HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!
Today by the Numbers
Steps Recorded: 14,235
Miles Walked/Hiked: 6.7
Miles Walked/Hiked in the River: 2.55
Zion Canyon Narrows, Zion National Park
Zion National Park was our destination today. We rented some waders and boots and set off to hike the Narrows – a slot canyon hike where the Virgin River flows through the canyon floor, making the hike itself a river hike. As at many national parks, the crowds make it somewhat difficult to get access. We spent considerable time finding parking and riding shuttle buses to get to the trail head. This made for a late start so we allowed ourselves two hours to hike in as far as we could. Trivia question for today: Why is it called the Narrows? Read to the end for the answer!
It was a 1.1 mile walk from the shuttle drop off to where we started the river hike. The hike in was against the current in depths ranging from inches to about four feet. The water temperature was about 47°, hence our decision to rent the waders and boots! It was slow going and we constantly reminded ourselves to look up to see the magnitude of the canyon walls.
It took about two hours to hike in 1.25 miles, which consisted of hiking in the river and along the rocky shores of the river. Along the way, we took a short break to refuel. At our turn around point, we estimated that we had about another half mile to reach the suggested turn around point. It was after 3pm at this point so we decided to turn around.
The hike back went much quicker as we were going with the current and we knew what to expect. Once we got out of the river, we had to make the 1.1 mile trek back to the shuttle bus.
All in all, we’re glad to have had this experience. It was a lot of hard work and we’re proud to have this checked off the bucket list.
Upon return to camp, we did some quick clean up and got dinner and cocktails started. Jen made and froze spaghetti sauce before we left home so dinner was easy to get on the table. The cocktail, Kentucky Colonel, is a spin on a classic Manhattan.
Early to bed and early to rise on Monday – the Angel’s Landing hike is on the itinerary!
Trivia Answer: It’s called the “Narrows” because it is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, often only 20-30 feet wide between the towering walls.
So much to love about this post (day 3)!!! First of all – you’re living my dream! What an incredible itinerary and bucket list list-checker! And then those photos… Gorgeous!! 😍 Please keep them coming, I‘m impressed you’re keeping up after such long days! (Oh, and that deep part – I think I would have to swim there 😳).
Oh, one more thing I love from this post – the Mother‘s Day flowers from Kalinda and Shoopie 😍🥰
❤️