Zion Adventures:Guided hike of Narrows?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Zion Adventures:Guided hike of Narrows?
Hi,
I'll be in Zion NP with 2 boys 12, 14. I was hoping to do the tubing with Zion Adventures while we were there but it is not offered this year. I noticed on their website that they offer a guided tour of the Narrows. Has anyone done this and is it worth it or necessary? Any input is appreciated!
Thanks,
I'll be in Zion NP with 2 boys 12, 14. I was hoping to do the tubing with Zion Adventures while we were there but it is not offered this year. I noticed on their website that they offer a guided tour of the Narrows. Has anyone done this and is it worth it or necessary? Any input is appreciated!
Thanks,
#3
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I love Zion, been there twice! I've done the bottom up Narrows both times as well, and I don't think a guided hike is necessary (although I've never done it). I enjoyed it just hiking on my own from the end of the Riverside Walk to Wall Street. The water is much lower this year than normal due to less snowfall, so you shouldn't have a problem.
If you are looking for things to do close by, you could check out Bryce Canyon NP and Red Canyon. Bryce is about an hour and a half drive (leave through the eastern entrance of Zion), but I definitely think it's worth a day trip there, or even an overnight. You will pass Red Canyon right before you get to Bryce.
On my list of things to do whenever I return to Zion is to visit the Kolob Canyons area and do the Kanarra Creek Canyon hike. I would also love to do the easier version of the Subway hike, but I know this requires a permit. I can't actually speak for how good these hikes are since I've never been there/done them, but I know it's a less visited area of Zion and they have all been recommended to me for when I return. May be something to consider while you are there since you will have a week. Have fun!
If you are looking for things to do close by, you could check out Bryce Canyon NP and Red Canyon. Bryce is about an hour and a half drive (leave through the eastern entrance of Zion), but I definitely think it's worth a day trip there, or even an overnight. You will pass Red Canyon right before you get to Bryce.
On my list of things to do whenever I return to Zion is to visit the Kolob Canyons area and do the Kanarra Creek Canyon hike. I would also love to do the easier version of the Subway hike, but I know this requires a permit. I can't actually speak for how good these hikes are since I've never been there/done them, but I know it's a less visited area of Zion and they have all been recommended to me for when I return. May be something to consider while you are there since you will have a week. Have fun!
#4
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,518
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Zion Adventure Company is a great resource for the Narrows hike but you do not need the guided hike. They freely admit on their website that it is not necessary; rahter it is for people. Interested in commentary on the history, flora, and fauna.
With boys the age of yours I would advise just going on your own. Rent the shoes (and poles if you want) from Zion Adventure and check the weather and other advisories before you go. The hike is so much fun for adults and kids; it will be a great experience for your family.
With boys the age of yours I would advise just going on your own. Rent the shoes (and poles if you want) from Zion Adventure and check the weather and other advisories before you go. The hike is so much fun for adults and kids; it will be a great experience for your family.
#5
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I hiked the narrows with my husband and two teenage boys, we hired equipment from Zion adventure but we went on our own, up to Wall St and it was great fun with lots of other people around. You'll have a great time, we visited in August.
#6
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,969
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There is a lot of great mountain biking in the area, outside the park. Zion cycles rents bikes by the hr, 1/2 day, and full day and also offers guided trips, & can direct you to trails you can go on yourself. I've biked the Hurricane Rim trail, about 30min south of the park, parts of which are not for the faint of heart (300' drop offs to the river below).
www.zioncycles.com
You can tube by yourself in the river too. You don't need a guide. The simplest thing may be to buy some cheapo tubes or noodles and splash in the river in the park on the south end of Springdale. The water in June is likely to be too low for an extended float trip, but playing in the river is fun. You can also splash in the river IN the park - but you cannot use tubes or other floation devices. The stretch of river by the Zion lodge is easy to get to.
www.zioncycles.com
You can tube by yourself in the river too. You don't need a guide. The simplest thing may be to buy some cheapo tubes or noodles and splash in the river in the park on the south end of Springdale. The water in June is likely to be too low for an extended float trip, but playing in the river is fun. You can also splash in the river IN the park - but you cannot use tubes or other floation devices. The stretch of river by the Zion lodge is easy to get to.
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you much for all the feedback and suggestions. I will just rent the equipment and hike the Narrows on our own. Has anyone gone on the 4x4 tour of ghost town, etc. that the Adventure company offers?
#8
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
tubing would not be fun....while it is called the virgin river...it is basically a stream. only 6 inches to 2 ft. in depth mostly. there are plenty of places within the park to swim, wade. all of the river within the park is very very easily accessable. springdale does not offer much other than lodging, shops, and galleries....the boys will be bored i have a home there....and do not spend much time in the town...rather spending all my time in the park terry
#10
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry laurastanz I disagree. We visited in August and although I guess the water levels were low they were above waist level at times and the poles were invaluable to my mind....we hiked to wall street and the gear wasn't expensive to rent but more importantly, they knew you were there....
#12
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,969
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've hiked the narrows with old sneakers (my ankles ached for days) and with rented water hiking shoes (no problems)
I too strongly recommend renting the shoes and walking stick.
Sure, if you are only going for a 1/2 to 1hr total walk, then perhaps old sneakers are fine.
I too strongly recommend renting the shoes and walking stick.
Sure, if you are only going for a 1/2 to 1hr total walk, then perhaps old sneakers are fine.
#13
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
j6
there are plenty of sticks at the start of the river water....you dont need to rent one for goodness sakes.
and really if you are concentrating on where to put the stick as you walk then you arent enjoying where you are at.
there are plenty of sticks at the start of the river water....you dont need to rent one for goodness sakes.
and really if you are concentrating on where to put the stick as you walk then you arent enjoying where you are at.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
eroz
United States
15
Aug 26th, 2014 08:53 PM