Q: Narrows temperature, end of Sep.

I'm probably heading out through Utah with my wife and mom in late September - early October. What is the water temperature in the Narrows like at that time of year? Will I need dry suit, or is the water still warm enough that I could take a wade for a while?

Does anyone have a recommendation on how far up I should go from the Riverside Walk? Any good side canyons I need to visit along such a trip? I've got my Lowepro DryZone Rover for a pack, so I'm good on camera protection...

I did it at mid September 2007. I would expect late September to be the same.

I would say the water temp was 60s, but I never measured it. You'll want neoprene booties to keep your feet comfortable. My wife hiked in Teva sandals and her feet were chilly. I was very comfortable.

Mel-

I've hiked at late as the first week in November with just a pair of hiking boots and waterproof pants, which of course did me no good. I'd be lying if I said I wasnt a little chilly, but never did I feel like I was in any danger. The water temp was probably in the low 50's or maybe higher 40's. There are enough places where you walk on dry land that you get a chance to warm up a little. You probably won't need a wet suit in September. Just make sure you have some trekking poles to make the hike a more pleasurable experience. Go atleast up to the junction with Orderville Canyon.

Another option to consider is a one way hike down Orderville and out through the Narrows.
The Zion Ponderosa resort offers shuttles that drop you off at the top of Orderville and can pick you up, if needed ($15 for dropoff, $45 for drop and pickup @ the Narrows). It's a full day trip, and you will need your DryZone pack.
They provide a rope for the 1st dryfall.

You wouldn't want to do Orderville on a cold, overcast day.
http://www.zionponderosa.com/activities.htm#canyoneering

Trekking poles, check. I've got a set of hiking shoes I no longer care about (a good set of Merrel shoes which were inaugurated with a hike through the Left Fork of the North Creek and have held up remarkably since then...); I'd prefer to wear them if Neoprene isn't needed. I have a set of Neoprene water shoes, but they're not what I'd consider to be good shoes for sensitive feet in that kind of creek.

Thanks for the note on the shuttle version of the trip, Bill, but I think this time it's going to be the shorter trek from "the bottom". My wife will probably go with me, but I'll be leaving my mother in Springdale or in the main canyon. Speaking of which, I'm guessing if I want to get my mom in on my Federal Pass, I'm going to have to drive into the park before the lot fills up - correct?

Any suggestions on continuing up into Orderville or other side canyons?

Les,
Another option is to stop by the Zion Outfitters in Springdale and rent their Narrows hiking package; 5-10 boots, neoprene socks, waterproof pants and a hiking pole. Not too much $ and the equipment works great (make sure when you try on the boots they are not too tight).

Jim

I'd echo Jim's comment.

Although a shoe would probably keep your feet warm enough, the shoe + neoprene sock thingies I saw people using from Zion Outfitters looked sweet. Open foot sandals were less than ideal.

There were some sections where my neoprene dive booties were a little too flexible on the bottom for most to be comfortable, but they were much better than cold feet.

For the reasonable price, the "warm" water package looks like a good deal. I'll investigate and watch out for the too-tight boots. Now I just hope that my desert rain god like abilities don't kick in. (If anyone wants to be at Capitol Reef when it's raining, I've now got a perfect 5 in 5 record.)

Thanks, all.

Les,

I did the Narrows in Nov.-awesome experience. I used an old pair of hiking boots, winter wool socks, neoprene socks, a walking staff, and my tripod. The socks weren't high enough-but I had to try. I have a slight thin frame-not good for heat retention, but the water temp. didn't even bother me. So blown away was I on the canyoneering-it is the most fun hike I've ever done- I didn't even notice being cold.