Hiking the Zion Narrows

[blipski]

So I was supposed to go hiking the Zion Narrows with a friend, but due to work, he won't be able to make it any longer. Is hiking the Narrows solo okay, or recommended against? I'm 24 and in good shape, if that matters. I'd really like to go, as I won't have any vacation time for another 9 months, and I've been meaning to go for a while but always end up going elsewhere. Any comments from people who have done it before, either solo or with others?

[Mark_Cohran]

There will be plenty of people in the Narrows with you if you go during normal tourist hours. The Narrows, as with all deep cut, narrow canyons, does have a risk of flash flooding, so that is the danger really. The advantage of having someone hike with you, of course, is that if you stumble and get hurt, there is someone to go for help or to assist you in hiking back out of the canyon.

[blipski]

Forgot to mention I would be doing the long version of the hike that involves getting the permit, and possibly camping at one of the campsites.

[irishman]

I never recommend hiking alone. The backcountry, while seemingly tame, is not to be trifled with.

[Mark_Cohran]

Forgot to mention I would be doing the long version of the hike that involves getting the permit, and possibly camping at one of the campsites.

Then I would have to recommend you wait until you have someone to accompany you.

[fotoshane]

just got back from Zion Canyon. I hiked up to Angel's landing by myself and I'm in pretty bad shape ;o

You'll get some great shots there.

[Sparky98]

Solo hiking is not recommended but people do it all the time and return home safely. Then there are the cases where someone falls into a crevice and are never found, or they get wedged between 2 rocks and they either die or cut an arm off with their pocket knife, or maybe they get eaten by a bear. If you are in reasonable shape and know what you are doing solo hiking/camping can be an enjoyable experience. You just have to be careful and think about what you are doing. Just remember a slight injury at home might not be much to worry about but that same injury in the wilderness could become a life or death issue.

The most dangerous thing most of us ever do is to drive or ride in a car but we are so accustomed to vehicles that we don't even think about the dangers. If you prepare yourself for a solo hike you will probably be safer in the wilderness than when driving to the wilderness.

[AmaTxGuy]

Hike by yourself.. Its great you can concentrate on your shots without anybody bothering you (in my case its kids)

If your family is bothered by it you can get a PLB

You can buy one or rent one

http://www.plbrentals.com/

http://www.landfallnavigation.com/acrresqfix.html

[Win]

I'd say do it and you'll probably not have a problem. Watch the weather and be aware that the water is getting cold! You might want to rent a wetsuit, shoes and hiking stick. Zion Adventure is close to the park, does the rentals and can shuttle you to the trailhead.

Win

[blipski]

I appreciate the tips guys! I usually go hiking alone as far as photography, that way I don't bore anyone by waiting for the right light for a couple of hours. Then again, it's usually only a few miles of trails and not as risky as the Narrows.

I think I'll do it solo, as long as the weather reports look very positive. If not I'll just do several day hikes instead. Thanks a bunch for the link for the GPS device. I'll have to look into that, might ease some my girlfriend's worries :)

[Milner]

Little late, sorry....

Check out Zion Adventure Company and Zion Outdoors. On any given day they will have people going out to the Narrows.
As long as the weather is good, you won't have any problems being alone. There will always be someone behind and in front of you, never really alone in there anymore....

There a tons of great day hikes as well. Ask the locals to point you in a direction. Hit the Bit and Spur for a beer the night before and you'll find plenty of locals willing to share some off the beaten path areas with you.

Never do the Subway alone though!!!!