Zion: The Narrows

The Narrows is one of the most famous areas of Zion. It follows the course of the Virgin River for about 17 miles. Most of that journey is a rather deep slot canyon, which is what so many visitors come to see. It is so popular that, depending upon how you wish to do it, there is a permit system to keep it from becoming overcrowded.

PA031660 — The scenery in the first part of the trip is ordinary enough but still nice in a quiet way

PA031666 — Here is where you need to get into the river. For the next several miles, the trail wanders from one side of the river to the other, so you end up traveling on land or river as you see fit.

It doesn't take long for the walls to rise and the scenery become interesting — It doesn’t take long for the walls to rise and the scenery become interesting

PA031695 — The light green leaves nicely complement the yellow rock. Oh yes; there’s a river and a tall rock wall on the other sie. My compliments to the exterior designer.

I found this "arch" within an arch to be interesting — I found this “arch” within an arch to be interesting

Remember. "The river is the trail (usually)." — Remember: “The river is the trail” (usually).

PA031709 — Vertical rock walls on both sides. Woe to anyone who is caught here when a flash flood goes through.

Some walls are straight. Others are rounded.

PA031725 — Logjams happen. There was no way around this one, so I had to clamber over it. Oh joy!

PA031737 — “Pride goeth before a fall.” But in this case, it’s a big log (right). Of course, there always those who (contrary to the directions) make the 12-foot jump. Injuries among that group are not surprising.

PA031742 — Looking back at the waterfall. Oh yes, I forgot to tell you. There is a way around the waterfall.

PA031752 — This is a look back upstream. Can you figure out how I arrived here? (No, there is no unseen way around.) Sometimes the hiker has no comfortable option. You might as well get used to it.

PA031767 — In a sense, The Narrows is just a river and two walls. But the possibilities are endless.

Big Springs is the biggest of these "waterfalls" I think — Big Spring is the biggest of these “waterfalls”

Wall Street is a favorite section. Unfortunately, I was worried about finishing in time, so I curtailed my picture-taking in the middle of Wall Street. Sorry ’bout that. You’ll just have to hike it yourself.

Next destination: Southwest Desert

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