{"id":2202,"date":"2015-07-12T07:00:36","date_gmt":"2015-07-12T14:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/suitcasejournal.com\/?p=2202"},"modified":"2015-11-15T17:00:24","modified_gmt":"2015-11-16T01:00:24","slug":"guide-to-the-top-down-narrows-in-zion-national-park-for-first-time-backpackers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/suitcasejournal.com\/?p=2202","title":{"rendered":"Guide to the Top-Down Narrows in Zion National Park for First Time Backpackers"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Narrows<\/em> is the centerpiece of Zion National Park. \u00a0The mystery of sun rays filtering through the constricted slot canyons of the\u00a0Narrows<\/em> captivate visitors like few other natural wonders. \u00a0The surreal photographs of the\u00a0Narrow\u00a0<\/em>ultimately inspired us to embark on our first ever backpacking trip, despite its length, logistical complexity, danger, and technical elements. \u00a0The top-down\u00a0Narrows<\/em>\u00a0trail is not a beginning backpacker’s route, but it is very possible for first timers to enjoy and safely complete, especially after reading this guide! \u00a0The award is unforgettable vistas, numerous adventures to share with others, and a tremendous sense of accomplishment.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

When to Go?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Deciding when to visit Zion National Park to backpack the\u00a0Narrows<\/em> is tricky. \u00a0The National Park Service will not issue backpacking permits unless the flow rate of the Virgin River North Fork is below 120 cubic feet per second. \u00a0On average, spring runoff keeps flow rates above this level into May. \u00a0In the summer, starting in July, the risk of flash floods picks-up. \u00a0And after this risk subsides in late September, water temperatures have dropped to the point where wetsuits are recommended. \u00a0The graph below, constructed using historical USGS river data and NOAA temperature data, presents these trade-offs throughout the year. \u00a0We decided to go on the July 4 weekend, just after flow rates have dropped and water temperatures have risen, but before flash flood risk picks-up. \u00a0Unfortunately, we had to endure high daily temperatures, but the water and the shade in the canyon generally kept us cool.<\/p>\n

\"Virgin<\/a><\/p>\n

Graph Details: Flow rates are measured for the\u00a0North Fork of the Virgin River, and represent average values going back to 1963 (data source: USGS). \u00a0Water temperatures are measured downstream in Virgin, UT, and are likely several degrees warmer than the water temperature in the Narrows (data source: USGS). \u00a0Flash flood risk is constructed by tracking the number of days where > 500% average flow was observed historically by week. \u00a0Average daily high temperatures are measured in St. George, UT (data source: NOAA) and are likely 10 degrees or so warmer than what would be experienced in the Narrows.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Logistics<\/strong><\/p>\n

The National Park Service only allows twelve groups of backpackers to stay in the\u00a0Narrows<\/em> each night. \u00a0Prospective hikers have two options: commit two months ahead of time and try and reserve one of six campsites online or try your luck \u00a0to get one of the other six campsites made available the day before at the\u00a0Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk.<\/p>\n

We opted for the former, and logged-in to the Wilderness Reservation System<\/a> the minute reservations became available for July at 10am MDT on May 5 (see complete calendar<\/a>). \u00a0We\u00a0sweated for fifteen long minutes as the successive confirmation pages took forever to load. \u00a0Our patience paid off (we didn’t act on our temptation to refresh), and we were rewarded with a reservation for a campsite (#9) and hiking date of choice. \u00a0I don’t believe there would have been any time for considering our choices, so I recommend researching the campgrounds on the Zion National Park website<\/a> first and being ready to act as soon as reservations become available at 10am. \u00a0Make sure the campground you select can accommodate your group size. \u00a0Also note that you will be the only one at a particular campsite. \u00a0The National Park Service does not combine groups at campsites, so even if you reserve a campsite with room for twelve, and you only have two people, you’ll have the campsite to yourselves.<\/p>\n

During the hike, we ran into a couple of groups that obtained their permits the day before the Wilderness Desk. \u00a0The Wilderness Desk does not open until 7am (8am in Winter), but the groups we talked to were waiting outside before 5am. \u00a0I can’t guarantee that arriving at 5am will guarantee you one of the six spots available, but it’s a data point.<\/p>\n

In addition to the backpacking permit, the other logistical item that must be addressed beforehand is transportation to the trailhead. \u00a0The Narrows Top-Down hike begins at Chamberlin’s Ranch, which is 32 miles from Springdale, over half of which are on slow, winding dirt roads (trip time is about 90 minutes). \u00a0There is limited parking at the trailhead that would allow a group with multiple vehicles to park overnight and return the next day, but we opted to pay for a ride through Zion Adventure Company<\/a>. \u00a0They offer daily shuttles arriving at the trailhead at 7:45am or 11:00am for $37\/person. \u00a0As discussed later on, with the amount of time it takes to traverse the\u00a0Narrows<\/em>, we were glad we took the earlier option, even though we were staying overnight. \u00a0There are other outfits that offer shuttles, but it is definitely a good idea to book early, because you’ll be competing with both backpackers and people attempting to do the Top-Down hike in one day.<\/p>\n

Equipment<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"ZionEquipment\"As first time backpackers, understanding the equipment needs for the hike was a chief concern for us, especially with the unique conditions of the\u00a0Narrows<\/em>. \u00a0We were fortunate to have a friend with a lot of backpacking gear we could borrow. \u00a0However, the\u00a0Narrows<\/em> present the unique challenge of keeping equipment dry when being completely submerged in water. \u00a0Accordingly, we purchased a few dry bags online. \u00a0Here is what we brought for our excursion in July:<\/p>\n