Before we went to Zion, I had not heard the term "slot canyon" until I started researching the park on the internet while planning our visit.  In Zion, there is a slot canyon that runs for a remarkable 16 miles carved by the North Fork of the Virgin River - I should note that the Virgin River is a main tributary of the Colorado River.  This slot canyon is called The Narrows.  From the south, one takes the Riverside Walk trail from the Temple of Sinawava.  The trail 'ends' when the canyon becomes so narrow that there is no place for a trail.  So this becomes a 'river trail' where one wades just about more than one finds sand to walk on.  The rocks in the river are slick with algae and such so one needs a stick to help with one's balance while wading or crossing the river.  I recommend that you stop by an outriggers store on the way to the park to get a 'walking stick' (nice souvenir if not flying) or try to pick up a stick at the end of the Riverside Walk - those returning leave sticks along the side of the canyon which is what we did after picking up one at the start of our journey.

Be sure to find out what the weather forecast is at the visitor center before going to the slot canyon.  I wanted to go to the intersection of the Orderville Canyon which is about 1.8 miles up The Narrows.  We made about a mile before a storm north of us caused us to wimp out and return.  This is because as little as .5" of rain can cause a flash flood in the canyon since most all of the rain is channeled to the river in the canyon.  There have been drownings here.  It is best to try The Narrows in the morning because of the afternoon showers. In other words, go strait to the Riverside Trail to do The Narrows then go do the rest of the park.   Also, the wading was nice because it was 110+ in the park that late July.

If one chooses to hike the entire 16 miles, a permit is required and a sanity check if over 50. As we started to return to avoid the possible flash flood, an Asian tourist asked us if we saw The Narrows and how much farther was it.  I tried hard to tell him in simple English that he was in The Narrows and would be for the next 15 miles.  Not sure if he ever understood the concept that The Narrows is the entire slot canyon, not just one spot like a waterfall.   At the Orderville juncture, the canyon is 30' wide at the botton and amost 2000+ feet vertically up to the rim.  I really wanted to see that!!!  I had to settle for seeing pictures by others who were lucky enough to experience it.  Pictures can be found on the internet, of course.  Even if one goes only .5 miles (or even .1) up The Narrows, the alcoves are worth it.

We enjoyed all the usual stops - Mt. Carmel Tunnel, Zion Lodge, Weeping Rock, etc.

I would like to know if other classmates have tried The Narrows.

5.5.10 Changed name to 2004 since it was not 2003 - Senior Moment!

Adding picture to show beginning of The Narrows.

Also, years ago someone told me that most people visit the Grand Canyon at the South Rim.   He said that to get away from the crowds (that appeals to me) one needs to go to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.  After that, one should visit Zion NP and Bryce Canyon NP on that side.  We have done Zion NP and plan to do Bryce this summer.  Maybe we will check out the North Rim.

Polly & I were at Zion NP in May of '09.  We rode the shuttle bus and walked up to the point where you start the hike into the Narrows but didn't go in.  This was during the time period you are required to ride the shuttle buses instead of driving your own car.  The shuttle buses really were efficient as you could get off at any point and get back on at about any point.  I think they took the low bidder on the buses as I'm certain there are those with better viewing from inside the bus.  Don't let having to take the shuttles deter you from going, they really are good and help to reduce traffic.

Regarding "slot canyons", I've heard of them in Arizona and have seen photos of them.  As the lighting changes at different times of the day the light really makes for some beautiful photographs with multi-colored hues ever changing.  But, as you pointed out, check the weather, just a couple of years ago, there were a number of deaths due to a flash flood, even with a guide who should have known better.