How to Explore the Narrows in Zion in Complete Solitude (Seriously)

Let’s be honest: Zion National Park is no secret. Especially in summer, the crowds can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news—if you’re willing to wake up early and do a little planning, you can still experience the magic of The Narrows in true solitude. I’m talking about having it to yourself for potentially hours—a truly surreal, almost sacred experience that feels more like stepping into a cathedral than a slot canyon.

Here’s exactly how to do it.

How to explore the Narrows in Zion with No Crowds in two steps

1. Get a very early start

The first key to avoiding crowds in the Narrows is getting a very early start.

Lots of people do this by jumping on the earliest shuttle. In summer 2025, the earliest shuttle leaves the Visitor Center at 6 a.m.

Just keep in mind: others will have the same idea. Unless you’re among the fastest hikers on that shuttle, expect a few people around you—and likely in your shots. It probably won’t be too bad compared to the late morning crowds but it won’t be the level of solitude that I’m talking about in this article.

So this leads to taking one additional step to ensuring you’re either the first in the Narrows or among an even smaller group of early birds who can roam in solitude.

2. Rent a Bike (Preferably an E-Bike)

During peak season, Zion’s main scenic drive—the one that leads to the Narrows trailhead—is closed to private vehicles. The only way to get in is by shuttle or bike. And while the shuttle system is efficient, it runs on a schedule, and you’re limited by when it starts and how many people are trying to get on.

Bikes, on the other hand, give you total freedom. You can go as early as you want, move at your own pace, and skip the shuttle lines entirely. This is a game changer if your goal is to get into the Narrows before the crowds show up.

A bunch of local rental shops let you complete the safety orientation the day before, so you can grab your bike early the next day without waiting around. We went with Zion Gurus and paid an extra $25 for early delivery. That meant our e-bikes were already staged and ready to go. (With rental footwear, a walking staff, and two e-bikes for all day use, the total came out to around $230.)

At 5 a.m., while it was still completely dark, we unlocked the bikes and started riding. No crowds, no waiting—we got to the Narrows trailhead right at 6 a.m., just as the first shuttles were supposed to be departing. That little head start made all the difference and gave us some peaceful time in the canyon before it filled up.

We didn’t see a soul until we had already decided to turn around after exploring some of Wall Street. That meant we had a couple of hours in The Narrows to ourselves. On a summer weekend, that’s pretty incredible.

The pros and cons of this approach to exploring the Narrows

This approach definitely isn’t for everyone.

Some people just don’t want to wake up that early—especially on vacation. And to be fair, it’s not exactly cozy. You’ll be heading out in the dark, and temps are much colder that early in the morning. The idea of stepping into a chilly canyon and then submerging waist deep into even colder water at 6 a.m. isn’t exactly appealing to most people—and honestly, that’s part of what keeps the crowds away.

The other thing to consider is that biking in isn’t exactly easy for some people.

If you’re an experienced cyclist, it’s no big deal. But if you’re like me and only hop on a bike maybe once every year, it’s a bit more of a commitment. You don’t forget how to ride (hopefully)—but your legs might not be used to the motion, and your butt will probably feel it.

It’s about 10 miles one way to the Narrows trailhead, so you’re looking at a 20-mile round trip. Thankfully, with an e-bike, you get pedal assist—but that doesn’t mean zero effort. Especially if you’re keeping the assist setting low to save battery, you’ll still be doing some work.

Then there’s the hike itself. The Narrows is no stroll. You’re constantly walking through water, dealing with current, and stepping over uneven rocks. It’s the kind of terrain that can bring out any aches and pains you’ve been ignoring. If you hike a little deep into the canyon—say 6 to 7 miles roundtrip—it’s going to feel more like 10 when you add in the bike ride.

That’s why it’s worth thinking through: will you be up for biking back in the afternoon heat after hours of hiking? Or would you rather hike and then relax on the shuttle ride back?

Some people might prefer a day of just biking through the canyon without adding a big hike on top. That way, you can focus on enjoying the ride—and you won’t be doing half your trip in the dark, like you would if you’re biking in and doing the Narrows.

That said, biking through Zion Canyon alone in the early morning darkness was honestly a memorable part of the adventure. It felt peaceful and a little surreal, with just the hum of the e-bike and the silhouettes of massive cliffs all around you. And the ride back in the warm afternoon was beautiful. If you start to overheat, there are plenty of spots along the Virgin River where you can pull over and cool off.

Related: Province Lands Bike Trail Review: A Cape Cod Must-Do?

A Few Other Things to Consider About the Experience

One potential downside of going super early is missing some of the best lighting in the Narrows.

As the sun gets higher later in the morning, it hits the canyon walls just right and creates a beautiful golden glow. We got a taste of that, but I think if we had stayed a couple hours longer, we would’ve seen even more.

That said, it would’ve meant going much deeper into the canyon or simply sitting around, which wasn’t what we had planned for that day and we had a dog to get back to in any event. So unless you plan on having an 8+ hour outing, the lighting might be a bit of a con for you.

But honestly, even if you don’t have the chance to fully embrace that beautiful lighting, that’s a fair trade-off for two major benefits of arriving early.

First—and most obviously—you avoid the crowds. That means no weaving around people, no waiting for someone to clear a narrow path, and no big groups taking over the best spots. The trail conditions are better too—less churned up, less muddy, and less slippery.

But more than that, you get these moments that feel magical. Standing alone beneath 1,000-foot cliffs, with nothing but the sound of the river flowing around your legs, is something you don’t ever forget.

Second, and arguably just as important, is the quiet. Once the crowds start rolling in, so does the noise. People are laughing, talking, shouting—and while they’re just enjoying themselves, it does take away from the peaceful, almost sacred feel of the place.

But the biggest difference for me was the water.

When you’re one of the first people in, it’s crystal clear—absolutely beautiful. As the day goes on and more people wade through, they start kicking up sand and sediment, and the water gets cloudier. It’s still pretty but it loses that magical clarity you get first thing in the morning.

At the end of the day, exploring the Narrows without crowds isn’t about finding some secret trail—it’s about timing, preparation, and being okay with a bit of discomfort. Waking up early, biking in the dark, stepping into cold water before the sun’s up—it’s not for everyone. But if you’re up for it, the reward is a version of Zion that most visitors never get to see.

You get peace. You get space. You get that moment where it’s just you, the river, and the towering canyon walls glowing in the soft morning light.

Whether you go the shuttle route or take the extra step with an e-bike, the goal is the same: to experience the Narrows the way it was meant to be—quiet, wild, and awe-inspiring.

It takes effort, but if solitude and beauty are what you’re after, it’s worth every step.