Zion Narrows with camera + tripod?

Hi all,

I am going to Zion next week. I'd like to take some pictures in the Narrows, but I'm a bit worried about water levels. Does anyone know how high the water gets, and what is required for safely bring a camera and a tripod on the hike?

Thanks,

Joss

Given some recent heavy storms, you should check with the ranger station for conditions if you will be going soon. Usually the water is around thigh, rarely waist-deep in some holes, but the current and uneven footing on the bottom can put you at some risk of falling in. Rent some canyoneering shoes and a long (around 5 or 6 ft.) staff from one of the outfitters in Springdale, and consider putting the camera in a dry bag (can also rent one of those) if the water level is high, otherwise, probably won't need one.
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David
http://www.davidfantle.com

Thanks, this is good info. What are canyoneering shoes like?

I have done the narrows a couple times this year, but in September and late August. The water wasn't bad at all, or very deep, but we have had a ton a rain lately here in utah. There was some flooding a couple weeks ago in souther Utah. The nice thing is you can tell when you get to the river if it is to deep or not right were the paved trail ends. If it is deep there then you know it will be REAL deep the rest the way. It was below my knees at the beginning.

I took a dry bag that I got from Cabelas just incase I fell while hiking, but I never needed it. I do recomend some trekking poles though. I watched alot of people with just 1 walking stick and they still moved pretty slow through the water. I blew right past them. You can get you some rental gear here..... http://www.zionadventures.com/hiking_the_zion_narrows.html
And they will tell you what the water is like.

Make sure you pack that tripod, and at least a Circular polarizar filter. I had a great time as you can see here.............

http://www.pbase.com/wes242/narrows

but here are some teaser shots.







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Thank You Drive Thru!
http://www.wesleyaston.com
http://www.pbase.com/wes242

They have nice sticky climbing rubber soles for the slippery rocks, and velcro-secured neoprene uppers that give you some ankle support and protection from contact with sharp rocks, unlike sandals or 'water sports shoes'. When I was there, trekking poles wouldn't have been long enough for probing the deeper holes, but may be fine during most of the year.
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David
http://www.davidfantle.com

Steady feet are your best asset. I walked the Zion narrows 2 months ago with a tripod and camera and backpack full of other lenses et cetera. The water he got up to my waist (and I'm 6'3") at the deepest. Walking staff and my tripod in the other hand helped to study me as I went. My tripod a very wet but my camera stayed dry. Tripod is definitely worth taking because it is dark and you will need it if you want to get good pictures.

Thanks all. This is hugely helpful.

JD