Harmon and I only had a day and a half for our visit to Zion National Park. We knew that we had to get in two legendary hikes … Angels Landing and The Narrows.
The Narrows is unique in that the trail is plotted by the Virgin River itself. Specifically, the North Fork of the Virgin River carved a narrow, steep slot canyon into the surrounding Navajo Sandstone. We took the bottom-up route, hiking upstream from the Temple of Sinawava.
To hike The Narrows, you need some specific gear and an up-to-date weather forecast. Rain can quickly produce high water and dangerous currents. The rocks can be slick, so proper canyon boots, neoprene socks, and a hiking staff are essential. We rented our equipment from Zion Outfitters at the park entrance.
Water depth and difficulty vary with river conditions. On our May visit, we found the hike easy to moderate overall, and the water temperature felt great with our rented gear.
The Narrows offers a contrasting perspective of Zion compared with Angels Landing. Rather than ascending and looking down, The Narrows immerses you inside the canyon walls. You experience the river and discover hidden alcoves with springs and hanging gardens. Time seems to slow down as you ponder the path of your feet and peacefully explore what’s around the bend of The Narrows.
The Narrows initially felt like a challenge to meet, but it turned out to be an energizing experience along a focused and winding path.
By the way … If you have a chance to visit Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah, is such a great little town. With easy bus access to the park and a walkable downtown, it’s a great fit for seasoned hikers and families alike.
The Takeaway
A purposeful and impactful life is built on a relentless pursuit of narrowing our focus on what matters most.
The Reflection
Life can sometimes get overwhelming. We encounter seasons when competing priorities push our limits. To remain grounded and focused rather than disoriented and distracted, we need to narrow the focus. Sustaining purpose and impact involves the elusive art of life balance. It’s a daily pursuit that requires us to recenter and realign our time with our priorities, our goals, our people, and our path.
Field Question
How do you fight the drift towards complexity to stay focused on what matters personally and professionally?