May 1st of this year found me on the road traversing the canyons of Zion National Park. Of all the National Parks in the Southwestern United States this is certainly one of my personal favorites. At nearly every turn there is another view as breathtaking as the one before, if not even more spectacular. I spent a total of five days in the park, with the first two days spent shooting from a number of different locations. Ultimately what I wanted to do was hike ‘The Narrows’ however warmer spring temperatures caused increased snow melt in the higher elevations and therefore more flow in the Virgin River below. Each day I would check to see whether or not the Park Rangers were allowing people in, only to be disappointed when I learned the water level was still above 150 cubic feet per second (considered too dangerous to allow even the brave hikers to attempt the raging waters). Finally on my third day the water volume in ‘The Narrows’ receded just below the cut off point to 149 cubic feet per second and I was able to embark on what I can honestly call one of the most incredible experiences of my life. While this trek straight up the Virgin River into the canyon tends to be more popular in the later months when the water level is diminished, I relished the opportunity to see it during a season that few get to experience. The water was a frigid 40 degrees that day and most of the way I found myself working against powerful currents in water up to my waist (and even higher in a few spots). I pushed onward, enthralled by the majesty of the canyon walls that enclosed me on either side and rose towering into the sky. The sound of the river, as loud as it was, had a certain silence to it, and oddly enough a very calming effect. It wasn’t until much later in the day that I encountered anyone else and I felt incredibly privileged to enjoy this experience with only the American Dippers for company, who were busy bobbing under the water in search of their next meal. I spent the entire day up in The Narrows and only the encroaching darkness forced me to turn around and ignore the canyon calling out to me and beckoning me to walk around just one more bend… If you have the opportunity to hike The Narrows in the early spring months (April through May and even into June) I strongly advise a wet suit to keep yourself completely dry as well as a waterproof camera bag for your gear. One spill on this trek and your dripping camera will let you know that your expedition has been cut short and all those treasured files lost!
Be safe and get off the beaten path, you’ll be glad you did!
Your thoughts and comments are always welcome.
– Nathaniel Smalley
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2 Comments
Very good info. Lucky me I ran across your blog by accident (stumbleupon).
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Thanks and glad you found my Blog Ginger…