We’ve been to Zion two other times, rtx and rtxvi. Both of those experiences made us never want to return. Both times the crowds were out of control. Both times we left feeling like we were missing whatever the big deal was.
I’m not sure what made Zak put it on the itinerary for rtxviii, but this time we left wishing we had more time to spend and planning our next visit.
Last time we did the Narrows hike, which equated to hell in my mind. The crowds were unlike anything I’ve seen on a hike and people were being so disrespectful of nature and the park. I’ve spent the past couple of years actively telling people to NOT DO IT. Even the worst of the worst hikes we’ve done since don’t compare to the horridness of 2015. So, to avoid the chaos, Zak had planned what was sure to be a quiet, lovely hike: Hidden Canyon to Observation Point.
As we were driving into Zion last night, Zak casually mentioned that he wished we were hiking The Narrows again. And that was it. Ellie heard and was not going to pass up the adventure. As much as I hate it when plans changed and I was nervous about the crowds, I went along with it.
Our game plan included getting up early and being some of the first in the river. We swiftly got dressed, packed up, and grabbed coffee. We were all set and ready for the 7:15 shuttle to the trail head. The shuttle approached and was packed to the brim, standing room only. Our hearts sank. Our concern was two fold. What if we couldn’t even get to the trail head because every shuttle was full? And worse, what if the trail was as congested as the transportation to the trail?? Zak headed back to the coffee spot to find a map to see if hiking to the hike would be reasonable. He got the sound advice that most people on the shuttle get off at the next stop, the Angel’s Landing trail head. It was only a half mile away, so we ran (literally) to that stop. It was perfect, huge groups of people were getting off and we had a nearly empty shuttle to our stop.
From the moment we stepped foot in the river, we knew it was going to be perfect. The water sure was cold, but within a mile we were all used to it. The few people from our shuttle dispersed within two miles. It seemed to just be us and the towering slot canyon. The beauty is not matchable and I can only let the photos do the talking. I’m so thankful we had the patience to appreciate it this time.
The hike itself was long. The shuttle dropped us off a mile from the entrance to the river. From there, we hiked five miles upstream, turned around and hiked the six miles back to the shuttle. It was really challenging hiking. The bed of the river was composed of fairly large rocks and were incredibly slippery. It was kind of like hiking on large slippery hams for 10 miles. The depth of the water varied from ankle deep to above my waist. A couple of times we had to hold our day packs well above our heads to prevent them from getting drenched.
Although it was so challenging, it was completely worth it. It was so private, peaceful, and the perfect amount of challenging. I really can’t wait to get back to Zion. rtxx???
We found ourselves at the Thunderbird Lodge right outside of Zion and the girls spent a couple of hours swimming this evening. I have no idea how they had the energy after hiking 12 miles, 10 in water, today. I think it is safe to say we’ll all sleep soundly tonight.
Slippery hams?!?!?!
Yes. Everyone made fun of me, but I couldn’t think of a more accurate description. Just imagine walking across a flooded deli counter display. 🙂