Does the Riverside Walk transition into The Narrows slowly or is it an abrupt change?

Is it possible to get to (see) any of those spectacular sights/views without hiking waist deep in water or getting into some other gymnastic position?

Thanks.

Basically you walk up Riverside Walk and then climb down (minor change in elevation) into the Virgin River bed. Then you just start walking

Hiking "waist deep in water" depends on when you will be there. We hiked about 1 1/2 miles up the Narrows in late August 04 and barely got in waist deep water. But I'm sure if you were going in June that would be another story.

If you have fears about losing your footing, you should know that you will. It's gymnastics-like but it does require some balance.

ccrosner,
Well, i'll be there next week.

How far can I go before I'll be in water?

Thanks.

We were there on May 12,13th. We did the Riverside Walk; I knew I would not talk DH into walking in water but I wanted to see and get a feel for the Narrows.We went all the way to the part where people were starting the Narrows hike, and it I was satisfied with that. I enjoyed sitting on a rock in the river and putting my feet in the very cold river. It was very scenic, I would recommend it even if you don't plan to hike all the way in the Narrows.

The trail dead-ends at the Virgin River. You can see the canyon walls from there but not the namesake Narrows for which the hike is famous. You can get a better view if you hike even a short way up the river. The farther you hike, the narrower the canyon walls become, the better the view, and fewer people with whom to share it.

You can simply get there and play it by ear. Jump in and walk as far as you feel comfortable walking, then turn around and head back. Make sure you check with the ranger station about flash flood risk. It is much easier to navigate if you have a large wooden walking stick. You can rent them in Springdale if you want. There are also usually branches piled at the end of the riverside walk that you can use. They are not the best, but better than nothing. The best way I can describe the terrain is think of walking on wet bowling balls. It helps to have closed toed sandles or water shoes with good traction.

Myer,

We were just there a few weeks ago and hiked to where the Narrows begins. We would have loved to go further, but had not planned to (and were therefore unprepared) because of time constraints.

Maybe you could call one of the outfitters in Springdale and ask how deep the river is right now. From what I've heard, it is much lower than usual because of the light snowpack this year.

From the part we could see, people were walking along the edge of the river. Then, across--but the water was barely up to their ankles at that point. I'm sure it gets deeper farther up though. It seems that if you pick the right place to walk, it will be a bit easier. (for example--cross above "rapids"--not below.....well, I'm assuming that's the rule from what we saw--I could be completely wrong-you should ask for tips from your outfitter).

We definitely want to hike into the more spectacular part next time we come. But, since I don't really like very cold water, I plan to rent not only the neoprene shoes, but probably also the pants. The water was really really cold in May--although, maybe on a hot day in June that might be refreshing!

I'm really not interested in splashing around in water with camera.

I guess I'll go as far as I can dry and then return. I don't have much time there anyway.

I'll report back.

One of best sites to check out for information on hiking the narrows is Zionadventures.com. If you are interested they offer rental equipment either by a set (pants, boots & walking staff) or a la carte. They have a nice pocket map which lists highlights along the route as well as mileages. They have a link to current water levels.

Keep in mind you will need to take everything you need for the day on the shuttle bus (private vehicles are not allowed on the scenic drive til late Oct.) There is a restroom and water available at the trailhead at the Temple of Sinawava.

If you plan on taking photos will either need a tripod or a high iso film or digital as the walls rise to nearly 2000' in places. Best time to be at "Wall Street" (4 miles from start of river walk)for photos is late morning to early afternoon. Be sure to put your camera/film/batteries into a ziplock bag or two in case you slip.

Will find a walking stick a big help especially on the moss covered rocks and when fighting the current.

Late Oct last year water was no higher than knee deep except for the hole I found and then was over my waist. Watch for quick sand along the water's edge. Easy enough to get out of but it can scare you if you get caught.

You can walk it in tennis but would not recommend as you are constantly walking over moss covered rocks and your feet may slip off and twist an ankle.

Thanks to all.

I think I know my age and limitations.

While I'll have a tripod for sunrise and sunset photos, I wouldn't carry it around during the day. I have a digital SLR that's very acceptable at ISO800 or even 1600 if need be.

I'll go as far as dry land permits and then return.

Thanks again.

When we were there in March, you could go down the stairs at the end of the riverside walk and hike upstream about 50 feet before you would have to enter the water.

rm_mn,
Thanks!!!!

Now I know there is an actual end to the Riverside Walk with stairs leading down to the beginning of The Narrows.

I'll then see how far I can go before I have to get into water.

Thanks!!!!