.jpg "The Virgin River Zion NP UT")
So I left you, and me, in the middle of the Virgin River headed to The Narrows at Zion National Park..jpg "The Virgin River Zion NP UT")
The river has a fast current with algae-coated rocks described by the Park Service “like walking on slippery bowling balls.” And they’re not kidding.
.jpg "Gaelyn in the Virgin River Zion NP UT")
I carefully placed one foot then tested for solidness, next moved my trekking pole forward and planted it securely, followed by a repeat for the second foot and then moved the pole again..jpg "Carved sandstone along the Virgin River Zion NP UT")
The weather and water levels are monitored by the Park Service and posted at the visitor center and the trail head..jpg "Virgin River Zion NP UT")
I found out later the air temperature was 103° F..jpg "The Virgin River Zion NP UT")
Yet the twisting and turning river is mostly in shadow and the water is cold..jpg "Water stained sandstone along the Virgin River Zion NP UT")
It’s absolutely amazing to walk in the shadows of soaring walls of sandstone stained by minerals and running water from natural springs..jpg "The Virgin River Zion NP UT")
Plants simply sprout out of the rock walls, swaying slightly in the breeze as they dance to the river’s melody..jpg "The Narrows Virgin River Zion NP UT")
The Virgin River has carved a spectacular gorge in The Narrows up to 2000 feet deep and at times only 20-30 feet wide..jpg "Orderville Canyon along Virgin River Zion NP UT")
Orderville Canyon is a tributary that was flowing very shallow and can be as narrow as 10-15 feet. You need a backcountry permit to go up any farther plus another person, and maybe even rope, to help with some waterfall climbs or log jams..jpg "Log jam along Virgin River Zion NP UT")
At this point I stopped for lunch then headed back down stream..jpg "The Virgin River Zion NP UT")
Took me about 2.5 hours each way, that’s my usual 1mph with water and food stops and I didn’t fall down or mash any toes. But I did take hundreds of pictures..jpg "Hat pins Zion NP UT")
I forgot to earn my Jr. Ranger badge so will have to go back. However I added a new pin to my collection..jpg "Zion NP UT")
.jpg "Visitor Center Zion NP UT")
.jpg "Relief map in Visitor Center Zion NP UT")
.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")
.jpg "The Great White Throne Zion NP UT")
.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… .jpg "Swallowtail butterfly along Virgin River Zion NP UT")
.jpg "Hummingbird along Virgin River Zion NP UT")
.jpg "Gaelyn's shadow in Virgin River Zion NP UT")
The journey up river continues to .jpg "East entrance Zion NP UT")
.jpg "Checkerboard Mesa Zion NP UT")
.jpg "Zion NP UT")
This Navajo sandstone reaches a thickness of 2200 feet (670.56 meters) and forms the spectacular cliffs in Zion..jpg "Zion NP UT")
I only wish there’d been more places to pull off the road..jpg "Zion NP UT")
.jpg "First tunnel Zion NP UT")
.jpg "Second tunnel Zion NP UT")
…the second tunnel cost me $15 to stop traffic and drive straddling the double yellow lines because my camper is over 7’9” (2.36 meters) wide. I wasn’t the only one. And it was rather fun to be in the lead..jpg "Zion NP UT")
The road drops 600 feet (182.88 meters) into Zion Canyon..jpg "Zion NP UT")
I found a place to camp at the South Campground with no problem. In fact it seemed pretty quiet in the park. Took the shuttle up to the Lodge and treated myself to a delicious dinner. Have you ever eaten Quinua (keen-wah)? It’s a grain-like seed from the goosefoot (Chenopodium quinoa). It came with my Navajo Eggplant. Very yummy..jpg "Zion NP UT")