Utah Has More Than Arches: Zion National Park

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Imagine yourself hiking in a luscious green riverbed where the sun only shines four hours a day. You are surrounded on all sides by massive thousand foot cliffs which seem impossible to climb. Or are they?



Located in the lower-left corner of Utah, a lesser known, but no less beautiful National Park exists: Zion National Park. Home to many wonderful and world famous hikes, Zion presents a unique opportunity to explore the West like never before. Unlike at the Grand Canyon where hiking paths start at the top of the canyon, here the multitude of hikes start at the base of the canyon, requiring hikers to climb up first. Honestly, this is the way you want to do it because this way you accomplish the hard part (climbing uphill) first, so by the time you are tired you get to do the easy part (hiking back down).

While there are many hikes worth doing if you find yourself visiting this lovely park, there are two that you should put on your bucket list: The Narrows and Angel's Landing. Although beware, these hikes are not for inexperienced hikers or the faint of heart. Before hiking either of these trails, you should buy the proper supplies and prepare for a strenuous hike.

The Narrows is a one of a kind hike through a narrow gorge that was carved out by the Virgin River. Approximately 60% of the hike is spent in water; you could be walking, wading, or even swimming. When I hiked this, the highest the water level rose was up to my mid chest and I am 5' 6". The hike is up to 16 miles long, during which you can turn back at any time. I recommend going no more than two miles upstream, because remember whatever you hike up you must also hike back.





Various pictures taken from the Narrows hike. 

I recommend devoting a whole day to this hike and investing in good water hiking shoes, either Keens or Adidas Terrex Hydro_Lace which are available for rent at several local shops. To be safe, hiking poles are a recommended item. It is also necessary to carry water on this hike, I would recommend some backpack with a bladder such as a Camelbak hydration pack for any trail you hike.

The next and altogether more famous hike is Angel's Landing: a perilous 5 mile long trek (round trip) where hikers climb up almost 1,500 feet from the canyon floor to reach a narrow peak with a stunning view of the canyon below. The hike begins at the Grotto shuttle stop (a complementary shuttle takes tourists along the canyon to different trail heads) and begins by following the Virgin River for a few moments before verging off where it begins to quickly gain elevation. Once you reach the back side of the canyon, you ascend Walter's Wiggles 21 steep, short switchbacks which take you to Scout's Landing. This is the point where those with a fear of heights should stop if they have even made it this far.

The next portion of the hike is dangerous where there are sheer drop offs on both sides: 1200 feet on one side and 800 feet on the other side. The path becomes very steep and narrow so for hikers' safety poles with chains have been drilled into the rock. YOU SHOULD HOLD ON TO THESE FOR YOUR SAFETY! There have been seven deaths on this trail since 2004 and in case you forget this there is a hand sign reminding you before you start the dangerous part. Why would anyone do this? For the stunning views that can be found at the top of the cliff as well as a sense of accomplishment.

Signpost depicting the position of the Angels Landing trail.

The trail enables hikers to reach the top of this peak.

Sign warning hikers of the danger.

The last half mile of the hike is over the narrow spine of the ridge.

The narrow pathway that awaits hikers.
Image courtesy of jdegenhardt

Example of the chain hikers must hold on to.
Image courtesy of Ada Be


We made it to the top!

Great views await if you can make it to the top!



Amazing views down both sides of the canyon.

A view of Walter's Wiggles, hiking back down.

If you are interested in traveling to Zion and attempting these hikes or any of the other wonderful trails available, there are many local lodges that you can stay. However, if cost is a concern you can actually camp in the canyon at designated sites. To do this though you must plan ahead as spots are in high demand during peak times. Packing and cooking some of your own meals is a great way to keep costs down. 

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