Hiking the Zion Narrows with Kids (and 3 Tips to Make it a Success)

The Narrows is an amazing adventure to share with your youngest adventurers but planning ahead can make or break this epic family outing! 

 

Here are 3 TIPS to consider while planning your Narrows hike with kids: 

 

Tip #1: Seasons Matter! 

 

Though hiking the Narrows is doable throughout the year, the conditions change drastically from one month to the next! Just because the Narrows is “open” doesn’t mean it is recommended for every hiker, especially groups with kids! 

 

So which season is best for hiking the Narrows with kids!? There are pros and cons to each! Here’s a breakdown of what to expect each season in the Narrows:  

 

Summer (June-August): Summer tends to be the best overall season to hike the Narrows with kids since temperatures are warm and water levels are low! The main downside is that this is the most popular time to do the hike so you aren’t likely to find much solitude. During the Summer we recommend the Warm Weather Package and carry sizes that will cover all kids and walking toddlers! Most kids love playing in the water and the Narrows is the perfect place to spend a Summer day in the hot desert! The park does currently recommend not getting water into your mouth and face due to potential cyanobacteria exposure so read about how to stay safe here: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/toxic-cyanobacteria-bloom-in-the-virgin-river-and-the-streams-of-zion-national-park.htm

 

**Keep in mind that mid July to mid September is our monsoon season in Zion. Many of these days will have a chance of rain in the afternoon forecast. Chances of rain means chances that the Narrows could flash flood. Plan your hike for the first day in your availability and have some flexibility in case you need to push the date back due to weather!

 

Fall (September-November): Fall can also be a great time to hike the Narrows with kids since water levels remain low and the temperatures are moderate. You can still expect to encounter many other hikers but less than mid Summer. By the end of September most kids will need dry gear in order to stay warm in the Narrows. Our Kid Drysuit Package works great for kids of about age 8 and up. If you’ll be hiking with kids under the age of 8, you’ll want to plan your hike for a time that does not require dry gear to keep them warm.  

 

Spring (March-May): Spring can be a good time to do the Narrows but it is a tricky season for those planning ahead! The conditions are highly dependent on the amount of snow in the mountains and how quickly the temperatures warm up to melt that snow! Some years the Narrows closes for months and other years there is minimal closure. Regardless of the year, Spring is when water levels are highest and the water temperatures are chilly from melting snow. Conditions some weeks may be great for families with older kids but many days will not be suitable for young children. If the Narrows is the primary goal of your family trip then it may be wise to plan on a more reliable season. Read more details about hiking the Narrows in the Spring here:  https://zionoutfitter.com/zion-narrows-water-level-today-spring-runoff-in-zion/

 

Winter (December-February): Winter conditions vary widely with freezing temperatures and snow one week and sunny nice weather the next! The trail can be icy and falling ice can happen (and occasionally closes the Riverside Walk). This is the time of year when you’ll find the most solitude in the Narrows but it’s not going to be recommended for every hiker! Kids sit lower in the water and will be in more contact with the cold temperatures than adults. The risk of hypothermia should be taken seriously when planning and packing for the hike. Winter hikers tend to cover less distance due to cold temperatures and limited hours of daylight. 

 

Tip #2: Age matters! 

 

The Narrows sees visitors of all ages but there are some modifications that you’ll want to make for your youngest hikers! Here are some considerations based on age groups: 

 

Infants (0-1): Can you hike the Narrows with an infant?? It really comes down to parent comfort level and hiking experience. You’ll be walking over large, slippery rocks in a river with a current and water depths from ankle to waist deep. Having a child carrier on your back (or front) will make the experience even more difficult with high consequences if you slip! The paved Riverside Walk is the first mile of the Narrows hike and is a great option for parents who are not comfortable with carrying an infant through the river! 

 

Toddlers (2-4): The Riverside Walk is also a great option for families with toddlers! It is mostly flat with a much better surface for new walkers and parents carrying child carriers. Keep a close eye on toddlers since there are spots with drops near the trail. If you’ll be continuing into the river with a toddler you should expect to carry them for much of the hike. Take into consideration the items above about carrying an infant. Toddlers are even heavier so it becomes even more difficult to carry them on the rough terrain in the Narrows. Most parents with toddlers keep the hike short! Zion Outfitter has Warm Weather Packages to fit your smallest hikers and keep their regular shoes dry! **Make sure water is not consumed and any algae is avoided due to cyanobacteria concerns in the Virgin River (see link in Summer info above).  

 

Young Kids (5-7): Many young kids have a great time on the Riverside Walk and on short hikes into the Narrows when water levels are low. Some sections may require young kids to be carried briefly over deep spots. Kids this age can wear our Warm Weather Package during the Summer! Dry gear is not available for kids under the age of 8 so seasons when Dry Gear is necessary may need to be avoided. Keep your expectations low for how far you’ll go since river miles are strenuous, especially for young kids! 

 

Kids (8-12): The Narrows is a very memorable experience for kids! It’s unlike other hikes most kids will have done and the opportunity to hike while playing in the water is awesome!  Summer is a great time to hike with kids since it’s too hot during the day for many other hikes and getting wet is enjoyable! During the shoulder seasons, the Kid Full Drysuit is recommended for kids age 8 and up and makes the Narrows accessible during Fall Break and Spring Break travel season (depending on conditions year to year). It’s still important to keep your expectations low for miles you’ll cover and to turn back before kids are tired. Kids stand lower in the water so they’ll have more exposure to the water temperature and river current than adults. 

 

Teens (13+): Similar to the information above about hiking with kids, teens tend to have a great time hiking in the Narrows! Teens can wear the Warm Weather Package during the Summer and either the Kid Full Drysuit or Dry Bib Package (once they are over about 5 feet) during the cooler months when dry gear is recommended.    

 

Tip#3: What You Pack Matters! 

 

It’s time to pack up for the adventure! Here are some of the essentials you’ll want to bring along: 

 

1. Hiking Equipment/Warm Layers: At Zion Outfitter we rent equipment that makes hiking the Narrows as comfortable as possible for you and your little hikers! The Warm Weather Package includes neoprene socks that insulates your feet and prevents you from getting blisters! The boots are grippy and help both kids and adults on the slippery river rocks! The wooden walking stick is extremely helpful for keeping your balance during the many river crossings. When temperatures are chilly the Kid Full Drysuit and Dry Bib Packages keep you dry and allow you to wear warm layers during your hike. Multiple light layers can be shed as the day warms up to keep you comfortably warm. Find full details and make your reservation here:  https://zionoutfitter.com/the-narrows-rentals/
2. Backpack: You’ll want a backpack to carry the essentials on your hike in the Narrows! Regular packs can be used but the bottom may become wet from splashing or items may be soaked if dropped into the water. We rent Waterproof Backpacks to keep your items safe and dry if needed! We also rent and sell dry bags that can be used inside your regular pack if preferred. Anything that needs to stay dry should be placed in a waterproof bag or container. 
3. WATER: This is the desert! Stay hydrated and make sure kids drink regularly (even if they don’t feel thirsty from being cool and wet). Bring all the water that your family will need for the duration of the hike. Water cannot be filtered from the river due to the presence of cyanobacteria
4. Snacks/Lunch: Lots of snacks! Hiking in the Narrows is hard work and kids will be working up an appetite! Make sure you add some salty snacks or electrolytes too! Keep an eye on those wrappers and make sure to pack out ALL of your trash! 
5. Sun Protection: Though many sections of the canyon are shaded, you’ll be spending a lot of your hike in the sun, especially during the Summer! Don’t forget to bring SPF sun shirts, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and SPF chapstick. 
6. Emergency Essentials: The Narrows is remote and difficult to access if an emergency occurs! Have a first aid kit with you! Bring what you would  need in case of an unexpected delay from an injury such as emergency blankets and headlamps. There is no cell service in the canyon so having a satellite phone or satellite texting ability would allow you to alert Search and Rescue of an issue. Hiking with kids makes it even more important to go prepared for unexpected events or emergencies!
7. Camera/Phone: Photos don’t do the Narrows justice you’ll definitely want to capture some of the memories you make with your family! Many hikers like having a waterproof phone case to hang around their neck so they can snap pictures throughout the day!  We rent and/or sell a wide variety of options in our store for keeping your electronics safe! 

 

We hope these tips help you plan your next amazing family adventure in the Narrows! Remember that not all of this information will apply to every kid so use it as a guideline and make the best decisions for your family! The Narrows is an incredible place and we look forward to helping you share it with your young hikers soon! If you have any questions please check out the information on our website or reach out to us at info@zionoutfitter.com. 

 

Happy trails!