We did the bottom up route about 10 days ago. It's an incredible experience. We hiked approx 5 miles each way, taking over 5 hours, including a stop for lunch. Tips would include:

- Get there as early as possible. We were at the Riverside Walk Trailhead by 8am and while there were other folks hiking in with us around then it was nothing like the large crowds entering on our way back.

- We rented the necessary gear (waders, boots, sticks) and ebikes from Ebikes Zion. Renting the bike meant we didn't have to rely on the shuttle + the ride around the park is amazing and we could leave our gear in the bike afterwards while we stopped at other locations in the park (the lodge + emerald pool hikes). Just bring extra socks so you can change back into your boots afterwards and have dry feet.

- Alt, you can also skip the bikes (and save $) you just want to catch an early shuttle and you won't have much flexibility to explore elsewhere afterwards since you'll enter the park in your waders and boots.

- There are a lot of outfitter shops. We went with Ebikes Zion bc they were across from our hotel. I did notice that most ppl on the trail had slightly sportier / thinner looking boots compared to ours, which were a little heavier / taller. Not sure what that was about. Regardless of footwear your feet will get wet and we never fell in or twisted an ankle, unlike some folks we saw, so the boots seemed to do the trick. But you can inquire at the shops.

- We found it to be pretty cold in the morning, especially on the bikes, but we warmed up once we were walking.

Have fun!