THE NARROWS
hikers: Mark, Lecia, Jacob
This was the first hike that Jacob has really wanted to do in a long time. It was Seth that got him excited about it and unfortunately Seth was not able to come. But we were still excited to do the Narrows so this was our main adventure at Zion National Park. We started out on the Riverside Walk, which starts at the temple of Sinawava. At the end of the walk, about a mile, is where the Narrows start.
Here we are at the beginning of the Narrows.
The weather was perfect for hiking with no sign of flash floods. We didn't start very early, which is a good idea because it is cool with those high canyon walls and it would really be cold in the morning. As you can see there are a lot of other hikers. The further you go, the fewer hikers there are.
A lot of people had rented shoes, with ankle support, and hiking poles. These are the shoes I wore and they worked great. Jacob had some water shoes, the only shoes he had brought with him. Unfortunately he forgot to bring his shoes! Mark brought hiking poles for us, although any sturdy stick would do. But you definitely want some kind of hiking stick or pole. Bring a light jacket too because it is chilly in the shade and there is a lot of shade.
This is where the path forks and you can go right, up Orderville Canyon, or left, further up the main canyon of the narrows. When we came with our family several years ago we went up Orderville Canyon. This time we went further up the narrows. Look how clear that water is! It is freezing cold. We were used to it after this far though and didn't even feel the cold.
I know Mark looks super prepared with that backpack. He is. That's the way he hikes.
Looking back 10 years ago:
I just have to include this picture of us hiking the narrows 10 years ago!
As you can see Seth was not with us then since he was in Portugal.
He has missed it twice and we will have to do it again when he can come.
A little more reminiscing, Jacob was only 8 and needed to be ferried across some parts. But it was definitely doable for him.
And here he is now. He's got this!
Look at those beautiful canyon walls. You really have to be there to see the beauty.
We went about 2 1/2 miles up the narrows from where the Riverside Walk ends.
We found a little patch of sun and stopped to eat our lunch. After that we turned around and
went back. It was much easier going downstream and by the end you feel like you have really accomplished something and had an adventure. It was a beautiful day and an amazing hike.
Whether you go a little ways or a longer ways, it is fun to get in the
water enjoy hiking the Narrows because it is so unique.
