I have permits to do the Top-Down overnight Narrows hike in Zion NP for Memorial Day weekend. I am wanting to come up with a backup plan in case the Narrows are closed. We would love to experience something similar to this hikes, and we are willing to travel outside of the park. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

One alternative

Buckskin gulch blows away the Zion Narrows. The other option would be the barracks which is the east fork of the virgin river. Also better than the narrows

I just got back from Zion a few weeks ago. The place is awesome but crowded. I would recommend Lava Point area or Kolob Canyons. I made a video of the area so you can see what it looks like.. See below.

https://youtu.be/s5EFp-xPIIk

I am heading to Zion myself in a few weeks. This will be my 3rd trip there. Depending on how many days you want to spend hiking/camping. I would recommend the Trans-Zion trek. The entire route can be completed in 5 days, but there are exits each day should you want to cut it short.

There will need to be permits, but they can be easily obtained if you are willing to stand in line at 4am and be the first. I've done this both previous trips. They hold back several walk in only sites that they wont release until 24hours before the day of the hike.

Really any part of that trail is awesome. My personal favorite was the West Rim and the South west connector trail in Wildcat Canyon.

Check out http://www.citrusmilo.com/zionguide/

that guide helped me tremendously the first time i went.

If you are interested in more info, I can provide you with just about any info you need, from shuttle info to what permits are required and how to get them.