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Zion National Park


The Zion Narrows

Zion Narrows hike
Zion Narrows Hike
The Top Down hike starts at Chamberlain Ranch. It allows you to see the canyon walls form before reaching the prettiest and busiest section, "Wall Street" (16 miles one way downstream, 1500ft gradual elevation loss)
Narrows Hike in Zion National Park
​​Wading in the river itself is necessary in tighter portions of the canyon and the water is usually ankle to knee deep.  One unavoidable section was neck deep in the September week I visited.
Zion Narrows hike
Wall Street Section of zion narrows
Narrows in Zion National Park
The riverbed is uneven, good footwear can be rented at a shop like the Zion Adventure Company in town.  Wetsuits as a general rule should be worn when the water temperature is less than 55.  I was comfortable with shorts and a long sleeve polyester shirt in September for the "Top Down" hike when the water temperature was 60, although extra layers would be good for the early morning start at Chamberlain's Ranch (higher elevation). 
Log jam created from a flash flood
Logjam created from a flash flood
​It is possible to do the Top Down hike as a short backpack trip, with one night at a campsite along the river.  Avoid hiking when there is a chance of rain, videos of flash floods can viewed on youtube for education.
Hiking in Zion Narrows
Zion Narrows Hike

The Zion Subway

Zion Subway hike in Utah
A popular photography destination that can be reached on the upstream hike (6.5 miles return, 600ft).  The downstream Subway hike is more technical, requiring ropes and swimming.      
Unique Canyon on the approach to the Subway in Zion
​Trailhead: Left Fork Trailhead to Left Fork North Creek to The Subway, permit required even for the non-technical upstream hike
Beginning of the Subway in Zion
zion subway hike in utah

Angel's Landing Trail

Angel's Landing hiking trail in Zion National Park
Chains and carved steps help with exposed sections and provide protection from the cliffs on both sides (5 miles return, 1500ft from Grotto Shuttle stop).
Start of Angel's Landing trail hike
Angel's Landing trail hike in Zion National Park
Overlook from top of Angel's Landing hike

Canyon Overlook Trail

Canyon overlook trail in Zion national park

Trailhead: First parking lot on right after passing through the Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel from the main Zion Canyon

The trail offers an elevated view of the canyon without a strenuous hike, but the main draw here was exploring up the sandstone to the right (near the end of the trail).  There are unique rock formations at the top and 360 degree views of the area.
Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion national Park
Canyon Overlook Viewpoint

Resources:
Photographing the SW, Incredible Backcountry Trails​, NPS Map, Wilderness Reservations, Zion Adventure Company


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Contact: darnoldhiking@gmail.com

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