The Narrows, Zion National Park

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Few visitors realize that the trail leading into The Narrows in Zion National Park is actually on private land. The trail is not only considered by many to be the premier canyoneering experience in Utah, the National Park Service touts the Narrows trail as one of the best, if not the best, hike in the National Park System.

In 2008, developers purchased the 258-acre property and obtained approval for a 20-lot subdivision. However, the project stalled due to the recession, and the property faced foreclosure with a renewed threat that parcels could be sold off for luxury cabin sites. The Trust for Public Land worked hard to secure funding to purchase a conservation easement on the land and in June 2013, public access to this ever-popular hiking trail was permanently protected.

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The Zion Narrows hike is one of the world's best canyon hikes. For 16 miles, the canyon winds through soaring sandstone walls, in some spots stretching 2,000 feet high and narrowing to just 20 feet. Since the Virgin River is the trail, plan on getting wet!

Whether done from the top down as an overnight through-hike, or from the bottom up and going as far as you're comfortable, the Zion Narrows hike is a classic not to be missed.

Get travel tips and info at Weekend Sherpa.