.jpg "Zion NP UT")
View west between campground and Visitor CenterFrom the South campground where I stayed it’s an easy walk to the Zion National Park Visitor Center to pick up a shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava at the end of the Zion Canyon road where I’ll start the Virgin River Walk before wading in to The Narrows.
.jpg "Visitor Center Zion NP UT")
Zion NP Visitor Center
I talked to Rangers about flow conditions and whether any had worn their work boots in the river. Was told the inner soles wrinkle so opted for my Tevas and using extreme caution not to mash any exposed toes or twist an unsupported ankle.
.jpg "Relief map in Visitor Center Zion NP UT")
Relief map of Zion Canyon * my 2.5 mile hike*
Relief map of Zion Canyon * my 2.5 mile hike*The park won’t allow hikers into The Narrows when the flow is more than 120 cubic feet per second (cfs). Flash flood can kill in canyons. That day the flow was 42 cfs.
.jpg "Plants Zion NP UT")
There is such biological diversity here in extremes of desert and river side.
.jpg "Trail to Angels Landing Zion NP UT")
Trail up to Angels Landing
.jpg "The Great White Throne Zion NP UT")
The Great White Throne
The shuttle ride up canyon is magnificent with big windows and skylights. So nice to oogle the scenery instead of watching the road.
.jpg "The Virgin River Zion NP UT")
The first mile of the Riverside Walk is paved, and accessible with a little push. The Virgin River flows to one side and sandstone cliffs tower over the other.
.jpg "Hanging garden along the Virgin River Walk Zion NP UT")
Hanging gardens dangle from the moisture on the rock.
.jpg "Walking the Virgin River Zion NP UT")
After a snack on the beach I waded into the chilly water and followed others who gingerly began a walk in the river into The Narrows.
.jpg "Entering The Narrows Virgin River Zion NP UT")
Some were obviously not prepared for this slippery walk. Many serious river walkers had rented special water shoes with ankle support in the nearby town of Springdale. Next time I’ll make that investment which included a walking stick, although I prefer my trekking pole.
.jpg "Walking the Virgin River Zion NP UT")
60 percent of the hike to The Narrows is in the river with crossings from one sand/stone bar to another. The deepest 10 foot section was waist deep for me but mostly the water was only from ankles to mid thighs.
.jpg "Flower along Virgin River Zion NP UT")
This Cardinal Flower or Scarlet Lobelia along the river bank…
There is such biological diversity here in extremes of desert and river side.Trail up to Angels LandingThe Great White ThroneThe shuttle ride up canyon is magnificent with big windows and skylights. So nice to oogle the scenery instead of watching the road.
The first mile of the Riverside Walk is paved, and accessible with a little push. The Virgin River flows to one side and sandstone cliffs tower over the other.Hanging gardens dangle from the moisture on the rock.After a snack on the beach I waded into the chilly water and followed others who gingerly began a walk in the river into The Narrows.Some were obviously not prepared for this slippery walk. Many serious river walkers had rented special water shoes with ankle support in the nearby town of Springdale. Next time I’ll make that investment which included a walking stick, although I prefer my trekking pole.60 percent of the hike to The Narrows is in the river with crossings from one sand/stone bar to another. The deepest 10 foot section was waist deep for me but mostly the water was only from ankles to mid thighs.This Cardinal Flower or Scarlet Lobelia along the river bank… .jpg "Swallowtail butterfly along Virgin River Zion NP UT")
Swallowtail Butterfly…attracted more than just my attention.
.jpg "Hummingbird along Virgin River Zion NP UT")
Hummingbird
…and was chased off by a more determined nectar eater.
.jpg "Gaelyn's shadow in Virgin River Zion NP UT")
The journey up river continues to The Narrows.
Hummingbird…and was chased off by a more determined nectar eater.
The journey up river continues to The Narrows.
That looks like fun to walk in the river. You got some awesome photos. I'm surprised how much greenery there is.
I'm glad the water flow was low enough to allow your trip. We walked in the river for a ways one time but didn't make it to the Narrows. Will look forward to seeing your photos. I love the hanging gardens.
It's definitely an adventure worth doing if you can. I"m glad you could!
That beautiful river that gives the desert life. I love Zions and try to visit every year. Great pictures and wonderful post.
Ahhhhh – Gaelyn – a cliffhanger! The Narrows has always fascinated me. I think maybe I'd get claustrophobic. Do they monitor the weather carefully? I actually used my Tevas on the CO River through the Grand Canyon, but can't imagine doing any really strenuous walks using them now. What was the temp on the day you hiked the Narrows?
And you are jealous because I went to Point Sublime? Now I want to go walk in the river!
These pictures have been absolutely spectacular. Thanks Gaelyn
Wow! Absolutely stunning photos of the Zion area. I've heard so much about it, but I've never been there. Maybe some day.
Fantastic photos! It looks like a very special place.
Those mountains are magnificent Gaelyn. Another marvelous place to hike. I think I would have taken my time walking in that river as it is ideal to cool you down. 🙂
Even though it was a bit slippery in places, that looked like a lovely walk with clear skies and dramatic scenery.
That looks like a awesome hike. It must be refreshing walking in the water if it is a hot day.
What a place–and exotic flora and fauna! We have these big red lobelia flowers here but only in gardens and swallowtails are only seen, at least in my area, in books. Would love to visit but time (and money!) is running out.
Special shoes, uh? That is good to know. Love the travelogue.
Look how clean that water is…beautiful….
that's quite an adventure. Do you end up hiking most of the way by yourself or join up with other small groups?
Zion is so beautiful – thanks for the great pics and narrative!
I have never, EVER seen a Western Tiger Swallowtail land on anything. NEVER! We have lots them here–flitting by–but they never land. I saw them last summer in Zion, but they never landed. To me, that is the biggest treasure of the pictures. We didn't go to the narrows (time of year and little kids), but we loved the paved hike to get there. The hanging gardens captivated me.