Upcoming Trips and Events
Havasupai Sept 2008
Set for Sept 12, 13, 14th. Currently there are no spots left. We will be taking about 20 people.
Zion National Park Hiking and Camping Trip
I am planning a trip to Zion National Park in Oct. 2008.
The trip would be to hike the Zion Narrows which means hiking in the Virgin River. At least 60% of the hike is spent wading, and walking in the river. There is no maintained trail; the route is the river. The current is swift in places, the water is cold (50-55 degrees), and the rocks underfoot are slippery.
The Virgin River has carved a spectacular gorge in the upper reaches of Zion Canyon: 16 miles long, up to 2000 feet deep, and at times only 20-30 feet wide. The Zion Narrows; walking in the shadow of its soaring walls, sandstone grottos, natural springs, and hanging gardens is one of the best hikes in the Western United Sates
The is the easiest way to experience the Narrows. Ride the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava, walk one mile to the end of the paved Riverside Walk, and begin wading up the river. Almost immediately the views are breathtaking, and each bend of the river brings new delights. There is no formal destination, and you return the same way you came. Many hikers try to reach Orderville Canyon, a tributary creek approximately 2 hours upstream from the end of the paved trail. In the vicinity of Orderville Canyon the Narrows are at perhaps their most majestic.
I'm looking to plan a trip this October. The hike is really not that hard and you gain only about 100 feet in elevation over the entire hike and the cost is minimal for what your going to experience. Its about a 4 hour drive to Zion (so figure in gas but we all can car pool). Park entrance fees are $25 per car. Camping fees are $16-20 per night (up to six people, 2 tents, and 2 cars per site)
If you wish to stay in a motel there are several just outside the park. So if you don't like to camp you also have this option.
Rental fees for gear to hike the Narrows, because most of the hike takes place in the river I would highly recommend that you rent proper water shoes $18, neoprene socks $5 and walking stick $5 (water temp is 50-55 degrees).
If you are interested please let me know what dates your available to go.
Oct 3,4, 5th (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Oct 10,11, 12th (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Oct 17,18, 19th (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Oct 24,25, 26th (Fri, Sat, Sun)
If yor not able to take that Friday off you could drive up after work and meet the rest of the group at the campsite. If you are interested please let me know. Campsites do fill up quick so I would need to make reservations. Hope you enjoy the pictures below.
The Narrows hike has you hiking through a canyon that has 1500 feet walls that rise on each side.
Zion has some amazing landscape.
The canyon walls are only 20-30 feet apart in some areas. If you look close you can see me at the bottom right on the canyon floor.
You hike up the Virgin River and 60% of the hike is in the water.
Me and my brother (Randy)
Getting ready to start the hike.
The current is pretty swift in areas, but never really gets above waist deep.
Checkerboard pattern that has eroded in the mountain
Looking up out of the caynon
Tunnel that extends over a mile long that was carved in the canyon wall to allow safe passage for visitors.
The Narrows is considered one of the best if not the best hike in the Western USA.
Hiking Upstream
Sedona Hiking and Camping Trip
I have looked into planning a trip to Sedona Arizona . I'm not sure of the dates but if you are interested please provide your email.
