Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [461]
The Narrows
16 miles one-way. Moderate to difficult. Access: Chamberlain's Ranch (outside the park). By permit only.
Hiking The Narrows doesn't really involve hiking a trail at all; instead, it consists of walking or wading along the bottom of the Virgin River, through a spectacular 1,000-foot-deep chasm that, at a mere 24 feet wide, definitely lives up to its name. Passing fanciful sculptured sandstone arches, hanging gardens, and waterfalls, this moderately strenuous hike is recommended for those in good physical condition who are up to fighting currents, which can sometimes be strong. Those who want just a taste of The Narrows can walk and wade in from the end of the Riverside Walk (see above), but more than a short trip will involve a long full- or 2-day trek, which includes arranging a shuttle to the starting point at Chamberlain's Ranch and then transportation from the Temple of Sinawava, where you'll leave the canyon.
The Narrows is subject to flash flooding and can be very treacherous. Park Service officials remind hikers that they are responsible for their own safety, and they should check on current water conditions and weather forecasts. This hike is not recommended when rain is forecast or threatening. Permits ($5) are required for full-day and overnight hikes, and must be purchased at the visitor center the day before your hike.
Taylor Creek Trail
5.4 miles RT. Moderately strenuous. Access: Kolob Canyons Rd., about 2 miles from Kolob Canyons Visitor Center.
This is a 4-hour hike along the middle fork of Taylor Creek. You might get your feet wet fording the creek. The trail leads past two historic cabins to Double Arch Alcove, with an elevation gain of 450 feet.
Exploring the Backcountry
The park offers numerous backpacking opportunities, and a number of the day hikes discussed above are actually more comfortably done in 2 or more days. In addition to the park's established trails and the famous Narrows, there are a number of off-trail routes for those experienced in using topographical maps—get information at the Backcountry Desk at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Backcountry permits are required for all overnight hikes in the park as well as for slot canyon hikes. You can get permits at either visitor center. They cost $10 for 1 or 2 people, $15 for 3 to 7, and $20 for 8 to 12. You can purchase a permit the day before or the day of your trip. You can also make reservations for permits in advance through the park's website (www.nps.gov/zion), but you must pick them up in person.
The difficult West Rim Trail climbs more than 3,500 feet into the high country to a view point overlooking the Right Fork of North Creek Canyon (at 14 miles), then continues to Lava Point. The round-trip distance is 28.4 miles. Access is at the Grotto Picnic Area. There are striking views from most points on the trail.
Other Sports & Activities
Biking & Mountain Biking. Although bikes are prohibited on almost all trails and are forbidden to travel cross-country
within the national park boundaries, Zion is among the West's most bike-friendly parks. The bike-friendly Pa'rus Trail runs a little under 2 miles along the Virgin River, from the south park entrance and South Campground to Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The trail crosses the river and several creeks, and it provides good views of the Watchman, West Temple, the Sentinel, and other lower-canyon formations. The trail is paved and open to bicyclists, pedestrians, pets on leashes, strollers, and wheelchairs but is closed to cars.
From April through October the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, beyond its intersection with the Zion–Mount Carmel Highway, is closed to private motor vehicles, except to motorists with reservations at Zion Lodge. However, during that time the road is open to hikers and bicyclists as well as shuttle buses. Cyclists should stay to the right to allow shuttle buses to pass.
Bicycles can also be ridden on other park roads, though not through the Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel.