Zion Canyon Narrows Reopen for Visitor Use
The popular Zion Canyon Narrows (The Narrows) have reopened for visitor use to both day hikers and overnight campers. Due to high water from an above average snowpack this past winter and a prolonged snowmelt, The Narrows have been closed for a longer than normal period this summer. Water levels have now dropped to a level that is considered safe for visitors to navigate The Narrows which is below 120 cubic feet per second water flow.
Park Rangers have been able to evaluate campsites in the The Narrows and determine that two of the twelve sites were affected by the high water flows this past winter and will remain closed. The other ten campsites are now open. Alternate locations for the two affected campsites (numbers one and ten) will be evaluated over the course of the summer.
In late December 2010, heavy rains caused extensive flooding on the North Fork of the Virgin River, including The Narrows. The flow rate for the river was measured at 6,000 cubic feet per second, the highest recorded rate since the campsites were created. Twelve designated backcountry campsites were created in The Narrows in the early 1990s in an effort to concentrate visitor impacts at specific locations and create a more enjoyable trip for visitors.
While The Narrows are now open to hiking, water levels remain high for this time of year. At current levels, children, small adults, and people with pre-existing knee and ankle issues will have difficulty navigating the canyon, especially completing overnight trips. A through hike in one day will be challenging for anyone. In addition, monsoonal weather patterns have been occurring throughout the area causing afternoon thunderstorms which can make the trip prohibitively dangerous. Current weather as well as current river flow rates can be found at: http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/weather-and-climate.htm
Zion National Park reminds visitors that all overnight trips in The Narrows require a backcountry permit. Reservations for overnight trips are available two to three months ahead of time through the park website at www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/backcountry-reservations-and-permits.htm.
Point Supreme Campground Finally Open
Point Supreme Campground Opens July 1
Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah. The Point Supreme Campground at Cedar Breaks National Monument will open for the season on Friday, July 1. Snow conditions and downed trees have delayed opening the campground by three weeks. Most campsites have been cleared, and the warmer temperatures have contributed to drier ground conditions.
Point Supreme Campground has 28 campsites, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Although no hook-ups are available, a number of sites are appropriate for larger self-contained motor homes. The campground has a restroom with showers, firewood, water spigots, picnic tables, and fire pits.
“The availability of hot showers which is included in the $14 per night fee is a big hit with campers,” said Trevor Lopez, Campground Manager. “Our campground hosts are onsite, and we’re ready to welcome new and returning campers.”
Evening programs are offered Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in the campground amphitheater. The programs cover a wide range of topics from astronomy to wildlife. A current schedule of program offerings will be posted throughout the park.
Principles of Outdoor Ethics
PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good campsites are found, not made.
- Altering a site is not necessary. In popular areas
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
RESPECT WILDLIFE
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on thetrail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
In pristine areas
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods.
- Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water
- 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND
- Preserve the past: observe, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting nonnative species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
For more informa tion please contact the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics at: www.LNT.org
