The River Becomes the Trail

Today’s hike couldn’t have been more different from yesterday’s.  Our trek to Angel’s Landing was all very steep up- or down-hill hiking - very hot and dry and dusty and sweaty.  Today’s hike was relatively flat as we took the River Trail to The Narrows - the place where the canyon walls are quite close together on either side of the river.  Don’t think, however, this was a nice little trail that followed along the river.  Oh no!  The river IS the trail!  

We walked several miles upstream, either in the middle of the river, or criss-crossing it dozens of times to walk on whatever shoreline might be there.  That shoreline consisted of all rocks - large ones.  

This was all made significantly more difficult by the fact that the river is very sandy and you can’t see through the water to the bottom at any point.  Therefore, each step was blind.  Tap-tap-tap step every time.  You never knew if it was going to be sandy bottom, rocks, a hole - or how deep it would be.  Add to this a pretty stiff current and you have a recipe for a very unique hiking experience!  We went upstream for about 2 hours, then turned at The Narrows and headed back - taking only an hour and 20 minutes to retrace our route.  Part of this, of course, was the current at our backs, but also the fact that we were much more comfortable with what we were doing.  The water was never more than thigh-high, and except for Lorraine stepping in a hole and going in waist deep near the end, everyone stayed dry except for our feet and the hems of our shorts.  We really enjoyed it once we got used to the idea that we were walking upstream through a river with our shoes and socks on.  The water was quite cool, so even when the sun was hot - we weren’t!  It was a crazy way to take a hike, but it was a lot of fun.  The views were incredible, and the experience a once in a lifetime one.

We've been fortunate to have been in a lot of beautiful places, and Zion National Park ranks up there with the best.

Needless to say - we’re all pretty hiked out!  We were back at our lodge by about 2 and spent a nice relaxing afternoon planning our route for the next couple of days and washing river water out of our shoes and socks.  A few sore muscles, but so what. Nice dinner, early to bed and tomorrow we head for Bryce Canyon - more adventures await!