Before leaving for the trail
Check Zion's current conditions, river flow, weather, and flash-flood potential. The park may close The Narrows for high water, a flash-flood warning, or other hazards.
A bottom-up out-and-back hike does not require a Wilderness permit, according to the NPS. A top-down trip has different permit rules. Check the exact route you plan to take.
Make a flexible plan
Set a turnaround time for your group and allow for slower walking in water on the return. If conditions are uncertain, choose a dry trail instead of counting on the canyon being open.
Read the park's Narrows safety page for current advice on flash floods and other river hazards before entering the water.
Plan with the park: NPS bottom-up Narrows guide · NPS Narrows safety · Zion current conditions. Rules and conditions can change; check the official pages before traveling.
