In February of 2024, Cameron and I embarked on our third journey to Zion, traveling via Las Vegas. While one could easily make a tradition of visiting Zion annually to discover new wonders, our focus this time was laser-sharp. Despite previous attempts, we hadn’t succeeded in hiking the Narrows, and determinedly, we aimed to conquer it this time, even in the midst of winter’s challenges.
After a late-night flight followed by a brief stay in Las Vegas and a pit stop at In-N-Out, we found ourselves in Springdale, UT, once again. This charming town served as an ideal basecamp for our Zion adventures, boasting everything one could desire, including remarkable dining options.
Zion’s peak season teems with visitors, but during the off-season, there’s a bit more breathing room, and you might even navigate the main canyon in your own vehicle. Nonetheless, even amidst the cold winter air, the park buzzed with activity. The Park Service routinely closed the main canyon road early in the mornings due to overflowing parking lots at every stop.
On our first day, we ventured to the east side, my personal favorite. With snow blanketing the ground and clouds hovering above, we trekked through the area, culminating in a hike to Canyon Overlook for sunset. Though the evening lacked photogenic moments, it marked a promising beginning to our expedition.
Prior to embarking on the Narrows hike, we equipped ourselves with cold weather gear from Zion Outfitters, ensuring we were prepared for the early morning venture. Setting off before dawn, we arrived at the parking lot, finding ourselves among the earliest arrivals, yet still not alone. The Narrows, the narrowest stretch of Zion Canyon, begins at the Temple of Sinawava, offering a journey of approximately 3.6 miles up the Virgin River.
Fortune smiled upon us as the river level was manageable, granting us passage. Nevertheless, the current remained formidable, demanding careful navigation across slippery rocks. Balancing camera gear added an extra layer of caution to each step, wary of an unintended dip into the frigid waters.
Though we made progress, the cloudy sky dampened hopes of capturing the canyon’s famed red hues. After concluding our river excursion, we returned to the car to freshen up before indulging in a hearty breakfast and a well-deserved rest.
Venturing to the Kolob Canyon section later that afternoon, we encountered solitude amidst the rugged terrain. Despite the challenging conditions brought by snowmelt and rain, pockets of clear sky provided opportunities for captivating photography.
The remainder of our trip was devoted primarily to exploring the east side of the park, from witnessing sunrise at Canyon Overlook to traversing mountain and canyon trails. Despite having visited thrice before, Zion’s allure remained undiminished, promising endless exploration.
Special mention must be made of our delightful dining experiences at Switchback Grille, where we savored exceptional meals on two occasions, affirming its status as a culinary gem in southern Utah.
As our time drew to a close, we reluctantly bid farewell to Zion and made our way back to Las Vegas for our return flight, already eagerly anticipating our next adventure in this breathtaking landscape. We did make one final stop before the airport to watch the sunset in one of the State Parks right outside of Las Vegas. It makes for a peaceful way of capping off a trip.
