Our last hike during our October 2020 trip in Zion National Park was the Riverside Walk and part of The Narrows. The riverside walk starts at The Temple of Sinawava which is at the end of the Zion Scenic Canyon Drive and The Narrows start at the end of the Riverside Walk. To reach The Temple of Sinawava you either need to walk the 3.7 miles (one way) from Zion Lodge or take the Shuttle Service. We took the Shuttle Service.
Riverside Walk
The Shuttle Service will drop you off right by the Riverside Walk Trailhead. It starts at The Temple of Sinawava, which is a large rock amphitheater type rock. The name Sinawava is after the Paiute nation’s coyote god. The walk is along the Virgin River and is an easy walk. We found it very scenic but also crowded. We saw lots of squirrels and also some deer. The 1.9 mile round trip trail is out and back. It ends at the river where The Narrows Trail begins.
The Narrows
The Narrows Trail in Zion is a little over 15 miles and the trail is basically through the Virgin River. The trail passes through the narrowest part of the canyon, thus being called The Narrows. We debated hiking in The Narrows at all, as signs stated there is cyanobacteria in the water. Cyanobacteria is toxic especially when consumed. We talked to a ranger there about the risk and he said that the level at this time was very low but if they found any signs of it in the water, they had to warn people. He stated we would be fine if we didn’t drink it. So we decided to give it at try.
Hiking In the Water
First of all, the river was cold. While walking The Narrows, we were told we would be in the water 60% of the time. The area we walked, we were in the water most of the time. We wore our Keen water shoes which protected us from the rock bottom, which at times was slippery. Using a walking stick would have been helpful if you were to hike through the water for any length of time. We knew we wouldn’t be going far as it was getting close to evening and we did not want to miss the last bus back to the Lodge. (An additional 3.7 miles did not sound like fun).
According to our Fitbit’s we walked about 1/3 of a mile into The Narrows. It was very beautiful. The sun reflecting on the canyon walls was just gorgeous. That being said, it just wasn’t our thing. We both love to hike, but hiking through the water was fun for awhile, but we can’t imagine doing this for any length of time. It wasn’t necessarily walking through the water that bothered us, it was the frequently encountered slick rockbottom. We did a total of 2/3 of a mile in The Narrows and that was enough for us. That being said, from what I understand, we missed the best and most beautiful parts of the canyon.
Back to the Lodge
We retraced our tracks and headed back to the Shuttle. Wow, was there a line! We waited about an hour in line to board the shuttle. The sun was just setting as we returned to the lodge and a hot shower was perfect.
Conclusion
The Riverside Walk and Narrows Trail in Zion are two totally different trails. I loved the scenery with both. The Riverwalk is great for those who want a beautiful easy trail that showcases the canyon narrowing. The Narrows is a great adventure trail great for those who are looking for something very different from the usual. I know people who have backpacked the entire Narrows and loved it. We enjoyed it, but not to the point that we would do the entire 15+ miles.
Planning
While planning for our trip to Zion National Park I referred to the Falcon Guide Book, Hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. If you click on the link you can buy it through Amazon.
I also bought the Zion National Geographic Map which you can purchase through Amazon also. Everything was so well marked we did not use the map, but I do believe in having one with when hiking.
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We didn’t get to do the Narrows, because there had been a lot of rain and the river was running too fast. We also didn’t have the right gear, so we might not have enjoyed it that much either. But the Riverside Walk was great. One other thing: there were some teenage girls on the shuttle who kept calling the last stop “Temple of Cinnamon Waffles”. So that’s how we now think of it.
I love the Temple of Cinnamon Waffles reference!! Cute! I bet that river will be awful to walk through if it was running fast! We noticed the deeper it was the harder it was. I’m 5’1 and it got as deep as my hips but we noticed people coming back who’s shirts looked like they were in up to their chest, which would have had me up to my neck!! No thanks!! Lol
Awesome location, Lori ~ best wishes hiking & have a Happy New Year 2021 🙂
Thanks, Phil! Happiest of New Year to you as well!!
Just perfect!
❤️❤️
Thank you for all the info and gorgeous photos. Those hikes are on my list to do when COVID is a thing of the past. We spend a few weeks in Utah every year.
Utah is so wonderful! I can’t wait to go back!!
We discovered Utah when my daughter decided on U of U for college. We love it, too!
I looked into hiking the Narrows earlier in the year because we were planning a trip to visit all the national parks in Utah in the Fall. Obviously that didn’t happen. I’m a bit uneasy about wading through the water, especially when you can’t see the bottom. But this seems like such an incredible experience.
It was a great experience. There are places where you can see the bottom but we didn’t get to the deeper areas! A lot of people used a thick walking stick that they sell
somewhere in the park and I think
It would help a lot. There was also a place you could rent shoes that were specific for this. We were there on a hot day so the cold
water felt good but I imagine I’d the weather wasn’t hot you would need to dress accordingly so hypothermia doesn’t hit you. We are glad we did as much as we did and had the experience but do not feel we need to go back and do the entire thing. I am sure it would be awesome though!!!
Looks like a great hike. We drove to the Temple of Sinawava when we visited in January 2018 and saw the hike, but did not have the time to try it. I am sure the water would have been even colder that day as it was near freezing. Thanks for sharing and have a Happy 2021 Lori. Allan
The Temple of Sinawava is pretty impressive. I can’t believe we did not take photos of it. We must have been too excited to get hiking!!
I’ve heard of The Narrows but didn’t realize the hike was IN the water. I’m not sure I’d go far either, espeically if there’s cyanobacteria in the water! The steep, narrow cliffs do look impressive though.
I knew it was in the water but thought there would be more land areas. It is so beautiful so I wish I was into that sort of thing as I would love to see the entire hike but yet the water was not my thing.
Thanks for the great post! It brings back wonderful memories of our visit to Zion! I have nominated you for the 10 Day Travel Challenge. Challenge is very simple: posting a favorite travel photo for 10 days. No worries if it does not suit. Thanks again!
Thank you. Although I’m flattered I won’t be able to do the challenge. I am an RN who retired from nursing about a year ago and now I accepted a job with Public Health to vaccinate people. I am not sure how busy I am going to be as it is a prn job so not sure I can commit to anything right now. Thanks for thinking of me now!! Happy New Year!
We are all thankful for your commitment to caring for our community! We appreciate all you do. Thank you so much! Stay safe and healthy and wishing you all a very Happy New Year!!
Thanks.
We are all thankful for your commitment to caring for our community! We appreciate all you do! Stay safe and healthy! Thank you so much and wishing you all a very Happy New Year!!!
I’ve always wanted to do the Narrows. I think during some times of the year the water can be up to your chest! Or maybe it’s if you go further…?
That is my understanding too. I have seen photos of people carrying their back backs
on top of their heads here! Have a great New Year!
Wow, Zion looks absolutely amazing. I would love to visit one day, preferably in autumn month when the maples and cottonwoods abundant on the canyon floor turn red and the weather is at its mildest. Thanks for sharing. Wishing you a year full of blessing and filled with a new adventure. Happy new year 2021! Aiva 🙂
Thank you, Aiva!! You have a great New Year too!!
To hike on land is one thing, but to do so in water (and for an extended period of time) is another! You definitely have the adventurous soul, and it’s very admirable. I hope I’ll have the courage to do so when I head out for my next trip…whenever that may be! Thanks for sharing your travels. 🙂
Thanks for reading!! Have a Happy New Year!
the Narrows walk looks beautiful, and unique…
It definitely was!
Beautiful place to hike.
Yes!!
A beautiful walk through a beautiful national park. This one, however, is one of my favorites.
It is beautiful!