| Summary: |
Spectacular hike through
a magnificent canyon. One of the best hikes around. Do not attempt
this hike if heavy rains threaten. |
| Directions: |
The Zion Narrows can be
accessed from either the top or the bottom of the canyon. The Park Service requires
a permit to hike through this canyon from the top, mainly to ensure no flash flood
conditions exist. Permits are available at the Visitors Center and must be obtained
the day prior to your hike. A limited number of permits are issued each day so
arrive early to have the best chance of getting one (the Visitors Center opens at 8:00am).
No permit is required for day hikes up from the bottom.
To access the bottom of the canyon, take the shuttle bus to the Zion
Canyon Road end.
To access the top of the canyon, drive east out of the park on route 9 for 2
miles. At mile post 46 turn left onto a paved road marked "North
Fork" towards Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.
After a few miles the road becomes well graded dirt. Follow the road all the way to
the end at Chamberlain's Ranch. The park service also has a shuttle which leaves
from the Zion Lodge and drops you off at the ranch, allowing you to have your vehicle
waiting for you after a hike through the narrows. Fee is $12 per
person for the shuttle service (as of this writing). |
| Road
Conditions: |
Bottom: Passenger Car -
paved all the way
Top: Passenger Car or park shuttle |
| Navigation: |
Easy, follow the stream |
| Length: |
12 miles |
| Date
Hiked: |
May, 1999 &
September, 1999 |
| Weather
Conditions: |
Cool in the morning, then
perfect |
|
Required Skills: |
 |
| Hike
Description: |
From the bottom, follow
the paved walk way from the Zion Canyon road end to it's end (approximately a 1 mile
walk). From there, walk in the water upstream. Return the way you came.
From the top, follow the dirt road through Chamberlain's Ranch to it's end.
From there, simply follow the stream. You can usually find a path on one side
of the stream or the other for much of the hike which will allow for easier walking.
Otherwise the stream itself is the trail.
No swimming was required during either of the author's visits, however,
portions of the narrows reached waist deep. The rocks in the water are quite
slippery at times and can also shift under your feet as you walk. A walking stick is
very effective in maintaining balance as you hike. Camera gear should be kept in a
dry bag when not in use to prevent unintentional drowning. |
| Rating
(1-5 stars): |
The author has hiked twice in the narrows. On his first trip the Park
Service was not issuing permits for the narrows so he hiked up from the Zion Canyon road
end almost to Big Springs then returned. On his second trip a permit was obtained
and he took the park shuttle to Chamberlain Ranch and hiked back to his car at the Canyon
road end (in 8 1/2 hours). On both trips the water was quite cool, neoprene socks
were quite effective in keeping feet warm on both trips. |
| Maps: |
Trails Illustrated - Zion
National Park |
| Photos: |
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