Adventure, Curated
Explore 5,000+ human-powered experiences — handpicked outdoor adventures for all skill levels with max stoke, zero hassle.
Local Legends, Real Reviews
We partner with the best in the business — trusted local outfitters and guides who know the trails, tides, and terrain. Backed by 185,000+ reviews, averaging 4.8⭐
Book Direct, Best Price Guarantee
Get the best price, availability, and flexibility you need by booking directly with the outfitter or guide.
Protect What You Love
Your adventure gives back. Every booking supports conservation and keeps wild places wild.
Narrows Dry Suit Rental Package
Pricing
Height 4'10" - 5'2" • Weight 85 - 110
Height 5'0" - 5'4" • Weight 100 - 125
Height 5'2" - 5'6" • Weight 165 - 185
Description
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
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
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Zion Adventures
FAQs
Why choose a dry suit over dry bibs?
A dry suit seals at both the ankles and wrists, meaning there is no opening through which water can enter—regardless of how deep you wade or whether you stumble. Dry bibs are open at the top and can let water in if you go too deep or fall. In winter, when river temperatures can be near freezing, getting cold water inside your gear is serious. A dry suit eliminates that risk and lets you hike confidently without constantly thinking about depth.
Is winter the only time to use a dry suit?
It's the primary recommendation from October 1st through mid-May, and essentially mandatory for deep winter hiking. However, some hikers in cold shoulder seasons prefer the dry suit's added security even when dry bibs would technically suffice. If you run cold or want maximum comfort, the dry suit is always the safer choice.
Does the dry suit keep me warm?
The dry suit blocks water but doesn't insulate by itself. The warmth comes from the layers you wear underneath. Staff will help you figure out the right combination based on the day's air and water temperatures. Generally: medium synthetic or wool thermals in fall/spring, heavyweight thermals in winter.
I heard you can trap air in the dry suit and float—is that true?
Yes! One of the fun perks of a dry suit in the Narrows is that you can trap a little air inside and float through the deeper pools rather than fighting the current. It's one of those small joys that makes the dry suit experience uniquely fun.
Is winter hiking in the Narrows actually safe?
With the right gear and preparation, yes—and it's spectacular. The canyon is quiet, the light is dramatic, and the frozen formations on the walls are unlike anything you'll see in summer. The keys are: appropriate layering under the dry suit, a sturdy walking stick, not hiking alone, monitoring river conditions, and giving
Can I pick up gear the evening before?
Yes—and for winter hikes, this is strongly recommended. If your sizes are available, pickup begins as early as 3:00 PM MST. Top-down Narrows hikers catching a pre-dawn shuttle must pick up the evening before.
Do I need a permit for the bottom-up Narrows hike?
No permit is required for the bottom-up route from the Temple of Sinawava. Permits are required for the top-down route and overnight trips.
What about flash floods in winter?
Flash flood risk is lower in winter but not zero—storms anywhere in the 344-square-mile Virgin River watershed can affect the canyon. Always check conditions with staff and the Zion Visitor Center before heading in. The park closes the bottom-up route when flow exceeds 150 CFS.
Cancellation Policy
Full payment is charged at time of booking. Cancellations more than 3 days from your rental will receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 72 hours prior to your rental are non-refundable. If Zion Adventures® cancels due to weather, you will receive a full refund.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
36 Lion Boulevard
Springdale, UT, 84767
US
ASK THE LOCAL EXPERT
Best price guarantee - book direct with the outfitter
Trusted local outfitters, vetted for quality
Free cancellation on most adventures