DIRECTIONS: Take the park shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava and continue along the Riverside Walk. In about 2 kms, the pavement ends and here's where you enter the river.create
SUMMARY: Hiking deep into the canyon along the river is a unique experience. High canyon walls surround you, the water is clean and the streams can be fairy strong. Be prepared for wading in the water; depending on the season, this could mean a short swim! Where was one chest-high section when we were there beginning of September. Wear sturdy footwear and synthetic or wool clothing. Canyoneering boots, walking sticks and dry bags can be rented from Mountain Adventure in Springdale. We did without.create
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Virgin River Narrows
Sep 8, 2011
The Narrows is another popular hike in the Zion NP mostly due to its unique nature: the trail follows the Virgin River deep into the canyon and is surrounded by massive rock walls. We chose to hike this one in the afternoon: firstly, to escape the hot sun and secondly, because that would be our concluding hike of the 9-day trip through Utah's parks. Given that we didn't rent canyoneering boots and went in our hikers which took 2 days to dry, that was a good decision!
Depending on the water levels, you hike, or should I say, wade, mostly ankle to knee deep. When we were there, there were also a few crotch-high and one chest-high sections, where holding your pack and camera above your head was a good idea. Thankfully, the current is usually quite mellow in the deeper sections but can get quite fast in the more shallow ones, where sure-footedness (or a walking pole or a friend's hand) is of great help :).
We hiked to the Orderville Canyon, about 4.2 kms and 2 hrs from the start, and explored a bit into both arms of the fork (see map towards the end of the album). Deciding we've had enough time spent in the water, headed back. Certainly a very interesting and unique experience.
The album contains pictures from both the morning hike to Angels Landing and afternoon hike through the Narrows.