Zion Narrows

Recognized as one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the world, the hike through the Zion Narrows offers a different type of hiking experience than what many people are used to. There are two different ways to approach this hike. The most popular (and the only way I've done it) is the approach from the "bottom up." This starts from the Temple of Sinewava - the furthest point you can drive up Zion Canyon. This is most often done as a day hike. The other option is the "top down" approach, which is a one-way shuttle trip and requires a backcountry permit. This 15.5 mile overnight trip is the way to go if you're adventurous and looking for the full narrows experience, all while avoiding the crowds. I have yet to explore the narrows from the top down, but it's high on my Zion "to do" list.

Whichever way you're hiking the narrows, prepare yourself to get wet, which can be a refreshing change in the heat of the summer. The hike requires wading through pools, sometimes up to chest deep (depending on the time of year.) Hiking along the slippery and uneven river bottom is also a necessity, so trekking poles or hiking sticks are helpful. The Narrows shouldn't be attempted by anyone without a wet suit from November through May, due to cold water and high spring flows. 

Do your research, come prepared, and most importantly, have fun exploring one of the most spectacular slot canyons around!

Here are my photos from an August 2012 Narrows trip:

While hiking out of The Narrows and back to the trailhead, we saw a group of people gathering around something on the side of the trail. As we got closer, it became obvious what was drawing the attention. 

The rattlesnake seemed pretty distressed due to all the attention it was drawing, and had backed itself into a corner. Luckily, there was a ranger about a hundred yards down the trail who we notified about the situation. Hopefully she was able to move people along so the snake could go on its way.

I always enjoy wildlife sightings on my trips, rattlesnakes included. I've met some people who despise snakes and would willingly kill rattlesnakes, even if they aren't causing them any imminent danger. This is a mindset that I strongly disagree with. I have encountered several rattlesnakes over the years, and have never felt threatened. Even if you don't like snakes, let's respect these creatures and not be so shocked or outraged when we see them! Remember, we are in their habitat, not the other way around!

The Narrows is a place that most people in decent physical condition can enjoy, and it provides the versatility of a short day hike or a long overnight adventure. Best of all, it provides an escape from the heat of the summer. Don't forget to make The Narrows a part of your next summer trip to Zion! 

Observation Point

It's quite possible that the best day hike in Zion is the trek to Observation Point. At the top, it offers vast, sweeping views of Zion Canyon and beyond. The views are every bit as good as the more popular Angels Landing, but you have to work a little bit harder to get them, with 2100 feet of elevation gained in 4 miles. This hike also doesn't require the same exposure to steep drop-offs that turns some away from Angels Landing, so if you're in good shape but not overly fond of heights, Observation Point might be the better choice. The following description is from my hike in late September of 2011.

The Observation Point trail is accessed at the Weeping Rock trailhead and immediately starts climbing as switchbacks rise into shaded Echo Canyon and its towering, streaked sandstone walls. Echo Canyon itself would be a nice destination for those who don't have the time or ability to continue all the way to Observation Point. Echo Canyon is also one of the only shaded parts of the hike, so it might be a good place to rest before tackling the switchbacks that are soon to follow.

Echo Canyon:

After about 1.5 miles of enjoying Echo Canyon's relatively flat terrain, the trail reaches a junction with the East Rim Trail and access to Cable and Deertrap Mountains (hiking to these areas would best be done as a overnight trip.) Staying left at this junction takes you to Observation Point. This marks about the halfway point of the hike, but the majority of the elevation has yet to be conquered.

The rest of the hike is mostly all uphill with many switchbacks. The last half-mile becomes more gradual as you reach the top of the rim, and make your way towards the views that soon await.

The payoff proves to be well worth the long, uphill trudge. 

Note: The large, fin-like rock formation in the center is Angels Landing.



I rested under the shade of a juniper tree not far from the rim while enjoying my lunch and rehydrating. It was a warm, sunny late September day. I remember thinking how hot it would have been to try this hike two months ago.

I enjoyed the views until I finally made myself turn myself away and start retracing my steps, trying to enjoy the details of my descent.

As I neared the trailhead, I stopped at the trail junction to Hidden Canyon and decided to go check it out. It proved to be a worthwhile and scenic side trip, and one that I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys canyon exploring. Keep in mind, there is some exposure to drop-offs while rising into this canyon.

It was an awesome day of exploring some parts of Zion that I had always wanted to check out. It only took me over 20 years of living in Southern Utah to do it. That's not bad, right?