We had only a 2 hour drive planed for the day with two hikes. First, before driving anywhere, we would hike the Zion Narrows. Then on the way out of the park we planned to hike a one hour out and back on Canyon Overlook Trail. So, on this day we woke up very early, checked out of the hotel, loaded up the car and walked over to Zion National Park for the morning shuttle to the narrows.
The Route
https://goo.gl/maps/Dtgypsq7BhvJ2HF66
Zion Narrows
The water in the Virgin River looked brown and muddy and was moving somewhat rapidly. It had been raining off and on and we were in the middle of flash flood season, so we all had concerns while riding the shuttle toward the narrows. Fortunately there was no flash flood warning today, but there was a flood watch, so we were on the lookout all morning for any signs of change in the river.
Although the water appeared muddy it did not feel that way. It felt cool and refreshing and did not cling or stain like you would expect mud to do. The lack of visibility in the water slowed us down though as we poked around with our sticks to find footing for each step.
After around 2.5 hours of hiking upriver a light drizzle started. So, thinking about floods, we decided to turn around and head back. On the way back we knew where all of the hidden deep spots were and managed to retrace our steps in a fraction of the time. The light rain disappeared rapidly and didn’t come back until well into the afternoon. But it was getting much more crowded as we once again neared the start, which let us know our early morning wake up was well worth the effort for the reward of a near empty canyon in spite of summer peak.
Canyon Overlook Trail
After a quick lunch we were back on the road. From here the road winds through and up Zion Park. Canyon Overlook Trail is on the left immediately after passing through the Zion tunnel. There is a parking lot on the right side of the road and a small one further up the road on the left. Both were full for us, but we managed to find some space on the side of the road about 1/4 mile up.
The trail is a short out and back with an amazing view at the end. Total distance is about a mile (not including the walk to the car) and, although it is relatively easy, it is not for those with a fear of heights. There are crevices to cross along planks and some narrow cliffside trails to negotiate. The trail for us had the feel of a mini adventure and, while the view at the end was great, the trail was the best part.
By the time we arrived at the top the rain once again resumed. This time it was real rain, and the weather app confirmed it. So we snapped a few quick pics and tried to scramble back down to the car as quickly as we could while still stepping cautiously.
Canyon Overlook Trail to Bryce, UT
We returned to the car just as the rain was stopping. And although we were soaked, the August desert rain was a bit refreshing. The rest of the drive through Zion park, past Checkerboard Mesa and through Red Canyon was scenic. We stayed the night at Ruby’s Inn, just outside Bryce Canyon, which has a pretty large gift shop and general store which we used to stock on up road supplies.
Driving through the bridge (picture above was taken on the other side):
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