Late November Adventure: Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park with the Family
Need To Know
9.4 MILE OUT & BACK TO BIG SPRING (PERMIT NEEDED BEYOND THIS POINT) | ELEVATION GAIN 334 ft | MODERATE/STRENUOUS | SEASON: ANYTIME | FAMILY FRIENDLY
It’s About the Journey Not the Destination
Exploring The Narrows in Zion National Park is an unforgettable experience, and hiking it in late November with my husband and our three children brought its own unique charm. Although we only hiked 1.5 miles in the river, the journey was still breathtaking, with towering canyon walls and the sound of the flowing water creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Here's a recap of our adventure, along with tips to help you plan your own trip during this quieter season.
Why We Chose Late November
One of the main reasons we decided to hike The Narrows in late November was to avoid the crowds. Summer is undeniably beautiful, but the number of people on the trail can be overwhelming. In late fall, we enjoyed a more serene experience with fewer hikers, allowing us to soak in the beauty of Zion at our own pace.
Hiking in the Chilly Waters
The water temperature in late November was cold, but with our layers and rented dry pants, it was much more comfortable than expected. Wearing layers is key—I had on fleece-lined leggings, a thermal base layer top under a t-shirt, and a fleece jacket, and I stayed warm throughout our hike. My toes were a bit cold but the neoprene socks definitely helped.
Renting Gear at Zion Outfitter
To prepare for the chilly water, we rented gear from Zion Outfitter, conveniently located within walking distance of the Visitor Center. The rental included neoprene socks, water boots, walking stick, and dry pants. The rental process was straightforward but a little pricey for a family of 5—worth it for the comfort and safety in the cold conditions. We arrived early to pick up our gear, and the staff was helpful in explaining how everything worked.
While we were prepared with our rented gear, we forgot to grab trekking poles. Surprisingly, we still managed to hike without them, although having poles would have made balancing in the current much easier. If you’re planning to hike, poles are highly recommended-unless your young and fit like my teenage boys!
Parking Tips
We arrived at the Zions Visitor Center parking lot around 8:45 AM and found several open spots. By the time we returned to our car around 1 PM, the lot was completely full. Parking is limited, so arriving early is essential, even in the off-season.
Stunning Fall Colors
One of the unexpected highlights of our hike was the lingering fall colors. The golden leaves added a vibrant contrast to the canyon’s red and orange hues, making for some stunning photo opportunities. While summer has its lush greenery, the late fall colors were equally mesmerizing.
Why We Loved Late Fall
While summer hikes in The Narrows offer a completely different experience, we absolutely loved our late November adventure. The quieter trail, combined with the crisp air and stunning scenery, made it a memorable family outing. It was a perfect reminder that Zion’s beauty shines year-round.