The Narrows High-Down Route | The Climbing Life

Located in Utah’s Zion Nationwide Park, The Narrows High-Down route is without doubt one of the most spectacular quick hikes in america. Stretching some 25 km (16 miles) from Chamberlain’s Ranch to Temple of Sinawava, it follows the course of the Virgin River by way of the northern reaches of Zion Canyon. At occasions the chasm is as much as 600 meters (1,968 ft) deep and solely six meters (20 ft) extensive, and far of the strolling is completed in water that’s usually at shin peak and sometimes above. Should you don’t like getting your ft moist, don’t learn any additional. 

I hiked the High-Down route in 2013. All particulars have been up to date as of April, 2017. A particular due to Steven “Twinkle” Shattuck for giving permission to make use of a few of his nice images!

The Narrows in Winter (Picture from Steven Shattuck)

Distance :  16 miles (25.7 km)

Avg.Time :  9 – 13 hours

Problem:  Straightforward overnighter or average day hike.

Begin / End :

• Chamberlain’s Ranch (north)

• Temple of Sinawava (south).

Transportation:

• Northern Terminus: Chamberlain’s Ranch is located 1.5 hrs drive from Zion Canyon. To get there you have got two choices: personal transport or shuttle bus firm. For the previous, test the Zion Nationwide Park web site for directional particulars. Regarding the latter, google “shuttles to chamberlains ranch / the narrows“, and a number of choices will seem. Observe that the highway to Chamberlain’s could not satisfactory in moist circumstances for regular autos, and entry in winter is restricted as a result of snow.

• Southern Terminus: Entry is far less complicated at hike’s finish, due to the common shuttle buses which run by way of Zion Canyon between April and October.

Season:

• The principle mountaineering season is between June and October. Between March and Might the hike is commonly closed due to rising water ranges on account of spring snowmelt. Through the winter months water temps will be nippy, probably necessitating using a wetsuit or perhaps a drysuit.

• No matter the time of the yr, test on the newest circumstances with Park Rangers earlier than setting out. This significantly holds true between mid-summer to early fall, when there’s a larger chance of flash floods occurring. In brief, don’t do that hike if heavy rain is on the meteorological playing cards.

Picture from Steven Shattuck | The Narrows, 2017.

Maps / Information :

• Allow:  Whether or not day mountaineering or overnighting (see under), a allow is required to hike the High-Down route. Permits functions will be made on-line on the Zion Nationwide Park web site.

• Meals & Water: Carry all of your meals and water. The latter suggestion in all probability sounds a bit bizarre contemplating you’ll spend many of the day mountaineering in shin deep H2O………type of like bringing sand to the seaside. Nonetheless, water in The Narrows is fairly murky and for essentially the most half not that nice for consuming.

Overview map (Picture from NPS.Gov/Zion)

Historical past:

• The 16 mile (25 km) route follows the course of the Virgin River, which over millennia has minimize a spectacular gorge by way of the northern reaches of Zion Canyon. At occasions the chasm is as much as 600 meters deep and solely six meters extensive. Certainly, in occasions previous it was stated that Native American peoples largely averted the higher elements of the canyon, on account of it’s claustrophobic really feel and lack of pure gentle. The primary westerner to descend the canyon was geologist and explorer, Grove Karl Gilbert, in 1872. It’s stated that Gilbert was the person who coined the time period, “The Narrows.”

Hall of Mild | The Narrows, 2013.

Route / Circumstances :

• Route: The High-Down hike begins at Chamberlain’s Ranch. The primary few miles to Bulloch’s cabin are each simple and dry. Quickly after passing this landmark the hiker enters the water for the primary time. Six miles (10 km) of splishing and splashing later, the route reaches North Fork Falls and the confluence with Deep Creek. This marks the start of essentially the most spectacular part of the gorge. From right here till the end, the river is a bit deeper and the partitions are quite a bit larger!

Terra Firma in The Narrows | 2013.

• Circumstances: Dampish. Greater than half of the 16 mile distance is spent in water. Should you don’t like getting your ft moist, greatest look elsewhere.

• Tip 1 – Timing: In case you are doing the High-Down route as a day hike, begin as early as potential with a view to end earlier than darkish.

• Tip 2 – Footwear: Depart the waterproof boots at residence. Boots are heavier, take longer to dry, and because the water is commonly at shin peak or above, your ft will likely be soaked no matter your alternative in footwear. As an alternative of trainers, strive carrying light-weight path trainers with good tread and a strong heel counter.

• Tip 3 – Steadiness: A trekking pole can come in useful for steadiness functions, because the rocks beneath the river’s floor can typically be slippery.

• Tip 4 – Clothes: The water within the Narrows is commonly fairly chilly, so make sure you deliver adequate clothes layers. This significantly holds true for the early morning hours. Don’t overlook to deliver gloves and a beanie as nicely.

Picture from Steven Shattuck | The Narrows, 2017.

Sleeping :

• For these wishing to in a single day in The Narrows, tenting is feasible at one in all 12 designated campsites within the gorge. You will have to order prematurely.

Different Route:

• A shorter, extra in style and easier-to-access different to the complete descent from Chamberlain’s Ranch, is to take a shuttle bus to the Temple of Sinawava, and from there do an out-and-back hike to Massive Springs. It’s a ten mile (16 km) spherical journey. This explicit part of “The Narrows” contains essentially the most spectacular a part of the gorge. No allow is required for this hike, and if you begin early, chances are high you’ll have the outward journey largely to your self.

Rounding the Bend | The Narrows, 2013.

Abstract

The “High Down” route is a spectacular trek that requires no particular abilities or tools (besides in winter when a dry go well with could also be advisable). It may be carried out by hikers of all ages and expertise ranges. All you want is footwear with good traction and a tolerance for having moist ft for a day or two. When mixed with the equally spectacular day hike to Angel’s Touchdown (additionally accessed through the free Canyon shuttle), it makes for an awesome “one-two” mixture for mountaineering fans visiting Zion Nationwide Park.