MarkintheHV Loc: Hudson Valley

Just scored permits for the two day backpacking trip down the Virgin River Narrows. I didnt get selected for the Subway lottery, but there is always the last minute lottery the week before I arrive.

Since I am a very strong hiker, I have other photo ops planned as backups.

Any advice for Virgin River Narrows Top Down or other photo ops?

Going to be by myself, so no one to tell me where to go :)

big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada

Allow me to carry your gear... :D

MarkintheHV Loc: Hudson Valley

I got my pack down to 35 pounds, thinking now about ditching the tent (maybe i should use this to buy a lighter tripod)

:) :)

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Take CARE be safe! Enjoy! J. R.

plessner Loc: North Dakota

Maybe the Emerald Pools hike will be a bit tame for you--but I thought it was gorgeous

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Weather? If you live where I live the failure to take adequate gear might cost you dearly. However you know your environment better than we do. if the weather is nice, no reason to not sleep under the stars.

jaketheman

Think of vertical panoramas as go through the narrows. Go from the top down starting at Chamberlain ranch. Make sure you do angels landing as well. Look for the tree at the top near the end of the trail on angels landing. Roots on top of the rock slabs. Great lesson on effort to survive. (hope it is still there). Also if you don't get to do all the hikes you wish, consider pine creek. Have fun, it is one of the great hikes in the West.

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

Mark, Good luck. I just found this which may be useful or helpful to you. Gary http://www.citrusmilo.com/zionguide/zionnarrows.cfm

illininitt

I will be in the same area 05/10-05/24 for the Mighty 5 plus Grand Canyon. 1300 miles in 14 days from Las Vegas.

mjmoore17 Loc: Philadelphia, PA area

I have done this hike in the past, both directions at different times. To me the most important things are footwear and dry bags. I have used a pair of five ten boot and several dry bags for photo equipment. Tent is optional but helps with bugs. Have a great time, it is a unique experience.
Michael

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

Appropriate water foot gear, some wear scuba pants, water proof containers for camera gear, two adjustable hiking sticks (walking on rocks is unstable), good wide angle lens, polarizer, 6-10 stopper and tripod. The river is long and narrow. Light is reflected off the walls but come mid day the light begins to come through and you will have dynamic range to deal with. I like the long exposure approach, get low and get rock clusters in your foreground. There will be a lot of people and at times, you will have to wait for the them to pass and clear.

Hacksaw Loc: Pacific Northwest

I'm jealous! I'm leaving on a solo road-trip on May 12th to visit all five NPs in southern Utah plus Monument Valley over a two week period. I won't have the time to do any backpacking; just short day-hikes.

rrayrob Loc: Las Vegas, NV

Have done the Narrows many times in the past. Agree with Mark7829 on hiking gear. What time of year are you going, you didn't say? Remember that it's called the Narrows for a reason and that means you will spend alot of time walking IN the river and when not IN the river you will be hiking back and forth across the river. In Spring and Fall, the Virgin River will be cold and hypothermia can be a problem do to extended time being wet and cold and if weather is overcast then no way to warm up in the sun. Also be aware of weather forecasts - flash floods in the Narrows happen from time to time. That said - it's a great experience being in the slot canyon and hiking in the river. Not to mention the beautiful scenery. Certainly one of my favoriter places. Definitely take dry bags. There are several shops in Springdale, UT - the town at the entrance to Zion - that rent cold water gear - water shoes, wet suits, etc. Have only hiked up the Narrows to point where canyon splits so no comments about the upper portion of the hike, which you will be coming down through first but sure the hiking shops can answer any quesstions you may have. Try Zion Adventure Company www.zionadventures.com Good luck, have fun and be safe.

rca1 Loc: Kanab Utah

if you can get a hold of Berry Glazer and Jim Anderson at the Glazer Market in Kanab Utah, They can direct you to some Awsume hikes.

rrayrob Loc: Las Vegas, NV

And if time allows, do the Angels Landing hike. Thrilling once you get up on top about 1500 feet above valley floor - great views.