Planning your spring visit with a narrows closure

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. 
​

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! 

---

Canyoneering 
​

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.

​
What at first could seem intimidating, Zion Adventures 20+ years in the field have helped us create a perfect experience for explorers of all abilities and skill. Curious if this is the right trip for you and your family? Definitely! We specialize in family adventures! Worried it may not be enough of a challenge for you and your friends? Trust me, you'll sleep well after one of our High Adventure Days. Take a look through our various trips and find the one that's right for you!
​

---

MOUNTAIN BIKING
​

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. 
​

​Our guides have spent years putting in the miles on local trails, knowing how to best deliver an exciting, yet safe day for you or your family. Because of the unique landscape found here, we have the right day for all types of riders. Requirements? If you can ride a bike, we know just the trail. Are you a seasoned rider looking to explore the fabled slickrock all your buddies back east have been talking about? We got you. Stop by our mountain bike page for more details. 
​

---

Rock climbing
​

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. 
​

---

HIKING
​

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. 
​

---

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