Looking for advice for Zion Narrows

[bob_flood1]

<p>I've been to Zion too many times to count and have no plans to quit going. But among my frustrations in Zion, I've never gone into the narrows - I'm partially disabled and had convinced myself that the Narrows was no place for an old cripple like me.</p>

<p>I walk with difficulty - an artificial hip and an artificial knee have helped, but my left ankle and lower leg are held together by an erector set, and there are nerve problems that complicate matters. Nevertheless, I have come to the conclusion that I need to try, even if I don't get all that far in the Narrows. So I'm hoping I can draw on the collective experience of the photo.net community for help with what to expect.</p>

<p>First, I don't see me going into water much over knee deep (subject to a foolish, spur-of-the-moment reversal of sensible planning). Can anyone give me an idea of how far I might get into the Narrows with that kind of limitation?</p>

<p>Second, what sort of shoes should I be using for this hike? Good footing on the wet rocky river bottom is important for someone who doesn't walk all that well. I expect to replace my cane on this hike with a walking pole with a more pointed end (the sort that can be had at REI/ Sportsman's Warehouse, etc), and I'll also have my old D70 on an old monopod, which can serve as additional support in a pinch.</p>

<p>BTW, my aim is to make this attempt around mid-July.</p>

[anil_sud]

<p>Bob, I was there attending a photo workshop last November and we did the hike into the narrows. The workshop leader said the water levels were about as low as he had ever seen there over his numerous trips to the area. For what it's worth, at that time of year, we were typically wading in water close to knee high and most of the currents were gentle although there were occasions where you really had to brace yourself when crossing the river. <br>

There was one instance where the river bottom dropped down and I was close to mid-waist in water (I'm about 5'6") at the deepest point. I would estimate that we walked in about 1.5-2 miles upstream.<br>

Prior to the hike, we went to a local outfitter in Springdale and rented dry bags for the camera gear and suits for keeping warm. They also post waterflow levels with recommendations about suitability for hiking into the narrows. The neoprene socks/boots will allow water in but will provided needed insulation so after a few minutes, you hardly notice the cold water. They also supply a walking stick which is handy...if your camera gear is on your back in a dry bag, and one hand to carry a tripod, you still have a free arm to stabilize yourself against the current. I would recommend to rent the neoprene boots/socks rather than wearing hikers or sneakers in the water as the cold will get to you quickly. The total rental cost including a fleece pullover was about $65.</p>

[kts]

<p>Bob, if you take your time and make a lot of rest stops you should be able to get to at least the Alcove Bend or a little bit past.....i used my monpod as a walking stick and i had my camera and lenses in a waterproof backpack......water should be fairly warm in July but i would still recommend renting some neoprene socks and canyoneering shoes for their added stability.....also keep your eye on the water level reports from the USGS.....anything under 40 indicates fairly low water levels.... </p>

<p><a href="http://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/ut/nwis/uv?cb_00060=on&cb_00065=on&format=gif_stats&period=60&begin_date=&end_date=&site_no=09405500">http://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/ut/nwis/uv?cb_00060=on&cb_00065=on&format=gif_stats&period=60&begin_date=&end_date=&site_no=09405500</a></p><div></div>

[charles_wood]

<p>The snow pack here in Utah was well below normal this last winter. The water flow in the Zion Narrows is at a historic low at this time, according to staff at the visitor center in Zion National Park. From a photographic standpoint, the Narrows is loaded with hundreds of tourists every day and some patience will be required to get shots free of people. On the other hand, people in the shot can lend a sense of scale to some areas, particularly the Wall Street section. Among your lenses be sure to pack a wide angle. Enjoy the experience.</p>

[joseph_smith3]

<p>Bob, you are braver than I am. I have an artificial hip too. The last time I did the narrows was about 15 years ago when I was in shape, stronger and sure footed. The only way I would attempt it today with an artificial hip would be with a pair of professionally designed hiking poles, with shock tips, a good backpack and good footware and legware as described above. The depth of the water was not the problem as I recall; it was the unstable walking surfaces in certain long sections that caused many to give up and turn around.<br>

Joe Smith</p>

[bob_flood1]

<p>Joseph - I don't think it's courage that allows me to try it - it's the cumulative frustration that's driving me to try. I live in Las Vegas and can be at the entrance to the canyon is exactly 2.5 hours from my house, so I go there regularly. I've been walking with a cane for 15 years following an auto accident and then advancing arthritis, and all my attempts to get to Angel's Landing have failed (made to the top of the side of the canyon, above the wiggles, but no farther), and I've been to the mouth of the Narrows and stood in the water to get a few shots, but never tried to go in.</p>

<p>Now that I'm retired, and figuring my legs aren't going to get better from here on, if I'm gonna take a shot at it, now's the time. I fully expect to turn back when conditions become too risky for me, but I want to get as far as I can, or at least as far as I dare.</p>

[iambaxter]

<p>Bob I admire your determination. I will second the advice from Anil about going into Springdale and renting all the gear. They will supply you with walking sticks and special boots for warmth and footing, as well as hip waders and any waterproof bags you might need. I have found the people in the rental shops to be most helpful on selecting the right type and size of gear. They will also help with safety tips. I'm sure that you will not be traveling alone. One thing to remember is that you may not be able to drive you own car up to the narrows but may have to take the bus depending on the time of year you are going. Again talk to the people in the rental shops for advice.</p>

<p><img src="/photo/6606196" alt="" /></p>

[bob_flood1]

<p>Well, I've done some research and found the outfitters and have gotten an understanding of the gear you folks have recommended - I am much better prepared for this adventure thanks to all of you.</p>

<p>Len - you are right about driving - the shuttle buses run all the time in the summer, and the park doesn't like giving out handicap passes to allow your to drive anyway unless the handicapped passenger requires a wheelchair (because of limited parking). The shuttle system in Zion is very good and riding it to Sinawava is easy.</p>

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