“When you undertake the Narrows hike, you are committing to wading through water affected by this cyanobacteria, the park wrote on its Facebook page after detecting the bacteria in 2020. “There is currently an elevated risk to entering the water.
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In people, symptoms of cyanotoxin exposure include irritation in the eyes, ears, nose, throat or skin, as well as headache, seizures, vomiting and diarrhea. In animals and pets, symptoms include drooling, low energy, lack of appetite, paralysis and vomiting.
Not only are river rocks wet, round, and extremely slippery; they are also prone to unpredictable shifting, making walking more challenging. Hypothermia: Even on sunny summer days, when temperatures in Springdale can be 100º, Narrows hikers are vulnerable to hypothermia.
Most people hike The Narrows in the summer and early fall when the water tends to be at its warmest and the water level drops. However, life-threatening flash floods are possible at any time and are common during the monsoon season.
The park has advised visitors against swimming and submerging themselves in the contaminated water. At this time, La Verkin Creek and the North Fork of the Virgin River, including the popular Narrows hike, are under cyanobacteria-related advisories as well.
In general, most adults with a moderate fitness level will be fine and enjoy this activity. So if you're a beginner wanting to do the Zion Narrows day hike, don't worry! It can seem intimidating, but so long as you don't have difficulties getting around on a typical hike, you will be fine.
The Narrows is a popular hike through the knee-deep Virgin River. Due to cold water temperature and high water levels, the trail is closed in winter and spring. The best time to hike The Narrows is from late May to October, but watch out for summer thunderstorms that can cause deathly flash floods.
Prior to your hike, stop at the visitor center to check the water levels. If the water levels are above 75 cubic feet per-second (cfs), DO NOT HIKE THE NARROWS.