gooseberry Mesa Trails in order to explore the mountain biking opportunities there. 
 
4.   Rock Climbing: What serves as a literal hotbed for paved biking, hiking and canyoneering activities also serve as a wonderful springboard for rock climbing. Let us tell you that if you are presently willing to find out about the opportunities made available there, you can be rest assured of the fact that there is no dearth of avenues in this case. It remains one of the leading destinations for rock climbing. Actually, there are over 100 different climbing routes to keep you sorted. You can even be advised by guides on how exactly to master the treacherous sandstones. These guides will not only offer you nuanced suggestions but the basic ones as well. For instance, if you want you can reach out to them in order to find out what would be best suited for you.
 
5.   Caving: Utah itself is home to some of the fascinating caves that adventurers have access to. As a way to escape the heat, crowds and to get a taste of something with a bit different flavor, Bloomington Cave can offer that.  It is an hour drive from the National Park, and can be one of the most physically demanding parts of your vacation. It will encompass obtaining a guide, scrambling, climbing, rappelling, and navigating, all while being in complete darkness with only the light on your helmet leading the way. With temperatures hovering around 65 fahrenheit, year-round conditions are dry and predictable. This is a true test of your durability.
 
Hiking: Let us tell you that Zion is practically brimming with a host of exciting hiking trails that will keep trippers hooked irrespective of what their age group is.
 
A few noteworthy names in this regards are:
¨       Emerald Pools Trail
¨       Angels Landing trail
¨       Weeping Rock Trail
¨       The Subway Trail Permit required from the National Park Service
¨       The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk and Narrows Bottom-Up
¨       Canyon Overlook Trail
¨       East Rim Trail to Observation Point
 
A well-rounded hiking experience in the Zion National Park can turn out be a part of your most rewarding memories.
 
Backpacking: Once again, this place is actually brimming with a wide array of unique backpacking opportunities. What else can you expect from a place with a whopping 37 designated backpacking sites? However, experts always prudently warn you against getting floored by the availability of so many opportunities. They opine that backpacking to Zion does require you to resort to thorough research. Make sure your plans are based on your interests, the time you are visiting and the overall ability of your group. For instance, you might as well be fascinated by the idea of rock climbing in the Zion National Park but do remember that you will not really be able to do that if you are visiting post monsoons because the rocks will be wet.
 
Scenic Drives: Do educate yourself about the stunning byway which takes around 1.5 hours to cover by car. The byway runs parallel to the Virgin River so you might as well be to imagine the kind of visual pleasure that’s actually in store for you.
 
Concluding note
 
So, you know that the much celebrated Zion National Park is actually a treasure trove of adventures for you. Please make sure that you are reading up more such posts in order to be guided further. 

Written by Sarah Bennett. Sarah is a senior content curator in HolidayFactors.com, a leading holiday portal in Dubai, UAE
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