Guide To Hiking The Zion Narrows Hike With Kids

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The Zion Narrows hike is one of the most iconic hiking trails in the world because of its spectacular scenery, passing through towering canyons and through the winding Virgin River – yes, it has the oddity of a trail in the river.

It has been on my bucket list for years and still remains at the top of my things to do in Zion National Park list.

The Zion Narrows day hike is an easy to moderate hike that’s perfect to do as a family.

Our two girls thought it was a fantastic hike and still talk about it. It totally lived up to our expectations (and mine were pretty high).

But if you’re not sure how to do the Narrows hike with kids, then keep reading to discover everything you need to know about hiking the Zion Narrows.

Is The Narrows Hike In Zion Worth It?

You may be on the fence about whether you do the Narrows hike – after all, it does take some people 12 hours to complete.

Tackling this hike is going to require a full day of your time, a bit of preparation, both physically and mentally, and a “can-do” attitude – so, is it worth it?

Absolutely! The Narrows hike in Zion is one of the most scenic hikes we’ve done in the United States, especially in Zion National Park, and nothing can compare to the jaw-dropping sight of the narrow slot canyon looming over you.

In case you didn’t know, The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon in Utah, and there are significant dangers associated with the Zion Narrows hike.

Part of the trail is in the river, and the distinctiveness of hiking in a river also requires additional preparation; hiking it with kids adds even more challenges.

So while we do think the Zion Narrows hike is worth it, make sure you are clued up on what to expect so you go in prepared.

Is the Narrow Hike in Zion Easy?

The Narrows hike is relatively easy, though the difficulty will depend largely on the person hiking and the water flow rates on the day.

Since the vast majority of the hike is wading through water, when the water flows quickly it makes it harder to balance and wade through the water.

We highly recommend you look at the current conditions before you’re hiking. Anything under 60 cubic feet per second is considered slow moving and easy. The trail closes when it surpasses 150 cubic feet per second.

You can check the current conditions of the Virgin River here.

How To Hike…