Zion National Park UtahView west between campground and Visitor Center
From 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.
Visitor Center Zion Natiional Park Utah
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.
Relief map in Visitor Center Zion National Park UtahRelief 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.
Plants Zion National Park UtahThere is such biological diversity here in extremes of desert and river side.
Trail to Angels Landing Zion National Park UtahTrail up to Angels Landing
The Great White Throne Zion National Park UtahThe 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.
The Virgin River Zion National Park UtahThe 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 garden along the Virgin River Walk Zion National Park UtahHanging gardens dangle from the moisture on the rock.
Walking the Virgin River Zion National Park UtahAfter 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.
Entering The Narrows Virgin River Zion National Park UtahSome 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.
Walking the Virgin River Zion National Park Utah60 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.
Flower along Virgin River Zion National Park UtahThis Cardinal Flower or Scarlet Lobelia along the river bank…
Swallowtail butterfly along Virgin River Zion National Park UtahSwallowtail Butterfly
…attracted more than just my attention.
Hummingbird along Virgin River Zion National Park UtahHummingbird
…and was chased off by a more determined nectar eater.
Gaelyn's shadow in Virgin River Zion National Park UtahThe journey up river continues to The Narrows.