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by Philly_Girl
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
August 27, 2005
From journal Exploring Zion National Park
by coyotehokey
Glendora, California
March 22, 2005
There is also a two-day hike available, but we opted for the one-day hike-as-far-as-you-want-to version, which was enjoyable. Hiking through the water is tiring! Also a good hike for kids and adults alike.
From journal 4-Day Stay in Zion National Park, UT
by jimransier
San Diego, California
June 10, 2003
The trailhead starts right by the shuttle stop. The first mile meanders along the Virgin River, on a paved trail (this is the Riverside Walk). For those less adventurous, this is a great walk with nice canyon and river views. At the end of the trail, the canyon narrows so that the only true way to continue is to hike up and in the river. The water can get deep in places, but during summer, the water is generally ankle to knee-deep.
Be sure to wear sturdy shoes that you can get wet, bring a hiking stick, and plenty of water to drink (as the water is not safe to drink out of the river). I rented great river shoes, neoprene socks, and a sturdy hiking stick at Zion Adventure Company located in Springdale just outside the park entrance.
Immediately the canyon walls begin to close in and you get a feel of the what is so exciting about this hike. As the canyon walls come in closer, you start to see ferns and moss growing along the edge of the river. Not something you expect to see in Southern Utah! A beautiful, seasonal waterfall (Mystery Falls) was still flowing when we went.
As the hike continues, over time you will start to hike more in the water than on land. When possible, hike on land and only hike in the water when necessary (both for the river's sake and your own energy). Approximately 4 miles from the trailhead, you reach the part of the Narrows that is most commonly visited, appropriately called Wall Street. Here the cliffs rise 2000 feet and the canyon walls become as narrow as 15-20 feet. A truly spectacular sight, where you begin to lose the scale of where you are standing. With rock that is 280 million years old at your side, it is a great place to gain perspective on life. We certainly paused to acknowledge the signficant power it took to carve this amazing, narrow canyon. Looking up between the canyon walls, with the all the different light hitting different parts of the canyon is quite peaceful. Depending on what time of day, the canyon can be bright yellow, orange, brown, red, or as the day goes on, dark. The sun plays great tricks with light when the canyon narrows. When you are ready to turn back it should take you 2/3 of the time to get back, as hiking downstream is easier on the legs.
For those more adventurous, you can do an overnight trip in the canyon. You start at the top of the canyon, hiking 16 miles over two days through the canyon to the trailhead at Temple of Sinwava.
From journal Zion Discovered
by kayjummac
Lakewood, California
July 2, 2001
The path was a little crowded, but we still saw lots of wildlife. A wild turkey and her chicks were foraging in the grass just off the path. A lizard sunned itself on a rock. Squirrels scampered on the hillsides and a gopher snake climbed in a bush.
The river was cold, but that didn't stop Josie from getting completely soaked at least twice. She only walked about half of this hike, but the path was so easy, it wasn't too bad to walk along with her on my shoulders (though I traded off with my husband often). If you don't think your kids will walk the whole way, you could easily take a stroller with wide tires. The path is also wheelchair accessible.
From journal Day Trip to Zion National Park