Zion and Narrows Tips and Tricks
This post will break down some things I have done, learned, or suggestions to make your trip to Zion/ the Narrows the best!
Zion
You will need a National Park Pass unless you want to pay the $35 entrance fee. If you pay the 35 dollars, that pass is good for 7 days. But I highly recommend the National Park pass, which is good for a year for $80, and it allows you to enter all parks for free.
I mentioned this tip in my Moab Road Trip 2020. You can buy the pass at the National Park, their website, or REI. I have their links below.
Go to the visitor’s center and talk to the rangers before setting off any hike. If you plan to hike the Narrow, please check the weather forecast to see if there is a chance for flash floods.
Like I mentioned in my Narrow post, having a low level of flash flooding is HIGHLY important for the Narrows. Unlike most other hikes in Zion National Park, there is no trail. You start this hike on a concrete trail at the Temple of Sinawava for the first mile, then go straight into the Virgin River. If there is a chance of rain, the water in the Narrows can rise to dangerous levels.
Also, just because the weather is clear that day, it doesn’t always stay that way. Always watch while hiking on this trail and turn back if the weather gets bad.
If you are hiking the Narrows, swimming in this river is prohibited because of the toxic Cyanobacteria Bloom. This algae makes inhaling the water dangerous. Even the top-of-the-line water filtration can’t flitter out the algae. This is posted everywhere in the park and even on the shuttle.
Camping
Zion National Park has three campgrounds these are:
Watchman Campground is located in Zion Canyon and is open all year round.
South Campground is closed in the winter.
The Lava Point Campground is about a 1-hour drive from Zion Canyon on the Kolob Terrace Road (closed in winter).
For all of these campgrounds, you need to make reservations by calling 877-444-6777 or visiting www.recreation.gov
Like I mentioned in my Narrows post, I got lucky to grab a spot for a few nights at HI Road Basecamp. This campground is one mile from the east entrance of the park. In 2022 they built brand new cabins you can book, but they also have tent and RV options.
This place also has a shower, a free table to get rid of things you don’t need, and a washer and dryer.
If you need to pick up water, food, or supplies, across the street is The Get Outpost. I may or may not stop here to get ice cream to cool down after my hike at the Canyon Overlook.
Gear for Narrows
Zion Outfitters- This is where I rented my hiking stick for $10. They have different options of gear you can rent depending on the time of year. Click on “rental options ” below for more details. I hiked the Narrows at the beginning of June.
Things I wore/ packed on my hike:
Hiking boots- You could hike the river in regular hiking boots, but I would rent neoprene socks if I did this hike again.
Pants: Vuori Clean Elevation Leggings ( I hate wearing shorts, or else I would have worn them)
Top: Vuori Tank top and Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoodie, this is a UPF rating of 50+
Hat: Colorado baseball cap
Day bag: Osprey Sirrus 24; this is my favorite day bag with room for a water bladder, first aid kit, clothes, snacks, knife, headlamp, etc. I had all these things in my bag! I got this bag from Facebook Market, but I did provide a link to REI. If you go to the Osprey Website, you will have more color options.
Phone Case: Waterproof pouch that goes around your neck.
The pub I mentioned in my Narrows post was called Zion Brewery. They have a great beer and a cute outdoor space to play games. You can eat here as well, which I didn’t do. If you need to pick up water, food, or supplies, next to the brewery is called Happy Camper Market.