Hiking. Not one of my strong suits. In fact, nature and I don’t get along very well because I just don’t like the bugs, or the heat, or you know, just being outside.
That doesn’t mean I can’t do it, it just means when the opportunity arises usually I make a derisive noise and say something like “yeah right”. You and what army are going to get me out there?
But this one was different, it was hiking in water and in the shade. Sounds to me like that is the perfect hike for every person to go on because how can it go wrong.
So the recommended gear to get before you go because you know I do the research on that (actually hubby was in charge of this one).
- Walking stick
- Waterproof bags
- Food for lunch
- Waterproof shoes
- Hat, or something to cover your head
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Light Jacket
I know I said the same thing, what would you need a jacket for if you’re hiking, you’re gonna get hot.
Well, the water you’re hiking in can be very cold. Luckily for us, it was perfect. And if you know me you know that I do not like cold water at all. I will shiver in a pool if it’s not at least 80ﾟ. This water, I’m assuming was probably around 75ﾟ, but because you’re constantly moving it feels really good.
Now to the hike. The 1st mile is a hot, dreary, steaming hell, that makes you want to give up, turn around, go back to your car, turn it on and blast yourself with the air conditioner.
That could possibly be an exaggeration. It’s not hard by any means, it is completely paved. There are slight inclines and declines, nothing that makes you think twice about going. The day we went, it was just very hot, about a 105ﾟ outside. It is partially shaded, so to get technical, there are parts where you can sit down, have a drink water, relax for a few minutes, get-up-and-go, and they are evenly distributed through the trail.
So it’s not like you’re gonna go 30 minutes without a shaded spot, you might go 5 to 10 minutes without one, but that’s the longest.
What I’m trying to get at is don’t give up, it is definitely worth the time to walk that mile to get to The Narrows. Once you get there, you can dip your feet in the water or go on the hike.
You will know when you’re getting closer because the ground will be wet.
Once you reach The actual Narrows, there’s steps for you to go down. This is where the fun begins. The Narrows is 16 miles long. If you are a person like me that never goes hiking, I do not suggest that you do all of it.
We hiked for about 2 1/2 hours and then turned around. We were on a time schedule, if we could have went a little further we would have. I was told that 2 1/2 hours (hiking) will get you to the prettiest part, I don’t think we got there, but I could be wrong.
The hike is actually very treacherous. Rocks can be slippery, and you will be hiking on rocks the entire time. The rocks will shift under your feet, and the water got up to my waist. I am 5′ 2, so a very short person, if you are much taller than me then this will not be a problem. If you are bringing little children, and there are a lot of children brought here, they will either need to be carried or swim or float across. The one part we went through that was deep, was a very short distance like maybe 20 feet. The problem with carrying a small child and going through it is the rocks you will be walking over. Most of the time, the water was right below my knees.
I’d say 1 out of every 4 people fall. So for my family, there’s 4 of us and my youngest son (10 years old) is the one that fell. We did slip numerous times, there was a lot of close calls.
The people that fall the most are the ones without the walking sticks. If we had not brought walking sticks, all 4 of us would have fell, I guarantee it.
We didn’t end up eating the food or drinking all the water we brought. In The Narrows when you’re hiking in the water there are dry areas where you can sit, eat, drink, have a rest, you’ll be completely out of the water. Just remember that it will always be on rocks.
Now you can make it to the narrows and hang out by the entrance. No hiking involved except for that paved part. All of that water is foot to knee deep depending on which area you rest in.
During the hike because you are slipping on rocks and trying to catch yourself in the water and wading through the currents, your toes will be the first victims of this hike. Unless you slip and fall immediately when you get in and then your hands and knees will be the first victim of the hike.
I like numbers, so I’m going to talk to you in numbers, almost 90% of the rocks are round without jagged edges. So if you fall it should not be fatal unless you maybe hit your head really hard on a round rock. I did step on a bigger rock and it actually flipped towards me and hit my shin. I didn’t cry, but it did hurt, and there was no falling involved.
The little town around Zion is pretty cute, and there are a lot of hotels and restaurants. We did not stay, so I can’t be your expert on the area surrounding it.
What I can tell you is do not hike up to The Narrows from the town. It’s a long hike. The locals actually make fun of all the people they see trying to hike up there.
Take the shuttle or a private shuttle up, It drops you off right at the beginning of the hike. Our shuttle cost $20 per person. The public shuttle, according to the website, in Zion, is a dollar. I’m assuming per person. They sell out very quickly, probably weeks in advance, and you have to wait in line in order to get on.
The private shuttles take you up and you set a specific time to be picked up. If you miss your time the drivers are pretty nice, and they will take you back anyways. If you are early and want to leave, as long as they have room in the vehicle, they will take you back early. It’s the price of convenience.
You can also drive up there, but I don’t know anything about it so I cannot be your expert on that either. What I do know is there is not parking available at the spot we were dropped off at. (Right at the entrance) So wherever you will be parking, if you drive up there, you will be walking to the entrance.
Last word of advice, get water proof hiking boots. Not because your foot won’t get wet, that’s inevitable. Because your ankles will need the support, and it’ll dry quickly. We bought some cheap hiking kids boots for my youngest, (for ankle support) it soaked up all the water and it was heavy to walk in once that happened. (Husband had waterproof hiking boots, he bought a long time ago) My teenager and I wore regular tennis shoes, we did just fine.
We went during the Covid Pandemic, they do require masks in town, but no one was wearing them in The Narrows.
Enjoy your hike! I hope you make it further than we did.
Check out more of our road trip —> Click Here
keep calm voyage on 
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