While reviewing trails on Sunday evening, we found the Zion Narrows Riverside Walk which is at the far north end of the main park scenic drive. The trail (without the wading in the snow fed river extension) is an approximately 2-mile round trip on a very well-maintained trail that has only about a 200-foot elevation gain over the trail. We got up a bit early so that we would be able to get a parking place in the parking area at the trailhead. Once again parking lot karma was on our side, and it all worked out great. Only downside was that the main restrooms were closed for repair and while they had porta potties, I’m pretty sure the inside bathrooms were warmer.
We arrived around 8:30 in the morning and because the North Fork of the Virgin River Canyon is mostly in the shade this time of year until mid to late afternoon, it was cold (45 deg F). The wind was also blowing adding to the chill factor. We had prepared well so we were not particularly uncomfortable, but the chill was noticeable. The walls of the canyon were near vertical and were still primarily the Navajo Sandstone, with a bit of snow for accent.
We ran into the New York couple and Phoenix guy that we had met at the geology talk the day before. Phoenix guy (John) was all decked out in insulated, waterproof waders with a pair of stout hiking sticks and continued up the trail into the river beyond the old folks’ trail ending. He sent us the two photos below of his in the river adventure.
A few people pictures while enjoying the river walk and with our newfound friends.
After our early morning hike, we turned back south on the scenic drive. We did make a couple of stops at pull outs heading south. At one stop that we had visited early in the morning on the way up the river, we had seen a fairly free-spirited looking fellow sitting on top of his van enjoying a cup of something. He was still there about 3 hours later but had switched his intake to something significantly more aromatic and relaxing. Just sitting there staring at the scenery yearning for the ’70s. We were planning on doing a second hike at the Emerald Pools Trail to finish out the days sightseeing. At this point, our parking lot karma expired, and we had to park a bit of a distance from the trailhead. Also, Joni’s leg, which had registered a complaint the evening before, was not being as cooperative as we needed for uphill, trail hiking. In the end we did walk up to the Emerald Pools Trailhead along the Grotto Trail which went from the Zion Lodge area to the trailhead. On the walk, several deer sort of dropped onto the trail apparently thinking that the folks walking would have some morsels for them to enjoy. Again, I think the folks that brave the cold to visit the park are more conscious of the wildlife and scenery and no one walked up to the deer to try to pet them or feed them. Everyone stayed a respectable distance from the deer. It appeared that the deer thought that the humans were being a bit stand offish, and they tentatively relocated closer to the folks on the trail.
All in all, another great scenery and sightseeing day in the park. We had a late lunch, so dinner was not a huge priority but we both thought that we should have something. We found a small place in Springdale called MeMe’s Cafe that advertised burgers, salad and crepes. Opting for a lower key meal, we tried it out and it was very good. By the way, Springdale in late February rolls up the sidewalks pretty early. Not sure where all the tourists go, but it was extraordinarily quiet in the evenings during our visit.