Our final day in Zion National Park was a far cry from where only angels can land. Mahalo to Danny and Edgar for suggesting to grab the trifecta combo of waterproof socks, boots and hiking stick from Zion Outfitter. Saved our feet and balance.
We got off the last stop on the shuttle line and headed towards the amphitheater that marks the start of the canyon.
Following the paved path for a mile to the rocky beachhead. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.
Taking the cold plunge into the North Fork. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.
Not much water was rolling down the walls, just enough to give it a shiny sheen.
Rounding one of multiple bends that slowly unfolded the grand scenery that painted the entire canyon’s length.
Jasmin picking her path on the riverbed littered with assorted rocks the size of bowling balls and then some.
Walking on the shore as we passed underneath the overhanging walls.
Following the river which was the trail, as it passed through multi-colored striped rocks.
The canyon started closing in on us as we made our way upstream.
Keeping left to stay in the river and enter the area known as Wall Street for its towering cliff walls.
Going around the rock that has been rubbed smooth by the river for thousands of years.
The river became deeper as the walls closed in and the banks disappeared. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.
The confined corridor soon opened back up to allow the sun to illuminate the canyon.
Today’s flow rate was under 50 cfs(cubic feet per second), which made our hike easier in terms of water depth and currents. To put it into perspective, when the flow rate exceeds 150 cfs, the National Park Service will shut down the trail.
I was not sure if we had reached the turn around point for bottom up hikers as no signs of visible water were gushing out from the canyon walls. But this was a good spot as any to dry out and bask in the sun for a bit. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno
Most hikers seemed to turn around at this point as they claimed the water went above your head. After some discussion; we also decided to stop here, take pictures and turn around as well. I will have to come back and do this hike from the top down to experience the complete canyon.
We jumped back into the cold and clear river to make our way back.
Hugging the canyon walls to keep our feet somewhat soggy.
Jasmin avoiding the chest deep water on our way back.
Back in the water. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.
Can you hear it? Water gurgling behind the sandstone walls.
The golden hour was upon us as the sunlight streamed through the narrow walls.
Jasmin passing by the scalloped cliff walls.
Detouring into the tributary creek.
We had to do more scrambling over slippery boulders and small runoffs, but did not make it to the veiled falls.
Leaving the taller, darker and narrower canyon to join back up with the main trail.
Following the river as it twisted around the sandstone cliffs and boulders.
Eye candy all around us for our viewing pleasure.
Criss-crossing the river.
Let’s run back like Clint and George who shot some of their scenes in the canyon. Perhaps not. We are not actors.
We saw canyoneers making their way down the tricking cliff face.
Making our way back to the amusement park version of Disneyland.
Our 10.57 mile wading hike through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon was filled with close up views of Mother Nature’s craftmanship and chilly waters. Post hike meal at China Buffet. If it’s cheap, why go anywhere else?
Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey man! I wanted to check this hike out but damn it all we went at a very wrong time of year when it was snowing. Can’t wait to check it out on a nice day.
Aloha Stuart,
You guys should check it out on a nice day! It’s quite the experience. Don’t forget to get the waterproof socks, boots and sticks!
Mahalo
So legit. Looks amazing
Aloha Sunshine,
It was totally worth it. If you haven’t done it, highly recommended to put on your list.
Mahalo