About Zion Adventures®
The Original Narrows Outfitter. Since 1996.
For 30 years, Zion Adventures® has helped visitors experience ZIon and Southern Utah through specialized equipment and local knowledge. Our story began with a simple idea that changed how people could experience The Narrows. Today, that same spirit of problem solving shapes everything we do.
It Started with The Narrows
In 1996, Rick Praetzel came west for a climbing trip to Red Rocks, Nevada. During a rest day, he and his friends came to Zion National Park to hike The Narrows.
The weather was warm, but the Virgin River was frigid. The water made continuing impossible.
Rick, a former river guide in Pennsylvania, understood the challenges of cold-water environments and knew the right equipment could make a difference. Looking at the river, he had a simple thought: If we just had drysuits, we could go.
There was just one problem. There was no gear to be found. The drysuits available at the time weren’t designed for the average person or the demands of hiking through a rocky canyon.
Rick could have left it at that. He could have listened to the locals who recommended he just come back in summer when the water was warm. Instead, he went looking for a solution and approached Henderson Aquatics in New Jersey, working with the manufacturer to design and build drysuits specifically for The Narrows.
That idea became the foundation of Zion Narrows Outfitters - a business conceived to give visitors access to the specialized equipment they needed to experience the Narrows. What began with one observation helped establish a new approach to outfitting hikers in Zion’s canyons.
Zion Narrows Outfitters soon became Zion Adventure Company, a name that was easier for visitors to understand when outfitter wasn’t yet a familiar term. In 2018, we rebranded as Zion Adventures®, reflecting the broader range of outdoor experiences we offer today.
Our name and services have evolved, but the purpose that started it all remains: find a way to help people have the best outdoor adventure possible.
A Better Way to Experience The Narrows
Getting people into The Narrows comfortably and confidently took more than an idea. It took the right equipment, a willingness to solve problems and a lot of learning along the way.
Solving the drysuit challenge was just the start. When Five Ten was developing a canyon boot for this kind of terrain, we tested shoes and provided feedback from real-world use. At one point, we were the largest purchaser of that shoe in the country.
Our work didn’t stop with one product or one manufacturer. We’ve continued to evaluate equipment based on how it performs in the canyon, adapting our recommendations as products and conditions change.
Good outfitting is about more than handing someone gear. It means understanding the terrain, helping people choose equipment suited to the conditions, and sharing practical advice so they know what to expect.
From The Narrows to a World of Adventure
The Narrows was where our story began, but it was never the limit of what we wanted to offer. As Zion Adventures® grew, so did the ways we could help people experience the area.
What began with Narrows outfitting expanded into guided canyoneering, rock climbing, via ferrata, hiking, e-biking, technical skills courses, equipment rentals and shuttle transportation. Each addition grew from a practical understanding of what visitors need to explore Southern Utah, whether they’re heading out independently or looking for a guide.
Today, Zion Adventures® brings these experiences together, connecting visitors with equipment, expertise and transportation that help make their plans possible.
Local Knowledge. Thoughtful Preparation. Personal Service.
A great outdoor adventure starts before you reach the trail. It starts with knowing what to expect, having the right equipment, and feeling prepared for the experience ahead. That’s why our team takes time to help guests make informed choices.
On a hot day in Springdale, it’s easy to assume The Narrows will feel just as warm. But the river can be surprisingly cool. Our team helps guests understand those differences, choose the appropriate gear, get a good fit, and learn what to expect before heading into the canyon.
That same personal attention carries into our guided adventures. Our guides bring technical expertise and local knowledge, backed by rigorous training and ongoing assessments. They know how to teach, encourage and adapt to the people they’re guiding - making sure they understand your group’s experience and comfort level so you take on a challenge that feels right for you.
Whether you’re picking up rental gear or heading out with a guide, we want you to feel informed, prepared and ready for the experience you’ve chosen.
The Values Behind the Adventure
Good adventures depend on good people working together. At Zion Adventures®, we value teamwork, integrity, curiosity and a willingness to keep learning. Those values shape how we work with one another, care for our guests and approach the challenges that come with outdoor adventure.
We also believe being part of the Zion region means contributing to the community that makes this place special. Over the years, Zion Adventures® has contributed time, services and financial support to more than three dozen charitable organizations routinely. Giving back remains an integral part of how we participate in the community we call home.
We’re grateful to be part of this place and to work alongside people who care deeply about Zion and each other.
Two Locations. One Region We Call Home.
Southern Utah is more than the place where we work. It’s the landscape, community and collection of adventures that have shaped Zion Adventures® since 1996.
Our two locations help visitors find their way into the region’s outdoor experiences. Our Springdale location puts guests close to Zion National Park and the Zion Canyon shuttle system. Our Virgin location offers a convenient alternative for guests staying outside Springdale and provides access to many of the region’s canyoneering and climbing destinations.
Together, our locations help us serve visitors exploring Zion and the surrounding Souther Utah region.
Your Zion Adventure Starts Here
First time exploring ZIon, or already planning your next big adventure? There’s always more to discover in Southern Utah.
From Narrows gear rentals and guided adventures to technical skills courses and trailhead shuttles, Zion Adventures® can help you get ready for the experience you have in mind.
Find Your Next Adventure