Day Hiking the Narrows at Zion National Park
One of the most unique hikes in all of the National Park system is the Narrows, of Zion National Park, in Utah.
For the adventurous, this 16 mile trek from the trail head north of Zion back into the Park itself, involves wading, and occasionally swimming, through the Virgin River, as you travel the slot canyon that the river has carved through the Navajo Sandstone.
You'll encounter free standing arches, waterfalls, springs, and sheer walls of limestone towering up to 1000 ft over head.
Although river hiking is strenuous, and a back country permit is required to hike the entire length, you can opt for the easier day hike (no permit required) that starts from the end of the Riverside Walk trail in Zion.
Before you even consider hiking the Narrows, you must be aware of the dangers.
The Narrows are slot canyons which are prone to flash floods both during and after periods of heavy rain (both in Zion, and further north on the Colorado Plateau).
The Park service displays the current weather conditions and flash flood potential (from Low to Severe) in the Visitor Center.
Since much of the hike is over slippery rocks under a rapidly moving current, injury from slips and falls are common.
A good pair of water shoes, neoprene socks (the water can be quite chilly), trekking poles, and a dry pack is highly recommended.
The trail head for a day hike of the Narrows, is actually the Riverside Walk, beginning at the Temple of Sinawava, the last stop on the Park's shuttle bus route.
This first mile is a relatively level paved path that runs parallel to the Virgin River, ending at a small overlook, with paved steps that lead in to the river.
This is where the actual bottom-up (because you're hiking upstream) hike of the Narrows begins.
Unless you plan on wading the entire way up the middle of the river, you'll immediately cross the river and hike along the far shore.
Approximately ΒΌ mile upstream is the reason you'll want to have a dry pack with you.
Here the depth of the river increases to ~4ft for close to 50 ft, so all electronics (cameras, iPods, etc) need to be kept high and dry.
Once past this section, the hike itself is relatively easy, as long as you maintain a reasonable pace, and be careful where you're stepping.
Remember, you're in a river, so the rocks are slick, rounded, and many are unstable.
Also remember to keep your trekking pole (or hiking stick) downstream to help maintain your balance, especially when crossing in sections where the current is swift.
The average hiker will take 2 - 3 hrs to travel the 3 - 4 miles to the section of the Narrows known as Wall Street.
Here you'll see the stunningly beautiful slot canyons that make hiking the Narrows such a memorable experience.
Conventional wisdom is that it typically takes 2/3 of your time to hike out, but I found that hiking in we stopped so often to take photos that it took us longer to hike in, than it did to hike back out.
Every turn in the river brings spectacular new scenery and stunning views that you'll want to remember.
One last bit of advice.
Only 80 backcountry permits are distributed daily for those who plan to cover the entire 16 mile hike, while over 2,000 visitors a day will attempt the shorter day hike up from the Riverside Walk to Wall Street.
So if hiking the Narrows is on your agenda, arrive early and beat the crowds, then enjoy a delicious lunch back at the Lodge.
For the adventurous, this 16 mile trek from the trail head north of Zion back into the Park itself, involves wading, and occasionally swimming, through the Virgin River, as you travel the slot canyon that the river has carved through the Navajo Sandstone.
You'll encounter free standing arches, waterfalls, springs, and sheer walls of limestone towering up to 1000 ft over head.
Although river hiking is strenuous, and a back country permit is required to hike the entire length, you can opt for the easier day hike (no permit required) that starts from the end of the Riverside Walk trail in Zion.
Before you even consider hiking the Narrows, you must be aware of the dangers.
The Narrows are slot canyons which are prone to flash floods both during and after periods of heavy rain (both in Zion, and further north on the Colorado Plateau).
The Park service displays the current weather conditions and flash flood potential (from Low to Severe) in the Visitor Center.
Since much of the hike is over slippery rocks under a rapidly moving current, injury from slips and falls are common.
A good pair of water shoes, neoprene socks (the water can be quite chilly), trekking poles, and a dry pack is highly recommended.
The trail head for a day hike of the Narrows, is actually the Riverside Walk, beginning at the Temple of Sinawava, the last stop on the Park's shuttle bus route.
This first mile is a relatively level paved path that runs parallel to the Virgin River, ending at a small overlook, with paved steps that lead in to the river.
This is where the actual bottom-up (because you're hiking upstream) hike of the Narrows begins.
Unless you plan on wading the entire way up the middle of the river, you'll immediately cross the river and hike along the far shore.
Approximately ΒΌ mile upstream is the reason you'll want to have a dry pack with you.
Here the depth of the river increases to ~4ft for close to 50 ft, so all electronics (cameras, iPods, etc) need to be kept high and dry.
Once past this section, the hike itself is relatively easy, as long as you maintain a reasonable pace, and be careful where you're stepping.
Remember, you're in a river, so the rocks are slick, rounded, and many are unstable.
Also remember to keep your trekking pole (or hiking stick) downstream to help maintain your balance, especially when crossing in sections where the current is swift.
The average hiker will take 2 - 3 hrs to travel the 3 - 4 miles to the section of the Narrows known as Wall Street.
Here you'll see the stunningly beautiful slot canyons that make hiking the Narrows such a memorable experience.
Conventional wisdom is that it typically takes 2/3 of your time to hike out, but I found that hiking in we stopped so often to take photos that it took us longer to hike in, than it did to hike back out.
Every turn in the river brings spectacular new scenery and stunning views that you'll want to remember.
One last bit of advice.
Only 80 backcountry permits are distributed daily for those who plan to cover the entire 16 mile hike, while over 2,000 visitors a day will attempt the shorter day hike up from the Riverside Walk to Wall Street.
So if hiking the Narrows is on your agenda, arrive early and beat the crowds, then enjoy a delicious lunch back at the Lodge.
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