Hiking the Narrows in October: My Experience & Tips

Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park is one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences I have had!

Zion was one of the first national parks I visited and getting to hike through the Virgin River in such an iconic spot was a memory that will always stay with me.

I mean, how often do you get the chance to hike through a river?!

The Narrows is a slot canyon hike that takes you through the Virgin River, with tall canyon walls on either side of you.

I did the Narrows hike during my trip to Zion in October (2023) with my husband, and while the water was definitely colder than the summer, the lack of crowds and cooler weather made up for it!

In this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know before hiking the Narrows in October, based on my own experience and some tips I wish I had known beforehand.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I will get a commission if you decide to purchase through those links, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

What is the Narrows Hike in Zion National Park?

The Narrows is exactly what it sounds like, the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. 

You’re literally hiking in the Virgin River, surrounded by towering canyon walls on both sides. 

There isn’t a traditional trail for most of the hike. You’ll be walking through the river itself. 

The riverbed is rocky and uneven, so it’s not easy to walk on. That’s where the walking stick from your rental gear really helps. (We’ll go over gear in a bit.)

It’s an out-and-back hike, so you can turn around whenever you want.

We hiked for about two hours in and two hours back, which ended up being four hours total. That was a good amount for us. 

I definitely noticed that hiking through water takes more effort than a regular hike on land, so we were definitely feeling it by the end.

The Weather in Zion National Park in October

October is a great time to visit Zion National Park!

We visited the first week of October and had great weather. The daytime highs were in the mid to high 70s°F and lows in the 40s°F to 50s°F.

The crowds are smaller, and the weather is much more comfortable for hiking than in the summer.

Here is some information about the weather in October in Zion:

• Daytime Temps: Highs usually range from 60°F to 75°F. During our visit, most days were in the mid-70s, which felt great while out on our hikes.
• Nighttime Temps: It cools down after sunset, with lows around 40°F to 50°F. Bring a jacket or some extra layers if you’ll be out in the evening.
• Water Temperature in the Narrows: The river is cold, about 50°F. It’s a shock at first, but totally manageable with the right gear.
• Rain: October isn’t too rainy, but storms can still happen. Always check the forecast and watch for flash flood warnings, especially if you’re doing the Narrows.

While October has fewer crowds than summer, it can still have larger crowds, especially during school fall breaks. 

We met several families here for fall break but I still felt like the crowds were nothing like how I hear they are in the summer.

We beat a lot of the crowds by getting to the park a little before 7:00 am each day to get parking and get started on our hikes. 

Is it Safe to Hike the Narrows in October?

Generally, yes, but there are a few things you should always check before hiking the Narrows, no matter what time of year you visit:

• Flash Flood Warnings: Never hike the Narrows if there’s a flash flood warning. These can be extremely dangerous in a slot canyon. You can check for flash flood warnings here.
• Flow Rate: The hike closes if the flow rate of the Virgin River exceeds 150 cubic feet per second. This typically happens in the spring, but it’s still worth checking before you go. You can check the current flow rate here.
• Cyanobacteria Warning: Toxins from cyanobacteria have been found in the Virgin River. Avoid submerging your head and do not drink the water, even if filtered. Check the current conditions here.

➡️ Read more about my trip in my 5-Day Zion National Park itinerary where I break down exactly what we did each day!

What to Wear for Hiking the Narrows in October

October in Zion marks the shift to fall-like weather, though it can still be pretty warm with daytime highs sometimes reaching the 80s°F. 

The water in the Narrows is cold, around 50°F when we visited. You will want to rent gear to stay warm and dry.

We rented the Dry Bib Package from Zion Outfitters, and I highly recommend it.

The package included a dry bib (kind of like waterproof overalls), neoprene socks, water shoes, and a walking stick which helps you keep your balance walking over rocks in the river.

When we picked up our gear, they told us the Dry Pants Package wasn’t available due to high water levels so we got the dry bib instead.

The water was chest-deep in some areas (I’m 5’6″), so we were glad we had the bibs.

We booked our gear rental a couple of days in advance on the Zion Outfitters website. 

You can pick up your gear the night before your hike between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm, which I recommend so you’re ready to go in the morning.

Underneath my dry bib, I wore leggings and a light crewneck sweatshirt, and that was perfect. 

The sun doesn’t reach the canyon floor until early afternoon, so if you’re hiking in the morning, it can be chilly without direct sunlight. 

I also wore gloves, which came in handy since my hands got cold from being wet in the water.

My husband used this backpack during our hike, and sometimes had to carry it above his head when we got into deeper water. 

We kept a pair of slides in the bag to slip on after the hike, so we didn’t have to keep wearing our wet boots. 

I definitely recommend doing this if you can. It felt so nice to change into dry shoes after hours in the water!

➡️ Looking for more hiking gear to pack on your trip to Zion? Check out my blog post for my hiking essentials!

How to Get to the Narrows Hike Trailhead

To get to the start of the Narrows, you’ll take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to Stop 9: Temple of Sinawava. 

Since it’s the last stop on the shuttle route, it takes around 45 minutes to get there. 

Once you get off the shuttle, you’ll walk along the Riverside Walk, a paved trail that follows the Virgin River.

At the end of the Riverside Walk, you will reach the start of the river where the actual Narrows hike begins and you can start walking through the river.

This is a good spot to put on your gear if you haven’t already.

We just put on our gear after we got off the shuttle, but you could also wait to put it on until you reach the end of the Riverside Walk.

➡️ Looking for more hikes to add to your itinerary? Check out my blog post where I discuss the 10 best hikes in Zion National Park!

My Experience Hiking the Narrows in October

We started our hike around 8:00 am to avoid the crowds, and it was a great call! 

We boarded the shuttle bus at the Zion National Park Visitor Center around 7:00 am which got us to the Temple of Sinawava stop around 7:45 am.

There were only a handful of other people starting the hike that early. 

The sun hadn’t hit the canyon yet, so it was pretty cold at first, but we warmed up quickly once we started moving.

The hike itself is absolutely stunning!

You’re surrounded by massive canyon walls and the sound of the flowing river as you make your way through the water was so cool to hear.

The current gets stronger the farther you go, and the riverbed is rocky and uneven, so the walking stick definitely helped with balance.

We used a map of The Narrows to keep track of where we were and to know when we were approaching iconic spots like Wall Street, where the canyon narrows even more dramatically. 

We turned around at Wall Street because the current was starting to get pretty strong and the water levels got to our chests, and we didn’t feel comfortable going farther.

In total, we hiked for about 4 hours, which felt just right for us. 

On our way back, around 11:00 am, we passed large groups of people just starting their hike, so going early definitely helped us enjoy a less-crowded experience.

I highly recommend starting early in the morning if you can!

Here is the All Trails route we used to track our progress and keep an eye on how far we had gone during the hike.

You definitely don’t need a guide when hiking the Narrows since it is easy to do on your own.

But, if you’re looking for a private guided hike, this Viator tour has great reviews!

It’s more expensive, but they include rental gear, which helps offset some of the cost.

Final Tips for Hiking The Narrows in October

• Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures
• Rent the Dry Bib Package from Zion Outfitters – it’s worth the upgrade in October
• Bring gloves, layers, and dry shoes for after the hike
• Check the weather, flow rate, and cyanobacteria levels beforehand
• Use a map or download the trail on AllTrails to track the route

Where to Stay Near Zion National Park

If you’re planning to hike the Narrows early in the morning, staying close to the Zion park entrance in Springdale, Utah, is a great idea.

The most popular place to stay is in Springdale, right by the park entrance. 

It’s super convenient because you can easily catch the shuttle into the park or even walk to the entrance from your hotel. This saves you the hassle of parking and helps you beat the crowds.

I have listed some of the highly rated hotels in Springdale below:

• Cable Mountain Lodge – right next to the park entrance
• Desert Pearl Inn – beautiful views and family-friendly
• Hampton Inn & Suites – great location in Springdale

Check out this interactive map below for more places to stay near Zion National Park!

➡️ If you’re interested in a glamping experience, check out my blog post covering the 10 of the best places for glamping near Zion National Park!

Final Thoughts on Hiking the Narrows in October

I think October has to be one of the best months to hike the Narrows!

The weather is cooler but still warm enough during the day, and the crowds are smaller than in the summer, especially if you start early.

The water is cold, but with the right gear, it’s totally doable.

Overall, it was one of the highlights of our trip.

If you’re thinking about hiking the Narrows in October, I’d say it’s 100% worth it!

Be sure to read my other blog posts about my trip to Zion National Park!

• 10 Best Hikes in Zion National Park for Every Type of Hiker
• A 5-Day Zion National Park Itinerary: The Best of Zion
• Bryce Canyon vs. Zion National Park Comparison [Includes Sample Itinerary]
• The Ultimate Travel Guide on Antelope Canyon to Zion National Park
• The Top 10 Best Places for Glamping Near Zion National Park

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking the Narrows

1. Can You Bring a Camera or Phone?

Yes, but be careful! 

Since you’ll be walking through water the entire time, you’ll need a waterproof bag to hold your phone.

If you’re bringing a camera, I’d only recommend it if it’s waterproof or in a dry bag.

We carried our phones in this backpack that my husband carried, and when the water got too high, he held it above his head to avoid it getting wet.

2. How Long Does It Take to Hike the Narrows in Zion?

It depends on how far you go. 

Since the Narrows is an out-and-back hike, you can turn around whenever you would like. 

We hiked for about 4 hours total, turning around at the Wall Street section. 

Some people go farther, but 4 to 6 hours is pretty typical I would say.

3. Do You Need a Permit to Hike the Narrows in Zion?

If you’re doing the bottom-up day hike (which is what most people do, starting from the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop), you don’t need a permit.

You only need a permit if you’re doing the top-down hike from Chamberlain’s Ranch, which is a longer backcountry route. Read more about the permit here.

4. When Should You Not Hike The Narrows?

Avoid hiking the Narrows if:

• There’s a flash flood warning
• The river flow rate is above 150 cubic feet per second (it will be closed)
• It’s early spring and the river is high from snowmelt (it will be closed if too high)
• Heavy rain is in the forecast

5. How Cold is the Narrows Water?

The water is cold year-round. In October, when we hiked, it was around 50°F. 

That’s why it’s important to rent the proper gear (like a dry bib) to stay warm and dry.

If you’re hiking the Narrows in the summer, you can usually get by with just renting the shoes and walking stick since the weather is warm. 

But renting the dry pants might still be a good idea to help keep your clothes relatively dry.

6. Is the Narrows a Difficult Hike?

The hike is more physically demanding than difficult, but it can be hard to keep your balance while walking over the rocky riverbed. 

You’re essentially walking through flowing water on uneven, slippery rocks for hours, which can obviously be tiring. 

A walking stick helps with balance, and taking it slow makes it manageable for most people.

If you have difficulty with balance though, I would be cautious about doing the hike.

7. Is Angels Landing Harder than the Narrows?

They’re hard in different ways. We did both of these hikes while in Zion!

Angels Landing is steep, definitely gets your heart rate up, and has exposed drop-offs that can be tough if you’re not great with heights.

The Narrows is more about endurance and balancing on slippery rocks.

If you’re physically fit, both are doable, but Angels Landing requires more nerve I would say.

8. How Strenuous is the Narrows Hike?

I would say it is moderately strenuous. 

You don’t gain much elevation, but walking through water for hours uses a lot of energy and works your legs and core. 

It’s more tiring than a typical hike on land.

9. Can You Do the Narrows in October?

Yes! October is actually a great time to hike the Narrows. It is when I did it!

The water levels are usually safe by then, and the weather is cooler, which makes for a more comfortable experience in your dry gear. 

10. Is October a Good Time to Visit Zion?

Yes! October in Zion has cooler temperatures, fewer crowds (compared to summer), and beautiful fall colors in some parts of the park. 

It’s one of the best months to visit Zion if you like milder weather and a less-crowded hiking experience.