37.3050° N, 112.9491° W //

a. Zion National Park

b. Watchman Campgrounds

c. Shuttle from the village. Last stop No.9 is the Narrows.

It's not an uphill battle like the rest of Zion, but The Narrows is one of the more difficult hikes, leaving my ankles and knees sore for the rest of the trip. The hike in is a linear trek amidst skyscraper like canyons, made of iron sediments and eroded rocks. Water sits about ankle high, and rises up to your chest. The further you trek in, the tighter the corridors are as claustrophobia kicks in. Remember to bring a walking stick, or show up super early as nomads of the past leave behind hiking wands. We started at 5 AM but I wouldn't recommend it. The downside is you're in the dark for a section of the hike, and you're missing the grandiose effect of it all. The upside is that you're alone, the afternoon crowd can be irritating. Lastly the allure of hiking through cool, cold water quickly fades, and is replaced by phantom boulders, slippery algae and concealed pockets in the river bed, waiting to ambush your knees, ankles, and thrusting you into the river.

In hindsight, I'd only hike to the narrowest part of the trail called "Wallstreet" and head back. Any further you're asking for a beating. It all feels the same the rest of the route. Thank me later, you're welcome.