Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion The Zion Narrows

I'll be doing a day hike up The Narrows a ways the first week of September. The Zion Adventure Co in Springdale rents equipment and I may rent their boots recommended for hiking in the river. They have a package that includes neoprene socks and a wooden walking stick. They recommend:

"We use simple, wooden walking sticks instead of trekking poles because aluminum poles tend to bend and break in the Narrows as they continously get wedged and levered under big rocks."

Anyone have any advice on this? I always use my hiking poles and thought I'd use them in the Narrows. It would be cheaper to just rent the boots rather than the "package". And do I need the neoprene socks?

When I came through the Narrows (from the top) about 12 years ago (in Sept, too), I am pretty sure I used hiking poles, and a buddy used ski poles. I suppose the poles can get wedged and bent, but it wasn't a problem for us. I've always "sensed" when my pole has gotten stuck, and throw my arm back and jerk it up when I feel it happening.

I used old hiking boots, and just waded through. Retired them after that trip, as they were worn out. One or two of our party used low-top trail runners and they came through just fine.

The water isn't cold, I'd just wear hiking socks.

The Narrows is an awesome trip. I'd sure love to do it again.

I was at The Narrows a few weeks ago, although only in the beginning section where all day hikers are. I saw lots of people carrying these incredibly heavy and ungainly looking wooden walking sticks. Much taller and thicker than a regular trekking pole, and with no handle or wrist strap. I don't know if that's what would be included in your package, but I sure wouldn't have wanted to hike with it.

I've hiked the Narrows three times from the top down as a day hike, and at least seven times from the bottom up. My first trip I used hiking boots and hiking poles. It was doable, but the next and all subsequent times I rented the boots, socks and wooden stick from Zion Adventure Co. It is unbelievably easier with their equipment. The single wooden stick is sturdy to hold up between the rocks, and you can really dig in and get good leverage. Hiking pokes are more likely to skid across the rocks and are susceptible to bending and breaking, especially at the pole joints. And the shoes...they are perfect for the Narrows. They stick to the slippery rocks much better than my boots. Personally I wouldn't wear the shoes without the neoprene socks, they fit together. There is a great deal of pounding on your toes and feet, and the socks are extra cushioning. It would be like wearing hiking boots without socks.

That said, the Virgin river is very low this season and navigating through the water will be easier than the norm. If you want to avoid the rental expense and use your regular hiking equipment, this is the optimal time to do it.

Thanks for the valuable info. The rental package is only $22. Your input will help me and others in my group select our gear.