Hiking the narrows to wall street next week... crazy?

Will the water be too cold if we don't rent the waterproof gear? I was planning to just hike it in my old hiking boots and just get wet.

I haven't been all the way to wall street, so that is my goal.

I also see that it was closed this past weekend, is that normal in winter?

Yes, it will definitely be too cold. I saw a few people without dry pants but they were moving fast and didn't seem to be enjoying themselves. I did Kanarra Creek Canyon nearby Zion in just my sandals and wool socks; I couldn't feel my feet and was starting to get very clumsy from the lack of sensation, not a good thing when you have expensive camera gear.

The Narrows were closed this past weekend for higher water flow from snow and rain in the region. The sign at the Temple of Sinawava parking lot indicated that flow greater than 150 CFM closes the narrows.

As to temperature I found a chart that shows temps get down to 40 - 45 degrees fahrenheit in the winter. I'll look for it again since it showed temps, flash flood risks, water flow and so on per month. Since last weekend was in the 20's at night, I actually saw thin ice near Big Bend in shallower areas.

Here is the problem - The Narrows gets knee deep or better fairly quickly from the bottom (I was waist-deep twice on a low flow day). As you go further up the canyon, you have to remember you have to get back. There are no escape routes. And the river boulders requires some dexterity and care. Even with dry paints and water shoes, the hike took a lot out of me and a good week to recover. So realize that while trying to make it through without falling. And Wall Street is probably a 3 hour trip each way (maybe faster if you are totally focused and dont stop). I would not say dont do it, but know your limits, the value of your equipment (dry bags are helpful), and any potential injury or death..

edit - and also get water gear - can be rented. Neoprene socks, wetsuits, dry pants, etc. By the third crossing the water will be over your hiking boots! A few others on this forum were also in the narrows a couple weeks back. They seemed to do well but they had good gear.

We were just in Zion a couple days ago and I can attest that the water is cold - brutally cold. If you do the hike I think you'd be wise to wear neoprene socks and canyoneering shoes and dry pants with warm pants under them.

There is a great chart at the bottom of this link from Utah.com

http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/zion/zion_narrows.htm

And whoops, 40-45 F in the winter. It just feels like 30

Thanks for the advice. I will look into renting the gear or make alternate plans.

Mark H, Kane and I did it at the beginning of the month, further than Wall Street. Just neoprene socks and light shoes for all of us. No big deal. Feet got a little numb. If I were to do it again, I'd probably rent some dry pants/boots.

Watch out for the speed trap going through the town of Virgin into Zion from the West . . .

Thanks Ed, I wasn't aware of it, although I have gone through there many times. I did get a ticket just west of Hurricane several years ago in the section that is only 45. Now when I travel 45 there, I create a log jam, but I will not speed there ever again.

I usually skip Hurricane and go through Toquerreville, even coming from the south on I-15. It is slightly faster in time and less headaches.

Yep, that Virgin Trap is something to watch for. There also used to be incessant KA-band (common law enforcement radar) from a vehicle/car on the east end of Rockville, but its gone now; but there is a K-band speed sensor on the west end of that town.

Just got back from a great vacation. I rented the booties and boots for me and my GF and she got the dry pants. I opted to save $18 and just use my rain pants over synthetic long underwear. This worked fine for me, I was never cold. I tucked the pants and long johns into the top of the booties and my legs rarely got wet, even when the water was up to my thighs.

A wonderful hike that I would recommend to anyone! However, I don't think winter is the best time, as the sun never got high enough to shine down into Wall Street, and we were there around noon. Summer, when the sun is much higher has to be better.

Awesome! You got the right gear and got all the way to Wall Street!

The only comment I'd say in general about summer is to keep a weathered eye on any rain in the region.

So when do we see the pix? :)

Forgot about this post. Here are a couple images from the Narrows.

And another