Hilking Narrows at Zion
 

Hi,
I'm going to be at Zion for 3 nights and 2 days, maybe 3rd morning. Suggest an itinery. I have heard a lot about the NArrows and definitely want to do it, how difficult is it and should I do it the first day or what? I'm a medium level hiker..so please suggest.
Also, how is Under-the-eaves hotel?
Thanks-Preeya

hey preeya,
here is a link to our hike in the narrows: http://www.grapeape.ws/southwest/day9.htm

we spent 3 nights in zion. you can read the pages following the one at the above link to see what we did with the rest of our time in zion.

:) i'll check back to see if you have any more questions! i don't know about under-the-eaves hotel, but i strong recommend the desert pearl inn. www.desertpearl.com

Hi Preeya,

If I remember correctly from your other posts, you are going to Zion soon. Right now, hiking the Narrows will depend on Mother Nature. The Virgin River is very high with snowmelt and rain runoff. We are expecting a 3 day rain storm starting tonight and through Wednesday.

Just check the condition when you get there with the rangers at the Visitor's Center.

Even if you can't hike the Narrows, there are plenty of other hikes to keep you busy.

If you mean you want to do the entire 16 mile one way hike, yes, it will be difficult and you should be an experienced hiker. If you mean you just want to venture a little way in (which is what most people do) it's not difficult. Many people just go the mile and a half of so to Orderville Canyon, and this is certainly a beautiful and worth hike. Even going a few hundred yards up the river is worthwhile.

Tips: Do not, under any circumstances, wear cotton clothing-if it gets wet, you will be extremely cold. Wear synthetic hiking shorts and t shirts. Wear old tennis shoes or water shoes-sandals like Tevas leave your toes vulnerable to getting smashed on rocks. Pick up one or two of the walking sticks that are piled up at the start of the walk, or bring hiking sticks-these are essential to keeping your balance. And most of all, pay attention to the ranger's advice in terms of weather. People do die in there from flash floods.

The Narrows is one of the coolest hikes we've ever done - try to do it if you can! I don't think you'll have a problem - start at Temple of Sinawa and just hike up as much as you want, and then turn around. You will be in the water most of the time.

hey preeya,
i did the narrows hike last year to Big Springs and back. I think it was about 10 miles round trip. it was definitely difficult at time, as the water was near waist-level. like the other posters said, we just went to the visitor's center and found out what the water was like and the likelihood of flash flooding and decided when to hike based on that. i'm 27 and very fit and i thought it was fun, but pretty challenging. definitely give it a try. we rented neoprene hiking boots, walking sticks and waterproof camera bags in springdale for about $36 for two of us. we started at 6:30am and it was freezing, but we were alone. on the way out about 7 hours later, there were TONS of people coming in with ski poles for hiking sticks and no shoes. i wouldn't recommend the ski poles!

have fun!

Thanks a lot to all of you! Now I'm, definitely going to do hiking at Narrows, will tuen back if it gets difficult after a few miles! Hopefully the 2 days on May 25th and 26th does not get flooded there! Thanks Dayle for remembergin me :)
Where do you get maps for that hike? Which are the other hikes that you guys found great at Zion? Which hikes I should not miss at all there and at Bryce? Also, let me know good places to eat bf/lunch/dinner? We are vegetarians!
BTW aprildon6, desert pearl inn is completely booked, this was the only one available!
Thanks-Preeya

April your photos are awesome!! Looks like you enjoyed a lot there :)Liked your notes, will try to do those things as well.
Thanks for sharing-Preeya

Preeya,
Do a search on itineraries in Utah...I gave some pretty detailed information about hikes and restaurants when we returned from a similar trip last September. You'll do fine hiking the Narrows. Just remember it's about a 1 mile easy walk along the Riverside trail before you even get to the Narrows. We hiked about 2 miled up into the Canyon (to the real point of the Narrows), had lunch and returned. Be sure to bring baggies so that you can carry out "whatever" you leave behind. There are no toilets, obviously.

Don't know anything about under the eaves, sorry.

the narrows are incrdible!!!! i went last year in late may and hiked the marrows day one. was great except that our feet were so saturated that the next day when we went on a two day trip in the back county blisters were in full force. the narrows are a great day trip to do only the first couple miles, pick up a walking stick at trailhead- it will help. wear your chacos or tevas!!! plenty of picture opportuntities. have such a great time- the wildflowers will be amazing.

People who want to hike the Narrows this spring will be disappointed, it looks like (cut and pasted from an NPS website):

High Water Levels Expected in Many Park Canyons

May 13, 2005


Conditions in many of Zion National Park’s popular canyons will be dramatically different this summer than what has been seen in recent years. The Virgin River drainage has one of the largest snow packs on record, with more than three times normal levels. Park officials believe that flows through the Zion Narrows will be too high for safe travel until sometime in July.

Many of the park’s other canyons are also expected to have high water flows this spring/summer. As an example, a search effort was organized on May 5th to locate an overdue party in the Subway, a popular canyoneering route. The party spent an unintended night in the canyon bottom after their attempt to travel down the canyon was blocked by high water flows. They were able to hike out the following day after climbing back up to the top of the route.

Visitors are reminded that hiking the Narrows and other canyons in the park can be dangerous and should not be underestimated. Flash floods, cold water, and strong currents present real dangers that can be life-threatening. Good planning, proper equipment and sound judgment are essential for a safe and successful trip. Permits are required for hiking the Narrows from Chamberlain’s Ranch down and for most other canyon routes in the park.

Hikers should check with a park ranger or call the park’s backcountry information line at 435-772-0170 to get the most up to date information regarding their canyon route.

don't need a map for the narrows you just follow the river, sometimes the "trail" takes you up on the banks but no map needed.

depending on water level the bottom of your back pack will likely get wet, so make sure you protect the stuff inside with plastic.

it's a great hike. another great hike in zion is angel's landing the hike up is definately worth it. on of my favorites in the park.

hidden canyon, nice and not heavily travelled when i was there.

an evening walk along the river is really nice.

bryce, i'll continue to recommend the morning 1/2 day horse trail ride. you really get to see the canyon floor and the view up is wonderful. enjoy

Thanks a lot all of you for responding!
I really hope I can atleast go a little into the NArrows like 2-3 miles and hopefully water level is not bad. I'm there next Monday!
Also, please suggest a proper gear for the narrows? Cotton shorts or track pants and t-shirt with sneakers and socks ok? Plan to take a walking-stick as well. What do I need to carry just in case I get stranded?
Thanks-Preeya

i'd go for poly or nylon clothes you will get wet and cotton rubs and chafes when that happens. not pants! your leg muscles will thank you if you wear shorts NO COTTON

don't forget shoes that cover your toes, tevas are cool but man those rocks can hurt when you slip and jam your toes.

stick okay but your arm will get tired!

don't forget plastic in your pack to keep stuff dry, a dry bag would be even better, but not worth the investment for one hike.

thanks justme22 for your advice!
Preeya

I put gear advice in my original post near the top...I'll just reiterate as well, no cotton and no open toed sandals like tevas. You'll be miserable. Absolutely take a stick or two, its essential for balance.

And please do not, do not, go against the advice of the park regarding water levels. As I said earlier, people do die in there, and you put others (rangers/search and rescue) lives in danger if you ignore warnings and get stuck.

Hi, I just came back from Zion on May 16. The narrows are currently not opened because of all the rain & snow received this past winter & spring. The virgin river is still "raging", literally. The park service isnt sure when it came be reopened.

Guess I will have to go some other time todo the "NArrows" !! :( :(
Thanks everyone-Preeya

we just returned from a 2 week 'circle' tour. No way you can get into the narrows right now. River flowing high & fast. we were just there May 15-18.
For anyone looking for wildflowers we found the most at Arches and around Moab...fabulous. Almost none at Bryce (too cold yet) and just barely starting at Zion.