Hiking The Narrows Bottom-Up: What to Wear for Zion’s Most Iconic Adventure
Summer adventure in The Narrows, Zion National Park.
Imagine wading through a cool, clear river surrounded by towering sandstone walls glowing in shades of red and gold. This is The Narrows, Zion National Park’s legendary slot canyon hike, and for 90% of visitors, the bottom-up route is the perfect way to experience it. But here’s the catch: it’s not your average trail. You’ll be in the Virgin River for most of the hike, and that means preparation is everything.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to wear, what to pack, and how to set yourself up for a safe and unforgettable day exploring The Narrows from the bottom up.
Why Gear Matters in The Narrows
Unlike dry canyon hikes, The Narrows is 60% river trekking, 40% jaw-dropping beauty. The water is cold year-round (55–65°F in summer, even colder in spring and fall). The riverbed is uneven and slick. That means the right gear isn’t just a comfort upgrade, it’s a safety essential.
The Route: Bottom-Up from Temple of Sinawava
Trailhead: Temple of Sinawava (Shuttle Stop #9)
Distance: Up to 9.4 miles round trip (Big Springs is the turnaround point without a permit)
Time: 4–8 hours depending on your goal
Highlights: Wall Street (2 miles), Orderville Canyon (1.8 miles) junction
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous, don’t underestimate walking in a current on slick rocks
The beauty of this route? No permit required. Start on the Riverside Walk, step into the Virgin River, and hike as far as you’d like. Most hikers aim for Wall Street, about two miles into the river section, which is a stunning corridor where the canyon walls tighten dramatically.
What to Wear for a Bottom-Up Narrows Hike
In Summer (June–September)
Quick-Dry Shorts or Pants: Synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyester are your friends. Cotton? Absolutely not. I like to wear shorts because my skin dries faster than fabric, but hiking pants, yoga pants are fine as well.
Moisture-Wicking Shirt: A UPF-rated sun shirt is ideal.
Optional Layer: A light fleece or windbreaker for early mornings.
Neoprene Socks: Key for foot warmth in cold river water (available in rental packages).
Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
In Spring, Fall, or Winter
When the river runs colder, the gear list changes:
Thermal Base Layers: Synthetic or merino wool tops and bottoms.
Insulating Mid-Layer: Fleece or light down jacket.
Outer Shell: Waterproof and windproof.
Dry Bibs or Dry Suit: Essential for keeping dry in cold water. (Yes, you can rent these in Springdale.)
Gloves and Beanie: Don’t underestimate the chill in a shaded canyon.
Stay warm and dry this winter with Zion Cycles’ premium gear package.
Footwear: Don’t Skimp Here
Patagonia river boots available at Zion Cycles & Zion Guide Hub
Your shoes will be submerged for hours. Regular hiking boots? Forget it, they’ll turn into ankle weights.
The best option:
Canyoneering Boots or River Boots: Designed for traction on slick sandstone and river rock.
Neoprene Socks: Keep your feet warm and reduce blisters.
Both are included in Narrows gear rental packages from Zion Guide Hub/Zion Cycles.
What not to wear: Cheap water shoes, Flip-flops, Tevas, On Clouds, or cotton socks. You’ll regret it before you even reach Wall Street.
Pro-Tip: Leave your new expensive hiking boots at home. Leather boots quickly absorb water, becoming heavy, slippery, and prone to warping or cracking as they dry. They also provide poor traction on slick river rocks, making them unsafe and likely to be ruined after the hike. We strongly recommend renting our shoe package. Zion Cycles offers high-quality Patagonia and Simms boots in excellent condition.
The Essentials to Bring
Wooden Hiking Stick: Your new best friend for balance in the current. (Rental included in gear packages.) Collapsible trekking poles are not ideal in The Narrows because their joints can loosen or collapse under the constant pressure of fast-moving water and when wedged between rocks, making them unreliable. A solid wooden pole provides better stability, won’t collapse, and gives you the strength needed to brace against strong currents and slippery terrain.
Dry Bag: Protects your phone, snacks, and extra layers.
Hydration: 2 liters of water per person minimum. (Don’t drink the river water, it can contain harmful bacteria and cyanotoxins.)
High-Energy Snacks: Trail mix, bars, jerky, something that won’t turn soggy. Salty snacks are also recommend to help retain hydration.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm with SPF.
Wag-Bag: There aren’t any bathrooms in the Narrows. If you have to poo, Wag-Bags are for you.
Pro Tip: You don’t need a large dry bag. A small dry bag that fits your phone or camera and easily fits inside your regular backpack is perfect. If you’re not bringing much, even a simple zip-lock bag can keep your phone safe and dry.
Timing is Everything
Start early: Beat the crowds and give yourself plenty of daylight. If the shuttle is running, try and catch that first shuttle up the canyon.
Avoid flash floods: Always check the Zion National Park weather and flash flood forecast. Summer months often bring afternoon showers, which can quickly lead to flash floods. If you’re in the river during summer, aim to be heading back out by 2–3 PM.
Know your limit: Hiking in a river takes twice the energy of a dry trail. If you’re tired, turn back before it’s too late.
Gear Rentals in Springdale
Want to make things simple? Rent your gear before you go. At Zion Guide Hub and Zion Cycles, we offer:
Footwear Package: Canyoneering boots (Simms and Patagonia), NRS neoprene socks, custom ash wood walking stick.
Dry Bib Package: Simms Dry Bib for chilly water conditions. NRS splash jackets are also available.
Dry Suit Package: For smaller children, we carry NRS dry suits.
Pro Tip: Pick up your gear the evening before your hike to get an early start. Reserve your Narrows rentals here.
Prefer a Guided Experience?
Skip the stress and let a pro lead the way. Our guided Narrows hikes include:
All gear (boots, socks, walking stick, dry gear if needed)
Lunch
Expert safety guidance
Insider knowledge about Zion’s geology and history
A relaxed pace tailored to your group
Book your guided Narrows adventure here.
The Ultimate Bottom-Up Narrows Packing List
✔ Quick-dry clothing (or dry gear if cold)
✔ Neoprene socks + canyoneering boots
✔ Wooden hiking pole
✔ Dry bag
✔ 2+ liters of water
✔ Snacks
✔ Sunscreen and sunglasses
✔ Wag Bag
Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime?
The Narrows is unlike any hike you’ve ever done, a river hike through one of Zion National Park’s most stunning landscapes. With the right gear and a little planning, you’ll be free to soak in the towering walls and emerald waters without a care in the world.
👉 Reserve your Narrows gear rental
👉 Book a guided Narrows hike
