The Narrows

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.

Temple of Sinawava

We got off the last stop on the shuttle line and headed towards the amphitheater that marks the start of the canyon.

Riverside Walk

Following the paved path for a mile to the rocky beachhead. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Virgin River

Taking the cold plunge into the North Fork. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Mystery Falls

Not much water was rolling down the walls, just enough to give it a shiny sheen.

The Narrows

Rounding one of multiple bends that slowly unfolded the grand scenery that painted the entire canyon’s length.

The Narrows

Jasmin picking her path on the riverbed littered with assorted rocks the size of bowling balls and then some.

Narrows Alcove

Walking on the shore as we passed underneath the overhanging walls.

The Narrows

Following the river which was the trail, as it passed through multi-colored striped rocks.

The Narrows

The canyon started closing in on us as we made our way upstream.

Junction

Keeping left to stay in the river and enter the area known as Wall Street for its towering cliff walls.

Floating Rock

Going around the rock that has been rubbed smooth by the river for thousands of years.

Wall Street

The river became deeper as the walls closed in and the banks disappeared. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Boulder Pair

The confined corridor soon opened back up to allow the sun to illuminate the canyon.

USGS

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.

Big Springs?

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

The Narrows

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.

The Narrows

We jumped back into the cold and clear river to make our way back.

The Narrows

Hugging the canyon walls to keep our feet somewhat soggy.

High Ground

Jasmin avoiding the chest deep water on our way back.

The Narrows

Back in the water. Photo by Jasmin Nepomuceno.

Hiccup Springs

Can you hear it? Water gurgling behind the sandstone walls.

The Narrows

The golden hour was upon us as the sunlight streamed through the narrow walls.

The Narrows

Jasmin passing by the scalloped cliff walls.

Orderville Canyon

Detouring into the tributary creek.

Orderville Canyon

We had to do more scrambling over slippery boulders and small runoffs, but did not make it to the veiled falls.

Orderville Canyon

Leaving the taller, darker and narrower canyon to join back up with the main trail.

The Narrows

Following the river as it twisted around the sandstone cliffs and boulders.

The Narrows

Eye candy all around us for our viewing pleasure.

The Narrows

Criss-crossing the river.

“The Eiger Sanction”

Let’s run back like Clint and George who shot some of their scenes in the canyon. Perhaps not. We are not actors.

Mystery Falls

We saw canyoneers making their way down the tricking cliff face.

The Narrows

Making our way back to the amusement park version of Disneyland.

All pau

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.

Tagged as: big springs, boulder pair, floating rock, grotto alcove, hiccup springs, mystery falls, narrows alcove, oderville canyon, riverside walk, sipping turtle, temple of sinawava, the narrows, virgin river, zion canyon