When we first visited Zion National Park, we only had time for a day trip. I guess when we asked a park ranger how best we could spend the few hours we had they suggested we visit the Narrows which we did. As was a tradition then, I purchased a keepsake poster depicting a couple of hikers in the Narrows which I hung up in my office. Years went by and when we decided to revisit all our favorite national parks in Fall, the first one we went back to was Zion. After hiking a couple of days on other trails we went to The Narrows. We strolled leisurely along the Virgin river listening to the soothing sound of running water while soaking in the gorgeous Fall colors that contrasted vividly against the majestic canyon walls. Once we reached the spot where the paved trail ended we saw hikers outfitted with boots, waterproof clothing, and a wooden pole continue hiking in the river between the canyon walls, but we had to turn around and head back as we were not appropriately outfitted. While we were having lunch, we decided to give up some time at Bryce National Park the next day, and instead go back outfitted the next morning and hike in the Narrows, the rationale being “If not now when?”as it had taken us many years to come back again to Zion. We returned the next morning all outfitted ready to hike in the Narrows in spite of the temperature hovering around 30 F. A ranger asked us if we were hiking the Narrows and we excitedly said “Yes!” Hiking in the river filled with medium size pebbles required sure footing and we progressed at a steady and safe pace. We turned around when the water level reached up to our hips. Some returning hikers made us feel better by saying that the view ahead was similar to what we had already seen. In all we hiked in the Narrows for almost two hours enjoying the close proximity of the surrounding canyon walls of varied colors. While we were warming up with hot chocolate after this hike, the same ranger asked if we had successfully hiked in the Narrows and when we said “Yes!”, he congratulated us with a big smile. It was an impromptu adventure but our bonding with nature was phenomenal and memorable.
Sincerely,
Zion National Park
Free-flowing rivers cut through multi-hued sedimentary rock to form Zion's deep and spectacular canyons. Park trails lead visitors to dramatic rock formations, hanging gardens, scenic vistas, ancient rock art and natural arches. People have lived in Zion’s landscape for at least 8,000 years, and the park's prehistoric art and artifacts tell the stories of the area’s previous inhabitants. The park also provides habitat for a variety of wildlife and large mammals, hardy desert plants like cholla and juniper, and rare and threatened birds like the peregrine falcon, California condor and Mexican spotted owl.
State(s): Utah
Established: 1909
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Greetings from Zion National Park
I visited the Zion National Park. I was mesmerized by its beauty. The valleys, canyons, wildlife and nature overall is breathtaking. Spent two days hiking and just taking in the sites. Truly a marvel!
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