44 Forty: Number 14 Hike the Narrows

I have wanted to hike the Narrows in Zions for a long time. I had planned it with friends a couple of years ago but that was the rainy year so they closed the Narrows down for flash floods. So this year Danielle and I made a quick weekend trip to Zions and hiked the Narrows. We stayed in a house of a friend. That made the trip even nicer with a big house to ourselves. We started out about 9 am. We walked the river hike and then once you get to the end of that you just start walking in the water. The water was cool but it wasn't a big deal to be in the water. The highest the water level was was about to our waists but mostly mid calf. There were some people up there but not overly crowded. Everyone was friendly and enjoying themselves. I think for me the best part was just the beauty of it. The cliffs were incredible and the canyon so deep. It was amazing to think it had been carved out by the rivers constant flow for millions of years. Then as the sun would peek through the canyon and reflect off the red rocks it was really just humbling to be there and experience the beauty. Around every bend it just got better. We hiked until we almost reached the second fork joining the main river. There was a huge boulder and we would have to really get wet to get around it so we decided we better head back. The hike out was easier and quicker (as always) but we were tired by then so we took it slow. We got back to the trail head about 5:30 and then out of the park about 6ish and ordered a delicious pizza from Pizza and Noodles and took it home and enjoyed. I am really glad that we made the effort to do Number 14 Hike the Narrows.