Zion National Park rv camps, swimming fun, rigourous trail reviews and hiking information
Zion National Park Narrows
Hike
Without a doubt the Zion Narrows is the best hike in the park. National Geographic Adventure ranked the Zion Narrows No. 5 in America's Best 100 Adventures. The Narrows is a slot canyon carved by the Virgin River 16 miles long and up to 2000 feet deep of sandstone walls. At the bottom of the gorge are natural springs, hanging gardens, sandstone grottos, and an experience you will never forget.
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All this splendor comes with a price though. The river is the trail. Hiking the Narrows is like walking on slippery bowling balls. It requires balancing on algae-coated rocks in the middle of a swiftly-flowing river. In July the water temperature can be 57 degrees. And 60% of the hike is spent wading, walking, and sometimes swimming in the river. You navigate in and along the river, crossing from shore |
to shore through water calf to neck deep. There are occasional paths of soft sand on the side of the river. Look at these cool pictures.
This is Zion National Park's
most popular and strenuous off-trail hikes. Thousands of people from kindergartners
to grandmothers hike the Zion Narrows each year. This is a crowded trail from
the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop, down Riverside Walk, and about the first
hour of hiking the Narrows. The elevation gain and loss is mild making it cardiovascularly
easy but its the logistics that are challenging. The further into the Narrows
you hike the less people you will see. But, as soon as you step into the river
and start walking the views are immediately breathtaking and each bend of the
river brings new delights. The Narrows hike is an out and back hike, no destination,
just however long you want to spend in the river. 
About two hours upstream from the start of the Narrows is a tributary
creek called Orderville Canyon. In the vicinity of Orderville Canyon the Narrows
are perhaps at their most majestic. Orderville is much shallower and narrower
than the Narrows and there are obstacles along the way such as bouldering and
getting over waterfalls. At the end of Orderville Canyon there is a waterfall
that you can swim in or lounge around on some warm rocks. Click
any picture to see a bigger version.
Jason's thoughts - Absolutely one of my favorite hikes
in the country, make sure you allot 4-6 hours, take your time and hike all the
way to the fork, go right, and swim at the foot of a 6 foot waterfall at the end.
Not much wildlife, no biting insects, stunning views and cold cool clear water
the ENTIRE way. Strappy sandals are not good or any ill fitting shoes. You can
wear tennis shoes as long as they fit good because no matter what you wear your
feet will be wet the entire trip. Awesome views. If you come to Zion and don't
do this one you wasted your time.
Kelly's thoughts
- The best. This was my second Narrows trip and it won't be my last. You at least
have to get to Orderville Canyon. The cold water isn't too much of an issue when
you are at the bottom of a beautiful 2000 foot gorge and navigating your way through
the Narrows. The only thing you could complain about is if you visit Zion and
don't hike the Narrows.
Ben's thoughts - Fun, I swam, very cold,
sometimes hard to get across. Orderville Canyon can was cool because the water
got shallow and warm.
Map location of Zion
National Park. Click for main Zion National
Park or full-time rv diary. Visit Laughlin
for another cold water treat.
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