Hiking the Narrows at Zion National Park

I'll never forget my first trip to Zion National Park in Southern Utah. I've been to other National Parks, but none have compared in beauty or in array of activities. The main attraction, if you had to narrow it down to just one (no pun intended), at Zion is The Narrows. Carved from the Virgin River, The Narrows is a natural wonder unlike any other. The pottery smooth walls that tower to heights that skyscrapers would envy are just the beginning. 

Being the adventurous type, I couldn't just do as others do and enter the bottom & work my way upward... No, that would be too easy. I like to take the road less traveled and that is exactly what I did, after getting my backcountry permit of course. With driving directions, a not too specific hiking guide, and a few companions, I headed to the journey of a lifetime. The sunset drive was definitely notable and the directions lead me to a not so smooth dirt road that eventually came to a gate that opened to a small parking area in a cow pasture. 

We were specifically told that no tents were to be pitched on this private piece of property, so we prepared for a chilly night under the stars with the cows. Awaking early, very early, the next morning we got ourselves together, ate a bagel, and went on our way - flashlights in hand - to find the entrance of the National Park. As we set out, the movie "Stand By Me" came to mind. The first portion of the adventure is an easy walk on a dirt road that leads you to the river. I remember that it was cold and the sun hadn't officially started work for the day when we reached the river. I carefully hopped from rock to rock to cross without getting wet, something that seems quite ridiculous since the next 10 hours were spent in the water, I guess I just needed some time to come to grips with the reality of hiking in a river.