Hiking The Virgin River Trail into the Narrows at Zion National Park
What Are The Narrows?
Zion National Park, a geological marvel with its towering cliffs and deep canyons, invites adventurers to explore its many wonders. Among its most famous hikes is the trek through the Narrows via the Virgin River Trail, a journey that promises breathtaking views and a unique hiking experience.
Starting the Journey
The hike begins at the Temple of Sinawava, the final stop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle. From here, you'll follow the Riverside Walk for about a mile before entering the river. This paved path offers a chance to warm up and enjoy the scenery as you make your way to the river entry point.
Navigating the Virgin River
Once you reach the river, the adventure truly begins. As the trail is the river, and wading through water that can range from ankle-deep to waist-high. I dawned on my dry pants and put my camera in a dry bag. I headed up the river.
I used this small tree as a reference point to put the sheer size of the canyon walls in perspective. As you head up river, you start to see the reason for the name. The canyon starts to narrow from an open river to a slot canyon.The Narrows is a section of the Virgin River where the canyon walls close in, creating a stunning and narrow gorge. As you hike through this area, you'll find yourself surrounded by towering sandstone walls, some reaching heights of a thousand feet, while the river flows gently beneath your feet. It's a hike unlike any other, where the trail is the river itself.
When you hike up the river, you must fight the current. You also need to keep your balance while walking on the round rocks of different sizes. Using my tripod as a walking stick, I could keep my footing.
Beauty around every corner
The Virgin River has sculpted dramatic shapes in the Zion Narrows canyon walls. This, combined with the water-rounded river rocks, makes for a fantastic shooting location.The canyon walls are high and narrow. Because of this, direct sunlight is rare. Even though I hiked here on a sunny fall day, the canyon was only lit by filtered sunlight reflecting off the canyon walls. This allowed me to use a slow shutter speed to get a silky water effect of the river flowing over the rocks.
Wall Street
Zion Narrows is characterized by its sheer vertical walls that soar hundreds of feet into the air. This section is approximately two miles long and offers some of the most dramatic views in the entire canyon. The walls are so close together in places that they seem to form an alleyway, hence the name Wall Street.
Reflecting on the Experience
Completing the Narrows hike is a rewarding experience that offers a deep sense of accomplishment. Take time to reflect on the sights and sounds of the canyon and appreciate the natural beauty you've witnessed.
Conclusion
Hiking the Virgin River Trail into the Narrows at Zion National Park is an adventure that challenges and inspires. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a first-time visitor, the Narrows offers a memorable experience. It showcases the stunning beauty of nature. By preparing adequately and respecting the environment, you can ensure that your journey is both safe and unforgettable.
The grandeur of Zion's Narrows leaves a lasting impression on your heart and soul.
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About the Author:
Keith Peters, co-owner of T&K Images, is driven by a passion to explore and capture the world's beauty through light and lens. Our mission is to bring the extraordinary essence of Earth into your space through breathtaking art.
All images are the exclusive copyright property of T&K Images.