Zion Narrows Top - Down Backpacking trip

I got a Zion Narrows Back Country permit for 12 hikers on September 1st-2nd. Its weekday (Thursday - Friday) and Narrows will be little less crowded.

Overview
Zion Narrows is one of the most beautiful canyon in the US. Hiking through the canyon is breathtaking adventure.
We will hike along the Virgin River for 16 miles. We have to walk across the river, walk in the river or possibly swim in the river. That makes this hike much strenuous but it is quite a rewarding experience.

We will hike down 11 miles for first day to campsite #12. That means we got only 5 miles on 2nd day. So, we may check out the Ordervill canyon from the bottom for a mile.

Camping/Carpool/Shuttle Plan
September 1st (Thursday)

See us at Zion Adventure Company.

36 Lion Boulevard, Springdale, Utah (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=36+Lion+Boulevard,+Springdale+Utah&oe=UTF-8&gl=us&z=16&vpsrc=0)

at the corner of Lion Boulevard and Zion Park Boulevard (State Route 9) 1/4 mile south of the Park entrance station

We will use Zion Adventure Company for shuttle to the trailhead. Shuttle leave there on 9:30AM. So, Please meet us on 9:00AM. We can leave our car at Zion Adventure Company.

Shuttle arrives to Chamberlain's Ranch trailhead around 11AM.

We will hike about 11 miles to our campsite #12. It will take about 8 - 9 hours with lots of breaks. We will arrive the campsite by sunset and have some time to set up the tent/cook and eat dinner/swim in the river etc... before it gets dark.

September 2nd (Friday)

Sunrise around 6AM. We have only 5 miles to hikeout the canyon and more than enough time to make it. Thus, we will hike up the Ordervill Canyon for about a mile. Its only 1 hour side trip. Including side trip, it will take about 5 hours to hike out the Canyon.

We will take a free shuttle bus back to Zion Adventure Company.

On the way home, we will stop at Springdale or St.George for late lunch/ealy dinner/rehydration party.

We may come back to the town around 7-8 PM. (but, not sure)

Equipment
Boots....We will hike in the river. The rock in the water is slick. Do NOT wear sandals. Bring water shoes or canyoneering boots. Hiking boots is uncomfortable once it get wet, but at least it will hold you ankle. You can rent the Canyoneering boots/Neoprene socks/hiking sticks for $28.50 at Zion Adventure Company on Thursday. (personaly, I recommend to rent this canyoneering boots. This boots has great grip also holds ankle. Most of watershoes won't hold ankle very much, also your feet may get hurts with its thin sole. Even if you twist your ankle, you have to hike out by yourself)
Dry Bags...We will hike in waist/neck deep water for couple of times. And your backpack will get wet at that time. But, you want to keep your stuff (tent, sleeping bag, extra clothing, food etc...) DRY. Get Dry bag at local sporting shop or Walmart. Zip Lock may NOT work. (it may blows up in the back pack)
Trekking Poles...The rock in the river is round and slick. You may slip and fall into water if you don't use poles. It also useful to check the depth of water too. You can rent hiking sticks at Zion Adventure company.
Overnight Gear...We will spend overnight in the Canyon. The temperature is not cold at night. So, you don't have to bring your tent if you don't want. You can share it with someone. The Key of this hike is reduce your pack weight. Share the gear if you can.
Food and cooking set...We won't cook the food for 1st day breakfast/lunch. Please bring some snack (like power bar). We cook Dinner and 2nd day breakfast at campsite. Bring cooking stove, cooking pot etc...
Water...Carry drinking water for 1st day. The virgin river water is drinkable after filtered. (but taste is little funny) I will bring my water filter and we can share it. If you want to bring yours, just bring it.
Clothing....we will get wet. Bring quick dry type shirts/pants if you have.

To join this hike, you MUST call Zion Adventure company (435-772-1001) and make your shuttle reservation .

(9:30AM shuttle to Chamberlain's Ranch)

If weather gets bad and ranger doesn't allow as to hike in, this trip will be cancelled. In this case I will full refund.

For more Zion Narrows information, please check following website.
http://www.zionnational-park.com/zion-narrows.htm
http://www.citrusmilo.com/zionguide/narrowsdown.cfm

And this is the photo album that we did same hike last year.
http://www.vegashikers.com/pic/20100701/p1.html

Please send me an email if you have any question.

Shin