Zion Narrows Opens for Hiking

The famous Narrows in Zion National Park is open for hiking after being closed because of high water levels from lingering spring runoff. Conditions are good for hiking in all major canyons in Zion. Permits are required for technical canyon hikes and overnight trips into the backcountry. Permits can be obtained at the visitor center.

Shane Burrows reports there are major changes in some canyons since last year. “The old keeper pothole in Echo (Canyon) has now filled in with sand but a new one that was originally covered by a log is now open above. Same rules apply.... two people should have no problems (getting through).

”Mystery (Canyon) is filled with debris and the old swims are now filled with sand. Lots of fallen trees to climb over.

“The hard winter has really changed some of the canyons; go prepared - stay safe. You can visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canyoneer to stay up-to-date on new conditions and post trip reports to alert others to the revised conditions as they are discovered.”

Shane has a great website offering comprehensive info about hiking in Utah: www.Climb-Utah.com