Zion National Park Full-Day Insider Tour: Narrows, Emerald Pools & Riverside Walk
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness for sustained walking, river wading, and short climbs; able to handle uneven terrain.
Overview
Spend a full day exploring Zion with a guide who tailors hikes to your ability—choose between The Narrows, Emerald Pools, Pa'rus Trail and scenic overlooks. This insider tour blends geology, local history, and practical guidance to help you get the most from your visit.
Zion National Park Full-Day Insider Tour: Narrows, Emerald Pools & Riverside Walk
Select participants and date
Morning in Springdale begins with a hush: a line of sandstone fins glowing orange as the first shuttle slides into the lot, and the air carries the resinous scent of piñon and juniper. On this full-day insider tour, a local guide leads a small group away from the town’s gift shops and into the hard geometry of Zion Canyon, where the Virgin River dares you to follow it upstream and the walls loom like living maps.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear grippy footwear
Choose hiking shoes with solid tread; river sections and slick sandstone call for good traction.
Carry 2+ liters of water
Zion’s desert sun dehydrates quickly—bring more water than you think for a 6-hour day.
Monitor weather and river levels
Flash floods can make river hikes dangerous; confirm conditions with your guide before entering The Narrows.
Start early to avoid heat and crowds
Morning light is cooler and cleaner for photos; later in the day the shuttle and trails can become crowded.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- desert bighorn sheep
- mule deer
History
This area was inhabited by Southern Paiute communities long before Mormon settlers arrived in the 19th century; Zion was protected as a national park in 1919.
Conservation
Zion’s river corridors and slot canyons are sensitive—stay on trails, pack out trash, and heed river-level closures to protect fragile habitats and visitor safety.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Springdale
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Required for traction on slick sandstone and uneven trails.
Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L+)
Keeps you hydrated through desert heat and during river walks.
Waterproof socks or river shoes
Useful for wading The Narrows and protecting feet from cold water and sharp rocks.
summer specific
Light layers and sun protection
Temperature swings in canyon shade require a breathable layer and sun protection for exposed stretches.