Hiking The Narrows in November: Everything You Need to Know [2023]

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Are you wondering about hiking The Narrows in November and whether or not you can do it during this time of the year?

Although most people visit this stunning slot canyon during the summer months, visiting during the shoulder season is such a treat.

With cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful fall foliage, this is the perfect opportunity to see Zion in a new way.

Zion National Park is one of my personal favorite parks, and I find The Narrows to be such a beautiful and unique hike!

In this post, I’ll let you in on everything you need to know about visiting and doing this hike during November, rather than the peak season.

Can You Hike The Narrows in November?

The easy and short answer here is that yes, you most definitely can do the Narrows hike during the month of November.

This iconic slot canyon is open year-round to explore its captivating beauty.

However, while November does offer a unique and less crowded experience, there are some important factors to consider before going.

The weather in November can be much cooler, meaning that the water temperature is also colder, which can be dangerous.

A view of the river flowing through Zion Canyon in The Narrows.

It’s important to have the proper gear and be prepared for your hike, which I’ll discuss further in-depth later.

Additionally, the flow of the Virgin River is generally manageable in November, but it’s essential to monitor weather forecasts as flash floods can still occur at any time.

With proper preparation and a keen eye on weather conditions, a November hike in the Narrows can be a great experience!

Is November a Good Time to Hike The Narrows?

Overall, fall, including November, can be a really great time to get out and hike the famous Narrows in Zion National Park.

The summer months are typically considered the most popular times for this hike, but that shouldn’t scare you away from hiking in the winter or fall.

A few reasons why it’s great in fall include fewer crowds, lower water levels, higher visibility, and less chance for flash floods.

Tyler standing in The Narrows holding a walking stick with the canyon walls behind him.

However, proper gear, including wetsuits or drysuits, insulated footwear, and waterproof clothing, is essential to ensure your safety on the hike.

Due to the extremely cold water temperatures (typically around 40° F in November), you need to be very careful.

You also should be an experienced hiker, especially if you plan to go much further than 1/2-1 mile into the canyon.

I’m an experienced hiker and get nervous doing hikes like this, as they come off as more of a strenuous adventure than just your typical hike.

Weather in Zion in November

One of the biggest concerns for people traveling to Zion National Park in November is the weather. Here’s some information on what to expect for the weather.

Temperatures

The Zion in November weather experiences a shift towards cooler temperatures as fall and winter set in.

Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit, sometimes dropping a bit lower than that.

In my opinion, this is much better than the scorching heat that comes with the summer months.

The narrowest part of Zion Canyon that can be seen from hiking the Narrows in November.

However, as the sun sets, temperatures can drop significantly, often dipping into the 30s and 40s in the night and early morning.

You should plan to pack some layers to have for exploring the park since this chilly weather can make a trip uncomfortable if you aren’t prepared.

Snow and Rain

Although you typically think of Utah and imagine a desert, there’s actually a season that is cold and may see snow.

Most of the precipitation that Utah sees falls between December and March, with snow only falling about 2-3 times per year.

Tyler and I taking a selfie in the Narrows during a hike.

Snow rarely sticks for very long, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to see the Zion Canyon dusted in a layer of white.

As for rain, the monsoon season is from June until September, and this is when you’ll see the most rain. It also brings the highest chance of flash floods.

Why November is a Good Time to Hike The Narrows

Below I’ve listed a few of the top reasons why I think that visiting Zion National Park in November is a great time of year.

Less Busy

I love doing this hike, and think that it’s one that everyone should add on their list, but with bucket-list items typically also come crowds.

That’s one thing that you won’t really have to worry about in November, so if you’re looking for a less busy experience, plan it during this time!

Many people entering and exiting the Narrows during a busy part of the day.

When I did the Narrows hike in June, the entrance to the canyon looked like the picture above, which was obviously less than ideal.

Cooler Weather

One of the worst parts about visiting Utah (or the Southwestern US for that matter) is that it’s very hot during much of the year.

I visited in June, and experienced temperatures above 100 degrees F, and we had to be done hiking by noon in order to survive hiking in the heat.

When you visit Zion in November, you can expect to find much cooler temperatures that are much more comfortable to hike in.

Average highs are around 65 degrees and lows around 40 degrees, which are perfect temperatures for getting out and enjoying the outdoors.

Fall Foliage

Another perk of planning a visit to Zion during this time of year is that you might have the chance to see the fall foliage.

The peak season is between late October and late November, so hiking The Narrows Zion in November is a perfect time to experience fall in Zion.

If you’re able to do any other trail, such as Angels Landing while there, you’ll be able to see those colors from above the Zion Canyon.

Fewer Flash Floods

Flash floods are a big concern when hiking in Zion, and while they can happen at any time, they are less likely in November.

Tyler standing in a narrow part of Zion Canyon with a walking stick and canyoneering boots.

Most flash floods happen between July and September, so you’ll be out of peak flash flood season.

Flash floods are sudden flashes that happen after a heavy rain, and they can be very sudden and very dangerous.

Cons of Zion in November

While there are some really great reasons to visit this stunning national park in November, there are also a few cons. Here are those top reasons.

Colder Air Temperatures

While I personally find the temperature in November in Zion to be very comfortable, I understand that they may be cold for some people.

Average lows are around 40 degrees F and highs around 65 degrees F, and this may be quite cold for some people used to warmer weather.

The cold weather flowing through Zion Canyon seen while hiking the Narrows in November.

But, if you’re headed out for a hike and are able to bundle up, I can almost bet that it’ll be more comfortable than hiking in 100 degrees!

One other thing to remember is that inside of the canyon walls, the air temperature will be even colder, so bring an extra layer!

Cold Water Temperatures

One thing that we can’t hide is that water temperatures in The Narrows in November are very cold.

Hikers wading through the water on The Narrows hike.

Average temperatures are around 40 degrees F, which is quite cold and can easily and quickly cause hypothermia.

It’s very important that if you’re heading into the canyon you have the proper gear including a dry suit, gloves, insulated boots, and a dry bag.

Fewer Hours of Daylight

As winter draws near, we (unfortunately) have fewer and fewer hours of sunlight in the day.

This is something to remember as you hike The Narrows, since you’ll want to plan your day with plenty of time to finish the hike.

Getting stuck in the Zion Narrows without preparation to stay overnight can be very dangerous, so don’t get caught in that situation and finish it as a day hike.

How Cold is The Narrows Water in November?

During November, as fall transitions into winter, you can expect water temperatures to be on the cooler side, often ranging from the low 40 to mid-50 degrees F.

This can vary by year-to-year and day-to-day, but just remember that the water is going to be very cold.

A narrow section of the canyon that can be seen in Zion in November.

This also means that you need to go into Zion Canyon prepared with warm clothes, a drysuit, and other essentials.

Because the river does flow through a canyon, you’ll also experience colder air temperatures, so you’ll want your whole body to be dressed warmly!

Is November a Good Time to Go to Zion?

Yes, just as I mentioned above about hiking The Narrows in November, visiting the entire National Park of Zion during this month is great!

If you’re seeking a quieter and cooler experience, then November is the best time for you to visit Zion!

With the temperatures being mild, crowds being minimal, and the chance to see fall foliage, you’ll have such a tranquil experience.

It’s also the perfect time to make a road trip of the Mighty Five in Utah including a road trip from Bryce Canyon to Zion, or all the way over to Arches.

What to Wear When Hiking The Narrows in November

Choosing the proper clothing for The Narrows in fall is essential to having a safe and comfortable experience in Zion Canyon because of the frigid water.

Here are some of the clothing that you should wear for your hike.

Dry Suit: One of the most important pieces of clothing for Zion in November is a dry suit since it keeps you warm and dry in the cold water. It’s highly recommended to have reservations from Zion Adventure Company.
Base Layer: Under the drysuit, wear a warm, moisture-wicking base layer to help you stay warm while wicking away sweat.
Insulating Mid-Layer: This mid-layer will hold in your body heat and help you stay warm. Wear an insulating top and bottom layer.
Gloves: Wear a pair of gloves to keep your extremities warm, and pack an extra pair in case yours get wet.
Hat: A lot of heat escapes from your head, so wear a hat to keep your body warm.
Neoprene Socks: A dry suit package rental from Zion Adventure Company comes with these socks, which act like a wetsuit for your feet.
Canyoneering Boots: Your rental will also come with canyoneering boots, which are the best shoes for the hike, since they’re supportive and grippy to help with the slippery rocks in Zion Canyon.
Dry Pack: Lastly, pack a dry pack with clothing that you can put on if you need extra layers or if you get wet. I would also recommend putting your electronics in their own dry bag, and then inside of the larger dry pack.
Walking Stick: This helps you keep your balance on the slippery rocks in the canyon.

FAQs

Does it Snow in Zion in November?

It very rarely snows in the national park in November. The highest chance of snow is in December or January.

When Should You Not Hike The Narrows?

You should not hike The Narrows when the CFS (cubic feet per second) of water is over 150. Sometimes, the hike can be closed if the water is too high or flash flood warnings are active.

Can I Hike The Narrows in Winter?

Yes, you can hike The Narrows in winter as long as you’re prepared with warm, dry clothing. The water is very cold in winter.

Is November a Good Time to Visit Utah?

Yes, because of the cooler weather, November is a great time to visit Utah’s national parks such as Zion and Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands.

Is Zion Crowded During Thanksgiving?

Yes, Zion can be very crowded over Thanksgiving. I would recommend planning a visit at another time in November to avoid these crowds.

Do I Need a Wetsuit for The Narrows?

If you’re hiking The Zion Narrows in winter, you will want a dry suit to keep you warm and dry while in the canyon.

Is the Zion Shuttle Open in November?

Zion National Park uses a shuttle system in some parts of the year to reduce traffic. The shuttle operates from May to December from the Zion Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava.

What is the Best Part of The Narrows?

The most popular part of the Narrows is Wall Street, which is a very narrow portion of the canyon that is found about 3 miles up the trail.

Wrap-Up: Hiking The Narrows in November

If you’re looking for a great way to visit Zion without the crowds and heat, then visiting in November is the perfect way to do it.

And if you’re planning on hiking The Narrows in November, that’s even better, since you’ll likely get to experience one of the most popular hikes in the United States in more solitude.

With the proper preparation, getting out into Zion Canyon and checking out this unique hike is a must-do, even in the colder months.