9/22 The Narrows Trail, Zion National Park

Our last day in Utah ends with a spectacular hike on The Narrows Trail in Zion.  It's not spectacular because this canyon looks any different than all the dozens of canyons we have already seen on this trip.  It's spectacular because of it's unique experience and the

challenge it poses to your mind and body.  This is the best time of year for this hike as the water level is low (barring lots of recent rain) and the water temperature is a balmy high 50's.  Dress warm as the air temp was in the low 60's in the morning and no sun reached the river for the 2 hours it took us to go 1 mile up the river and back.

Whoa Whoa Whoa,  How High Does It Go

That being said, you are hiking on the rocky bottom of the rushing Virgin River at least 75% of the time.  Not a problem after the first 10 minutes because in our brand new hiking boots, you couldn't feel your feet anyway.  (TIP: rent insulated water sox and boots in town at any cost! Folks who did said their feet were warm.  WHAAAA)  Also bring both hiking poles as you will need them to maintain your footing on the rocks in the rushing water and like all other hikes, go early as the trails get more crowded as the day goes on. Oh yeah, forgot to tell you, you have to hike a mile before you even get to the river!  WHAT A BLAST!

Today's Hike: 4.5 miles (600 feet elevation changes)

Past 3 days in Zion: 15 miles (2,200 feet up, 2,200 feet down)

11 Days of Utah Hiking Totals:  45 miles (9,521 feet up and down, means we hiked up 4,760.5 feet and down 4,760.5 feet.  A mile is 5,280 feet!)  That's just on the trails, never mind all the other walking around we did in the parks.  

I learned something very important about myself this trip.  My body is still capable of a LOT MORE than my mind has given it credit for.  I had no idea that I could do this much hiking day after day while climbing over rocks, hiking massive changes in elevation, walking in cold water for hours on river stones.  It is true that a cortisone shot in my heel before we left and a bottle of ibuprofen and many ice packs were required, BUT WE DID IT!

Happy 70th Birthday John on October 24, 2019 and Happy 65th Birthday Debra on November 21, 2019. WE ARE BEASTS!