Virgin River Narrows in late Oct

I'm planning a trip to Zion at the end of October through early November. I've got neoprene dive booties that I've used for a previous walk up the river narrows. Do I need more than this (ie dry suit) for an October or November hike?

I'm going to try hike the subway on a day permit as well, and would assume the subway would require the same gear. We're planning to stay there for a week. Are the walk up subway permits easy enough that I should be able to get one during the week in that period?

Thanks in advance,

Mel-

Mel,

I’ll be there same time also doing Subway and Narrows – last week of October.

For the Narrows, I recommend some dry pants and thermal undies. If you don’t have a pair, you can rent these from the outfitter in town.

For the Subway, I usually wear shorts, light hiking shoes, and bring a couple of extra layers in my backpack. You will be crossing the stream many times - hopping rocks - but won’t have to hike in the water until you get close to the subway entrance. If you don’t like wet shoes, bring an extra pair of water shoes. The part where you have to be in the water is usually no more than ankle deep.

I also recommend the Canyoneering boots by 5-10 which you can rent in Georgetown. I bought a pair a few years back before my hike through the Narrows and then they kept my feet blister free for 45 or so miles in the Paria Canyon.

Mel, I was hiking the Narrows last year, first weekend in November, for two days, from top to bottom - in shorts. Water was 50F, that was no problem for me. It all depends on your tolerance for cold water. Some people prefer neoprene pants, some don't. Neoprene booties are a must and so is the walking stick. Zion's Outfitters rent a good ones.

Also keep in mind the water will be quite low in Oct/Nov. It really won't be *that* cold, but like Gabi said, it comes down to tolerance.

Seems we'll all be there

I will be doing the same hikes at the same time Mel. Kind of my yearly ritual you might say. The Narrows will be chilly, but i've never used anything other than shorts and boots, so I guess it comes down to preferance. I may try renting the 510's and some pants but not sure yet. The Subway is a piece of cake in the fall. Temps are nice, just shorts and boots are fine. If you are careful, you dont even have to get your feet wet until actually entering the Subway proper. Permits are no problem in the fall. They give out 80/day, usually dont even use a quarter of that in the fall.