This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to embark on a girls’ trip. It was a dream come true for my dear friend Heidi, as it was on her bucket list. Our adventure took us to hike Arches National Park and Zion National Park in Utah. We successfully coordinated with our wonderful friends from Florida, Colorado, Michigan, Arizona, and Illinois. Amazingly, everything came together seamlessly.
The truth is, our trip was a success thanks to Heidi’s meticulous research. After experiencing it all, I knew I had to share our journey in my upcoming blog post. (Check out the highlights here.)
Here’s a brief overview of our trip, along with all the hacks, tips, and tricks we picked up along the way. (Note: look for these emojis 💡✨📝 for all my hacks, tips, and tricks).
Day Four: Moab, Utah to Springdale, Utah
It’s roughly a 5+ hour drive from Moab to Zion National Park. We kept things lively but were itching to get to Zion so badly.
Our first stop was Zion Outfitters just before they closed. We all rented the “warm weather package” for $32 + tax. It included:
🚶♀️🦯 Walking stick
💦👟 Water shoes
🤿🧦 Scuba socks
💡✨📝 Tip: After spending nearly half of the day hiking The Narrows, I would recommend renting gear based on the time of year you are doing the hike.
Walking stick: This was a non-negotiable for me. You will be walking in the Virgin River, which can involve wading upstream for just a few minutes or an all-day hike. The rock bed can be unstable, and in some places, even slippery. I used the walking stick not only to stabilize myself but also as a lever to keep upright when the river current was strong.
Water shoes: The water shoes were not fashionable, but they were so helpful. I didn’t have to worry about ruining my expensive hiking boots, and the soles had an amazing grip. Just to warn you: the water shoes do not keep your feet dry. You will be wet, wet, wet!
Scuba socks: The scuba socks were a lifesaver for keeping our feet warm. Since we started our hike quite early, the Virgin River’s waters were likely between 45 – 50 degrees Fahrenheit. We all agreed that they provided excellent warmth.
💡✨📝 Tip: Get the gear the night before so you can start your hike the next day bright and early.
Day Five: The Narrows
Good morning! It was 4:30 am, and we were all awake in our airstream, getting ready for the day ahead. We wanted to be among the first to enter Zion National Park and have The Narrows mostly to ourselves.
💡✨📝 Tip: You’ll pay a gate fee and parking fee to enter Zion National Park. We decided to purchase a National Parks Pass, good for any National Park for one year, costing $80. This saved us $65 in park and parking fees!
The key is to get to Zion National Park as early as possible. We went through the gate entrance and parked before 6:00 am. Park employees claim that the free parking lot is full by 6:15 am.
In this case, the early bird does get the worm!
We were pumped and at shuttle stop 1 by 6:00 am. During this time of year, the shuttle was the only way to get to The Narrows, which is stop 9.
What is The Narrows Exactly?
In case you have never heard of The Narrows, it is an iconic hiking experience nestled within Zion National Park’s stunning landscape. This renowned route winds through a narrow section of Zion Canyon, where the Virgin River has carved a breathtaking gorge between towering sandstone cliffs. Imagine walking through this natural wonder, with canyon walls soaring up to 1,000 feet overhead, creating a mesmerizing canyon environment.
During this hike, you’ll find yourself immersed in the river, navigating through shallow waters, stepping over rocks, and occasionally wading through deeper pools. The path can vary from ankle-deep to waist-deep water, depending on the season and water flow. The narrowest sections of the canyon create a majestic atmosphere, resembling a natural cathedral with stone walls that often converge just a few feet apart.
It was unlike any experience I have ever had, and even while hiking through it, I couldn’t help but think how amazing it would be to bring my family here one day.
Why Arrive So Early?
Of course, arriving early meant we got into the park and parked our vehicle for free! Besides that, we wanted to capture the most beautiful photos, making it look like we were the only ones at The Narrows. Many of our photos turned out that way, and they are breathtaking!
As we hiked back to the beginning of the trailhead, we couldn’t believe the masses of people heading to The Narrows. It honestly felt like a zoo, and because of the sheer volume of hikers, the waters of The Narrows were no longer clear but muddied from all the traffic.
💡✨📝 Tip: Going early offers you the opportunity to have the hike mostly to yourself. We also found that the earlier crowd was more prepared. On our return hike, we saw many people who were unprepared. Their shoes and clothing were not appropriate for what they were about to embark on, if they even made it past the first hundred yards.
If you are taking the time to visit The Narrows, do yourself the favor of going early and being prepared.
What Should I Wear & Pack?
Great question, and I think the six of us ladies may all say something different. I wore running shorts, an athletic top, and a long-sleeved top to layer. Knowing I would be wet most of the day, I wanted clothing that was moisture-wicking and could dry fast.
Heidi swore by her biker shorts!
If you like to take pictures, you absolutely must purchase a waterproof phone case. You can find these just about anywhere.
💡✨📝 Tip: I wore my Osprey Daylite Cinch that I purchased on clearance for $35. It held my 2-liter reservoir, Yeti water bottle filled with electrolytes, provisions, and extras perfectly. In fact, it was the daypack I used for my entire girls’ trip. For The Narrows, I used some water dry bags intended for camping or paddling that I had owned for nearly 20 years. They worked perfectly and kept things in my bag dry throughout the hike. Personally, I do not think there is a need to rent a waterproof daypack from Zion Outfitters, but that is always an option.
Our Biggest Regret
We only booked one full day in Zion National Park, which is our biggest regret. This park is stunning and has so much more for us to see. I know all six of us have plans to return at a later time.
I Want to Hear From You
Have you explored Zion National Park? I’d love to hear about your favorite trails, hidden gems, and any tips for future visitors. Whether you’ve marveled at the stunning canyons or are planning your trip, share your stories and questions in the comments below!
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