Zion Narrows Dry Suit Rental Package – Maximum Protection for Winter & Cold Conditions

If you're hiking the Narrows in winter or during high-water conditions, the Dry Suit Package is the only option that gives you complete peace of mind. The Kokotat dry suit provided here is custom-built specifically for the Narrows—sealing at both the ankles and the wrists so water can't get in regardless of depth. Where dry bibs leave you open at the top, a dry suit keeps you protected all the way up to your neck. You can wade through deeper sections, stumble, and even float through a pool without worrying about cold water reaching your base layers.

Winter hiking in the Narrows is one of Zion's best-kept secrets. The canyon is quiet, ice and frost cling to the walls, hanging gardens glow in the low winter light, and you'll have the river largely to yourself. With the right gear—and the right layers underneath—it's a genuinely magical experience. River temperatures in winter hover near freezing, and without a dry suit, that cold reaches you fast. With one, you can focus entirely on the beauty of the canyon.

Note that dry suits provide a waterproof barrier but do not insulate on their own. You'll need to wear warm synthetic or wool layers underneath—staff will help you nail down the right layering system for the day's conditions at pickup.

Dry suits are recommended from October 1st through mid-May, with Dry Bibs as an option in milder shoulder-season conditions. If there's any question about which is right for your visit, staff will give you an honest read on the day.

Duration

Rental Period: Day of hike; gear available from 8:00 AM, due back by shop close
Early pickup available the afternoon before (as early as 3:00 PM MST) if your sizes are in stock—strongly recommended for winter hikes and early starts

Location of Rental Pickup

Zion Adventures

36 Lion Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767 — Springdale Shuttle Stop 3

From the shop, take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava (the final stop), where the Narrows hike begins. Free customer parking is available at the store.

Ages & Requirements

Open to all experience levels; this is not a technical hike—no prior canyoneering or cold-water experience needed
Dry suit gear is recommended for anyone hiking October 1st through mid-May, when river temperatures can drop into the upper 30s/low 40s°F (3–7°C)
Hikers should be comfortable moving through cold, moving water and on slippery, uneven terrain
Pace yourself—winter hiking in the Narrows is slower and more physically demanding than warm-weather visits
Not recommended during flash flood watches or when the Virgin River exceeds 150 CFS (park closure applies)
Child suit sizing available

What's Included

Kokotat dry suit (custom-built for the Narrows; latex gaskets at ankles and wrists for full waterproof protection)
Canyon-specific boots (grippy, draining soles; toe protection and ankle support)
Neoprene socks (insulating and blister-reducing)
Custom wooden walking stick (essential for balance and depth-checking; sturdier than trekking poles in moving water)
Conditions briefing and detailed layering guidance at pickup

Not Included

Zion National Park entrance fee
Transportation to/from Springdale
Insulating base layers to wear under the dry suit (essential in winter—staff will advise on thickness; no cotton)
Dry bag (available as an add-on)
Canyon backpack (available as an add-on)
Fleece layers (available as an add-on)
Meals, snacks, and water
Gratuity — never expected, but always appreciated

What to Bring / Wear

Warm synthetic or merino wool base layers to wear under the dry suit (thicker thermals in winter; medium layers in shoulder season—no cotton under any circumstances)
Insulating mid-layer (fleece jacket works well; available as an add-on if needed)
Warm hat and gloves—the Narrows canyon floor rarely sees direct sunlight, and cold air settles low overnight creating significant wind chill in the morning
A change of warm, dry clothes for after the hike
Dry bag for phone, snacks, and valuables
Plenty of water and high-calorie snacks (cold hiking burns more energy)
Sunscreen and sunglasses for exposed sections
Headlamp—winter days are shorter; always be prepared