June 1, 2016

June Featured Hike

The Narrows

The North Fork of the Virgin River (aka “The Zion Narrows”) is probably one of the most legendary canyons to hike in all of Zion National Park. The Zion Narrows is the section of the Virgin River just upstream from the Temple of Sinawava (the end of the road up the main canyon). Here, the majestic walls of the main canyon close in to form a tall and narrow canyon with beautiful dark corners and the Virgin River flowing around you. With beautiful flowing water and barely any direct sunlight reaching the bottom, this is the slot canyon that all other slot canyons are compared to.

Zion Narrows Day Hike (Bottom Up from the Temple of Sinawava):

For tourists or casual hikers who want to see the best of the Zion Narrows, this is the route to do. Starting at the Temple of Sinawava, you can hike up the Riverside Walk trail and then continue hiking right up the river to see some of the best “narrows” sections of the North Fork of the Virgin River. Hike up as far as you want to go and then turn around and retrace your steps. A side hike up Orderville Canyon is also a good detour to see even more amazing slot canyon scenery. As a round-trip hike, this can be as leisurely or strenuous as you wish to make it. For detailed information about this option click here for the route from Joe’s Guide to Zion National Park.

One-Day Hike Down from the Top (from Chamberlain’s Ranch):

If you are a speed hiker in very good shape and you start early and pack light, you can do the top-down hike in one day, but you will be racing against the clock and won’t have much time to explore, take pictures, or smell the roses. (This hike may take 12-14 hours to complete.). For detailed information about this option click here for the route from Joe’s Guide to Zion National Park.

For a complete overview of the Narrows and detailed information click here for Joe’s Guide to Zion National Park Narrows Overview.

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