When we arrived at Zion a few days ago, a strong storm had just passed through, causing flash flooding and rock slides into the road. The next day when we were exploring the park, the water was flowing really swiftly, and was very muddy. We had walked the River walk, which leads to the start of the Narrows, and we really thought there was no way we could do that hike enjoyably.
What a difference a few days make! We were so happy the water situation settled down so we were comfortable hiking the Narrows for a bit. For more information, click
here.
The Narrows is a unique hike in that you must wade through water as you walk through the canyon. Importantly, you MUST know the weather forecast, not only for Zion, but for 50 miles around. Rain even that far away, even if not raining in Zion, could cause flash flooding making the hike hazardous or deadly. So, we did our due diligence....checking Intellicast and checking at the Ranger station for conditions...and then we proceeded to have the best hike ever!
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| good morning! |
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| just before leaping down the side of the cliff and out of sight |
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| riding the shuttle to the hike |
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| end of the Riverwalk and start of the Narrows |
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| this is going to be so cool |
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| ready to go for a hike? |
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| lots of rocks, and gotta watch the current |
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| this is so cool |
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| more river wading |
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| awesome experience-its beautiful |
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| trying to capture the height of the canyon walls |
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| the only way is through the water |
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| its nice and cool! |
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| more nice people offering to take our pic |
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| some parts are easier than others |
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| again...more nice people offering to take our pic...okay! |
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| its like being in a movie |
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| some dry land, some water |
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| lots of fun |
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| finding a good spot to cross |
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| so far, haven't been in water over our knees |
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| the canyons are amazing |
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| hiking with some friends we met along the way....they are from Albany |
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| what an experience |
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| gotta watch each step...lots of rocks |
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| going deeper into the canyon |
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| ready? |
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| the water cleared up from our first day here...when it was loaded with silt |
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| deeper into the canyon |
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| so so cool! |
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| here we go...looks a bit deeper |
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| this is amazing experience |
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| really just like a movie |
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| the water is actually refreshing now...its getting hot out |
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| just look at the view |
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| ready Susie? |
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| keeping the camera safe and dry while going through the water |
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| looking up |
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| nice sandy beach here |
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| heading on |
There were so many people enjoying this hike. The Narrows can be hiked by casual hikers such as moi, by starting at the bottom and hiking up the canyon. We had such a perfect day. Not a (rain) cloud in the sky, and bright sunshine. When we started, it was a bit cold, but before long the temps went into the 90's. The water temp was in the 60's and felt fabulous. We weren't in the water the whole time, but I'd say definitely half the time! And the canyons......amazing! My pictures just don't tell the tale. For more information about the hike, and really great pictures, click
here.
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| too bad I can't fit the whole view in the frame |
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| a very different hike, that's for sure |
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| its so awesome....really! |
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| let's look for a "snack" spot |
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| this looks good to me! |
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| the views are amazing |
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| action shot |
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| more action |
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| can I have my camera back? ahhahahha |
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| carefully maneuvering through the rocks...also, its uneven, so you never know when you take a "deep" step |
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| the water really cleared up |
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| oh the view! |
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| amazing |
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| another twist and turn into the canyon |
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| making our way through the canyon |
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| us and a million others! |
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| just so cool! |
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| we should probably turn around soon |
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| heading back |
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| come on Susie...put the camera in the water-proof bag now |
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| another nice view |
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| hard to capture the whole scene |
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| between the lighting and the height |
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| the water feels awesome...its pretty hot now |
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| get that sweatshirt off Tom! hahahah |
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| hiking through the deepest part we hit |
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| Just to my knees......whew! |
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| walking along the Riverwalk to get back to the shuttle....he's no fool...stay in the shade! |
This was one of the most awesome experiences I've ever had! Tom really enjoyed it too, even though he usually prefers being high up in the mountains and looking down. I really wanted to try this hike from the get-go, and was SO happy when the weather and river conditions improved. Tom thought this hike was pretty cool too....kept saying "good one Sue!".....ahhaahha. It was on my bucket list.
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