While there are plenty of hiking options in Zion, the Narrows and Canyon Overlook Trail are great trails for families and hikers of all skill levels. I fully intend to go back and do a follow up to this post with some more challenging hikes - sadly, the Upper Emerald Pool, Kayenta Trail, and Angel's Landing were all closed on my visit due to damage from flash flooding. If a certain trail is on your "must see" list, check current conditions before you go! Now, let's talk about the trails...
The Narrows
The Narrows is a roughly 2.5 mile out and back trail, the last stretch taking you off the trail and through the Virgin River for the best views. Once you hit the Virgin River, you'll be surrounded by canyon walls a thousand feet tall, in a river thirty feet wide at most, making this the narrowest point in Zion. A huge plus with this trail is once you reach the Virgin River, how much further you decide to go is entirely up to you! You can get a few pics and turn right around, or hike several miles in for even better views.
The easiest way to get to the trail is to board the shuttle at the visitor center, and get off at stop 9 for the Temple of Sinawava. The line to board the shuttle at the visitor center can get pretty long in the summer, so get there early. When my friend and I got there around 10 am, the shuttle line looked more like the line for Space Mountain. It did move pretty quickly, and we got to the trail shortly after 11 am.
You'll start at the trail for the Riverside Walk, which follows the Virgin River for 1 mile. This trail is paved and mostly shady, and offers nice views. We saw one deer on the side of the river enjoying her lunch, and plenty of squirrels. We followed the Riverside Walk until the trail gives out and the only way to continue is through the river, which will take you to the Narrows.
View from the Riverside Walk
Damp canyon walls along the Riverside Walk
Because this portion of the hike requires you to go through a river, quick drying water shoes are recommended, but not necessary. I skipped the water shoes and let my hiking boots get soaked which was no problem, the weather was so hot the shoes dried quickly when we got back to camp. I saw several groups who had rented shoes and walking sticks. Not sure what those cost, but I wouldn't say they were necessary, unless you planned to spend your whole day in The Narrows.
Small waterfall going down the canyon
Officially in the Narrows
We only went in about half a mile before turning around, although I'm told the best views are a few miles in. Unfortunately, we saw some clouds rolling in and had been warned of flash floods in the area, so we cut the trail short and headed back. Later that day, we were caught in a huge thunderstorm on our way back to camp. When I told a local we had hiked the Narrows that day, he asked, "Are you crazy?!" I am, but he made his point. If this hike is on your must-do list, it may be best to avoid coming during monsoon season, which lasts from July through August.
Even with cutting the hike short, this trail was a ton of fun and the canyons are gorgeous. I loved that the shaded trail and getting wet in the river kept us relatively cool. The only downside to this trail was the crowds - made it hard to get a good picture!
But I did manage to get one!
Canyon Overlook Trail
The next morning my friend and I went to Canyon Overlook Trail, which I would describe as an easy alternative to Angel's Landing. And since Angel's Landing was closed on our trip, this was the next best option. This trail will give you the chance to take in a panoramic view of the canyon, and if you're lucky, you may be able to spot bighorn sheep climbing through the canyon.
Canyon Overlook Trail is 1 mile round trip, with minimal elevation gain, making it great for all skill levels. The shuttle doesn't go to the trailhead, so you'll have to drive. The parking lot is on the right as soon as you exit the Zion - Mt. Carmel tunnel on Route 9, and it only has ten parking spaces, so arrive early! If the lot is full, there is overflow parking down the road. Once you park, the trail starts at the ranger station directly across the road.
We started this trail around 10 am, and it was getting hot quick. You'll want to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water for this hike. Thankfully, the trail isn't entirely exposed, and through much of the trip you'll be going through carved out sections of the sandstone canyon walls, offering surprisingly cool and shady spots. One section of the trail requires you to cross a high, narrow bridge, which can create a small challenge for those afraid of heights, but this section is very short.
Nothing sketchy about that rickety bridge...
Looking out from inside the canyon walls
Enjoying a break in the shade
Some parts of the trail offer a handrail, but be careful of the sections that don't. There are a few steep areas where a fall could be very dangerous, especially at the top of the canyon. Once you get to the top, the views are great. Bring binoculars if you're eager to see bighorn sheep!
THIS is the view you have to see!
If you've enjoyed either of these trails, or have another trail in Zion you love, let me know in the comments!
That view though!! I can't wait to go back either!
ReplyDeleteThat view! I really wish I did Canyon Overlook when I was there.
ReplyDelete