May 8 - Zion Part Two

We slept in more this morning and didn't get to our trail until about 8:50. We could walk to the Watchman Trail which was close to our campground. It was challenging, but not overly so. In the end we had a nice view of the valley and especially Watchman Mountain. 

The Watchman

The view from the peak of our hike looking across Zion Canyon.

We made our way back down the mountain and to the visitors center to get information on hiking The Narrows. The river level had not risen overnight so that was Leon's plan for the afternoon - hike The Narrows in the river.

We had sandwich lunch and rested in the campsite for an hour or so. Then we headed to the Narrows, taking the shuttle bus to the last stop, The Temple of Sinawava. The mile long walk to the entrance of The Narrows hike was beautiful, along the river and with some cool flowers we shot. However, it was definitely the most crowded hike/walk we have EVER done. Since it is paved the whole way, people of all fitness levels can do it, which is great. But the crowds!

When we reached the entrance, Leon headed in and Haley stayed behind to chill. The experience was cool, as expected. Even though the water temp was 45 degrees, Leon wore wool socks and tights plus garbage bags over his his sock to keep his feet relatively dry. It worked well and Leon went about 500 yards into the narrows before he returned. We walked back along the river with shade provided by the massive wall. It was a lovely walk back to the bus stop.

Looking up into the beginning of the Narrows. In order to hike this canyon, you must hike in the river.

Leon is ready to go!

Haley is very happy to stay warm and dry!

This was Leon's turnaround spot. He decided to go until it started to get deeper than his knees. Most of the folks around him had rented waterproof bibs, boots and wooden walking sticks to get them further up in the canyon.

This is looking down the canyon, toward the Temple of Sinawava. The river was a lovely green color at depth.

We headed back to our campsite and chilled the rest of the evening, having burgers over wood coals in the fire pit. We started packing up and getting ready for Quail Creek and Snow Canyon SPs tomorrow.