Year: 2021

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Point Reyes Hike: Abbotts Lagoon

Point Reyes National Seashore is a beautiful place! It is less than a couple of hours away from San Francisco. Abbotts Lagoon is one of the easiest and most rewarding hikes at Point Reyes, which makes it perfect for families with young children. Unfortunately, dogs and other pets are not allowed on this trail.

The lagoon is great for birdwatching and the beach is a wonderful place to have a picnic. Although it is a short hike from the parking lot, we felt like we had the lagoon to ourselves. We could not see the parking lot from the lagoon, and there were only a few others there.


How much does it cost?

Free! There are no entry fees to Point Reyes National Seashore.

What should I bring?

Check the weather before you head to Point Reyes. It is normally cold and windy but there may also be fog and rain. Dress appropriately.

  • Insulated Jacket or Windbreaker
  • Sweater, Sweatshirt or Long Sleeve Shirt
  • Long pants
  • Gloves (for kids or others who get cold easily)
  • Wool socks
  • Hiking shoes or walking shoes with a good grip
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Hiking book and/or trail map
  • Water
  • Food and snacks
  • Sanitizing Gel or Wipes
  • Backpack
  • Picnic blanket
  • Facial sunblock
  • Trash bag (to haul your trash back to the trailhead trash bins)
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Good bird watching book

How do I get there?

We did not have cell phone service at Point Reyes National Seashore. The Bear Valley Visitor Center normally has free park maps, but it is currently closed due to the pandemic so you can download a trail map or bring your hiking book with you.

Plan on spending about 20 minutes to drive from the Bear Valley Visitor Center to the Abbotts Lagoon Trailhead.

Directions from Bear Valley Visitor Center:

  • Turn left on Bear Valley Road and follow the road northwest.
  • Turn left at Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and continue to drive northwest.
  • You will pass by some restaurants and places to stay. You should see Tomales Bay on your right side.
  • Keep right at the fork to Pierce Point Road.
  • Follow Pierce Point Road 3.2 miles north to the Abbotts Lagoon parking lot. This dirt parking lot is on the left side of the road. Toilets and trash bins are here.

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: San Francisco: Including North Bay, East Bay, Peninsula, and South Bay




Hike to Abbotts Lagoon & Great Beach

Walking on Abbotts Lagoon Trail

Distance: 3.0 miles roundtrip

Duration: 1-2 hours

This is a short and relatively flat hike, which makes it great for children. You start at the trailhead and walk through lush green land. Keep an eye out for wildlife. We saw cows in the distance, quails and a bobcat!

Continue on the dirt path and you will eventually come across a worn down wooden bench where you can sit down and observe the lagoon. Continue down the trail where you will cross a wooden bridge that takes you over a small stream. Take a moment to look for otters. We saw a couple of otters swimming in the lagoon!

View of Abbotts Lagoon from the bridge

After you cross the bridge, you will walk on sand. The water is gently lapping at the edges of the lagoon, and birds are playing in the water and flying overhead.

View looking back at where we came from

This would be a great time to take out your binoculars and California bird guide. We went in the spring, but the best time to go birdwatching at the lagoon is in fall and winter. You can see shorebirds, waterfowl, sparrows, quail, hawks, osprey, ducks and perhaps even a golden eagle or a peregrine falcon! The sand dunes are also a nesting ground to the threatened western snowy plovers so tread carefully.

We kept walking to the sand dunes. My husband and daughter loved exploring this area. The sand was so soft and we saw some wild beach strawberries.

Sand Dune and Abbotts Lagoon, Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA

Walk a little further and you will arrive at Great Beach. The Great Beach is very clean but windy.

Great Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA

We had the whole beach to ourselves! It was the perfect place to have a private picnic. Setup your picnic blanket, and enjoy some yummy foods and drinks. Lay down and soak in some rays while you listen to the serene sounds of the ocean waves.

Outdoor Picnic Blanket | Personalized Monogram Initial Letter L Floral Wreath Artwork by Aba2life - 50
Personalized Outdoor Picnic Blanket

Beware of Sneaker Waves

Please be aware of sneaker waves (also known as rogue waves). Every now and then I hear about a sneaker wave taking another life. It is really something that can be avoided so I am hoping that by bringing awareness to this it will prevent more deaths.

Sneaker waves (or rogue waves) are waves that are much larger than normal waves and they can appear out of nowhere. They can travel far up the beach, and are so powerful that they can pick up driftwood and other debris that can hurt or pin down unsuspecting beachgoers.

The waters at Point Reyes can also be as cold as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Being swept away in that water can lead to hypothermia in a matter of minutes. Point Reyes waters are also known for rip currents, strong undertows and sharks. I do not recommend swimming in the ocean.

Tips: When you first arrive at a beach, watch the waves for about 20 minutes to get a feel of the waves. Also, do not turn your back to the waves so that you are not taken by surprise. Keep an eye on small children and remain within reach of them. The common theme I have heard over the years involves someone dying trying to save their child or pet being swept away by a sneaker wave.

Sources

  1. National Park Service (NPS), https://www.nps.gov/
  2. “County of Marin – News Releases – Beach Water Quality”, County of Marin, accessed July 17, 2021, https://www.marincounty.org/main/county-press-releases/press-releases/2021/cda-beachbacteria-031921
  3. “Sneaker/High Waves and Log Rolls Can Be Deadly,” National Weather Service, accessed July 17, 2021, https://www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent-waves#:~:text=Sneaker%20waves%20strike%20people%20who,for%2010%20to%2020%20minutes.

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Grand Canyon Skywalk Ticket Deals

How to save money on Grand Canyon Skywalk Tickets with view of Grand Canyon Skywalk

Grand Canyon Skywalk has been on our family’s bucket list for ages! We knew how expensive this trip could be so we always kept an eye out for good Grand Canyon Skywalk ticket deals. It took some creative thinking, but we were able to save $15.41 per ticket! Now, I am sharing with you how we saved money on our Grand Canyon Skywalk Tickets. Be sure to read to the end of this post where I compare different promos.

Grand Canyon Skywalk Tickets

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is located on the Hualapai Reservation at the west rim of the Grand Canyon. It is not part of the Grand Canyon National Park system so your National Park pass will not work here. To walk on the Grand Canyon Skywalk, you need to buy a ticket for admission to Grand Canyon West and also a ticket for the Skywalk itself.

Grand Canyon West general admission tickets are normally $45.00 and the Skywalk Add-on is another $23.00, which comes out to $68 per person. However, we spent about $52.59 per person, which means we saved $15.41 per ticket.

Note: Grand Canyon West Rim is currently selling a bundle of $59 for a combo of general admission and skywalk ticket.

Groupon Digital Gift Cards from Coupon Cabin

Groupon is selling the same bundle for $59, but we were able to get additional savings.

First, we purchased an instant digital Groupon gift card at Coupon Cabin. The maximum gift card value we could purchase was $100.00. At 6.75% cash back, we received $6.75 cash back. We could only purchase one gift card that day.

Bonus Tip: Consider using a credit card that allows you to earn cash back or gives you reward miles for additional perks on this purchase. Your bank card or even PayPal may also offer special perks. I recently received an email from PayPal saying they would give me a $5 discount on a Groupon purchase of at least $40.

Rakuten Cash Back from Groupon

After getting our digital gift card, I signed in to my Rakuten account. If you do not already have one, sign-up for one for free. This is a cash back site where you can get cash back on purchases that you are already planning to make.

Rakuten is currently offering a promotion where they are giving $30 to you and $30 to your friend if your friend signs up and makes a qualifying purchase within 90 days. If you sign up through my link, we can both earn $30 too. If you want to learn about Rakuten, you can read my post and see how I have saved over $2,500 using Rakuten (f/k/a Ebates).

We searched for “Groupon” on the Rakuten website, and then clicked on the Groupon link. A new page popped up that briefly displayed the current cash back rates, and then automatically re-directed us to Groupon’s website.

Groupon

Once Rakuten re-directed us to Groupon.com, we searched for “Grand Canyon Skywalk” and then clicked on the deal. You will see a few different options to choose from. Please remember you must purchase a General Admission ticket to Grand Canyon West and also a Grand Canyon Skywalk add-on ticket to walk on the skywalk.

Note: Groupon can be a great source for deals, but always check the terms and conditions prior to purchase for any limitations, expiration date, etc.

A “General Admission with Skywalk Add-On” ticket was $59.00 on Groupon. We purchased four tickets for $236. We used our digital gift card towards the balance, and then used our credit card to pay the remaining balance.

At the time we made our purchase Rakuten was offering 8% cash back so we saved $18.88 (see below).

UPDATE: Groupon is excluding portions paid by gift cards on Rakuten so choose the best discount available.

Print Your Tickets

Print out your Groupon tickets, and make sure you bring them with you. You will need to show them twice.

First, you will show them at the Grand Canyon West terminal to gain entrance into Grand Canyon West. Then you will hop on to the free shuttle to Eagle Point (i.e., the first shuttle stop where the skywalk is located). You will need to show your tickets again to gain entry to the skywalk itself. Redeeming the Groupon was a breeze.

If you want to read about our visit to Grand Canyon West, click here. If you are driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim, check out my road trip itinerary. We visited Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Arizona’s Joshua Tree Forest and Grand Canyon West all in one day!

Grand Canyon Skywalk

Grand Canyon Skywalk Savings Comparisons*

Two Adults*

If we only needed two tickets, it would have cost us $50.91 per person.

Family of Four – Three Adults and 1 Child (ages 5-12)*

By layering the strategies I described above, our family saved $25.63. Our cost was about $52.59 per person. How much you save will depend on the offers and cash back rates that are available (if any) at time of purchase.

Family of Four – Two Adults & Two Children Over 4 Years Old*

If you have a family of four (i.e., 2 adults and 2 kids), you can use our strategies above.

Or you can get the Grand Canyon Family Package which will give you general admission for $134.00. General tickets will average at $33.50 per person. Then you would purchase skywalk tickets for each person at $23/person. Your total cost will will be $226 or $56.50 per person.

Family with Children 4 Years and Younger*

If you have a family with children 4 years and younger, you only need to purchase tickets for the adults. Children 4 years and younger are free and do not need a general admission ticket or a skywalk ticket.

You could try our layering strategies above. If we only needed two tickets, it would have cost us $50.91 per person.

Seniors 65+, Military & Veterans*

If you are a senior (ages 65+) or are active military or a veteran, you can get general admission and skywalk for $55. You must show your ID at the Grand Canyon West ticket terminal.

Arizona and Las Vegas Residents*

Arizona and Las Vegas residents can get 10% off general admission, skywalk, meal ticket and zip line when they show their ID at the Grand Canyon West ticket terminal.

Alternative Day Trips from Las Vegas

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of driving and would rather sit back, relax and soak in the beautiful views, consider booking a Grand Canyon Walk and Hoover Dam day trip from Las Vegas.



I hope you are able to save as much (if not more) than we did! Make sure you follow our blog so that you do not miss out on any new posts.

*All of these scenarios are examples of what was possible at the time we purchased our tickets. Actual savings will depend on what discounts are available (if any) and the price of Grand Canyon West tickets which can change at any time without notice. Our final cost takes in account the savings we received in the form of cash back through online rebate or coupon programs; not the actual amount we paid at the time of purchase. For current Grand Canyon West ticket prices, promos and conditions, please visit their website.

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Save Money Without Feeling Deprived

How I saved over $2,500 with this 1 easy moved. Dollar bills arranged in a layer in the background.

Saving money might seem impossible without major lifestyle changes or getting a second job, but you can make several small lifestyle changes that can add up to huge savings. This one easy tip, will help you save money without feeling deprived!

In fact, this is one of my favorite tips for people starting their money-saving journey because it does not require any sacrifice at all.

Tip: Read the entire post to find out an additional quick, easy way to get extra cash.

Rakuten

Sign-up for Rakuten for FREE, and get cash back on purchases that you are already making! You might think this is too good to be true, but it is 100% legitimate and I only wished I had signed-up sooner.

I signed up for Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) back in 2009, and I have saved over $2,500 on purchases I was already going to make anyways!

If you break this down, I was averaging a little over $200/year in Rakuten cash back alone. However, this number does not take in account my other shopping strategies, which I can share in another post if anyone is interested.

How do I get cash back?

Online Purchases

Getting cash back is very simple! You just need to log in to your Rakuten account, and see if the store you are going to make your purchase from is listed on the website. Click on the store and find out how much cash back you can earn. They may even list extra coupon codes or discount codes that are available which will help you save money immediately on your purchases.

They have tons of stores on their website and many of them are stores you likely already shop at. You can even mark your favorite stores so that they show up on the main page.

Rakuten Chrome Browser Extension

If you are worried about remembering this step, you can install the Rakuten chrome browser extension. The Rakuten chrome browser extension will make earning cash back a no-brainer. This extension automatically notifies you if a store or vendor is eligible for cash back when you visit that store’s website. Then it will give you an option to “activate” cash back on your purchase.

Link Your Card for In-Store Purchases

Get cash back when you shop in the store too!

First, link your credit card to your Rakuten account. Then visit Rakuten’s website and look at their “In-Store Cash Back Offers.” Look at the stores available and click on “See Details” to review the terms and conditions. Type in your zip code to find the store’s location near you. If you want to get cash back, click “Link Offer” to link that offer with your credit card. Now, when you shop in that store and use your linked credit card, you can get cash back on those purchases.

As you can see, there are several ways for you to get cash back on your purchases. All of these options are simpler than the traditional rebate system. So if you are not already using Rakuten, start today.

How Do I Get Paid?

If you want your payment in the form of cash, just choose to receive your payment by check or by PayPal. You can choose your preferred payment by going to your account Wallet.

How Often Will I Get Paid?

Rakuten Payment Schedule

Rakuten sends funds quarterly as long as the balance is more than $5.00!*

Refer Friends for an Extra Bonus

Do you want to get some quick extra cash and help out your family and friends?

Currently, Rakuten is offering a $30 bonus for you, and $30 bonus for your friend for new sign-ups. Invite your friends through your own custom link from Rakuten. Your friend has to complete a qualifying purchase within 90 days of signing up for the referral bonus to be qualified, but that should not be difficult if they use the tips in this post.

If you found this post helpful, please sign up through my link so that we can both earn our bonuses too!

If you have a lot of friends and family members this could potentially be a quick and easy way for you to boost up your savings and get some extra cash.

Level Up Your Savings

You might be happy with just saving money on purchases, but why stop there? Why not put your money to work or start an emergency fund?

Stocks

Let me start by saying that I am not a broker, financial advisor or a tax professional. I am just sharing what I have personally done for myself. If this is something that interests you, I encourage you to seek out a qualified professional and do your own research.

I started putting my Rakuten savings into my stock brokerage account and chose stocks that have a good history of paying dividends. Dividends are payments paid regularly (typically quarterly) by a company to its shareholders (a/k/a stockholder) out of its profits or reserves.

If your stocks increase in value, you can also sell those stocks for a profit. Keep in mind that you will pay taxes on your profit, and the amount you pay will depend on how long you have held the stock.

Of course, there is always the risk of losing money. Stocks can lose value or stop paying dividends. That is a risk I am personally willing to take with my Rakuten savings because I consider it “bonus money” anyways.

If the idea of dealing with finances stresses you out, consider reading Tony Robbin’s book Money Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom. This book is truly liberating, and gives several practical tips that can help you reach financial independence.

Emergency Fund

If you do not have an emergency fund, I encourage you to start one today.

An emergency fund is money that you have set aside for some unexpected surprises like your car breaking down, medical and dental emergencies, etc. Sometimes people have no choice but to put these expenses on their credit card, but unless they pay off those expenses within a month, the credit card interest can quickly put that person into a terrible financial bind.

When you have an emergency fund, you can avoid being in this situation. It also gives you the added comfort of knowing that you have something to fall back on.

Ideally, you will want to have quick access to your emergency fund. Consider keeping your emergency fund in a savings account. It will earn a very small interest (rates varies by bank), but it is better than letting it sit in your house or your checking account where you may be tempted to spend it.

I hope you found these painless money saving tips helpful. Until next time, Happy Saving!

*Check Rakuten’s website for the current terms and conditions and also the length of the program.

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Day Seven: Hiking Zion National Park Narrows

A Day Hiking The Narrows Zion National Park

Plan on Arriving to Zion National Park Early

We ended our National Parks Trip with an exciting hike through the Zion Narrows! We arrived at Zion National Park at 6:30 am and were able to park at the visitor center for FREE! This was the first day we arrived early enough to receive free parking at the Zion National Park Visitor Center so we were excited. We hopped on our private shuttle to head over to the Narrows.

We did not have to show our pass because the park rangers were not at the toll booth. We were thankful we arrived so early because we learned that Zion National Park had closed down the toll booths from about 8am to 1pm. They denied access during that period because they wanted to reduce the number of people at the park on that busy holiday weekend. So make sure you get to the park early enough to avoid being turned away, especially on holiday weekends.

We passed by Angel’s Landing on our way to the Narrows and saw that there was a line forming for the people who wanted to hike Angel’s Landing. The park rangers were limiting the number of people to reduce crowding on the chains section.

There was no such line at the Temple of Sinawava (i.e., the Riverside Walk and The Narrows trailhead).

Tip: Get there early! Guarantee your admission, park for free and avoid the heat.


Use the Riverside Walk Restrooms Before Hiking

There are no bathrooms on the Narrows hike so use the Riverside Walk Restrooms before you hike. The Riverside Walk Restrooms are located next to the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop (Shuttle Stop #9 on Zion Canyon Line).

If you have to relieve yourself, your only options are to urinate in the water or on dry land. Neither of these options are ideal. This is a very popular hike and there are loads of people around so you will not get much privacy. Urinating on dry land also leaves an unpleasant odor.

If you have to go #2, you will need to defecate in a bag, carry it with you and throw it in the trash bin upon your return. You can bring some toilet paper and some environmentally friendly human waste disposal bags like the one below for emergencies.


Trail Essentials Toilet Bags, Certified Biodegradable and Compostable, 25 Count;
Includes Convenient Water Resistant Carry Case



Tip: Use the bathrooms before you hike, and avoid eating or drinking anything that can cause you to have an upset stomach or give you the urge to urinate frequently.

Check the Weather at the Narrows Before You Hike

Hiking the Narrows, Zion National Park, USA

Check the weather in Zion National Park before you hike. If there is any chance of rain, please do not hike the Narrows. A couple of inches of rain can bring about dangerous flash floods. Flash floods occur when the ground is not able to absorb the water fast enough, creating a dangerous, destructive wall of rushing water and debris.

To escape a flash flood, you need to get to high ground. This is difficult to do in the Narrows because the canyon walls are very steep.

If you do notice the water rising quickly and turning muddy, try and get to high ground anyways because this may be a sign of a flash flood coming your way. Sometimes people get caught off guard because it may not be raining where they are.1

Tip: I recommend planning on hiking the Narrows earlier in your trip. That way if there is a forecast for rain, you have time to try and hike another day. You will also want to avoid visiting the Narrows during Zion’s monsoon season which is from mid-July to September because that increases the likelihood of flash floods. 2 The park also closes the Narrows when the Virgin River’s flow rate is over 150 cubic feet per second or during spring snowmelt so check the NPS notices on current Zion National Park condition.

Mystery Falls, Zion National Park, Utah, USA

Dress in Layers and Bring the Right Hiking Gear

We visited the Narrows at the end of May. Expect it to be cold in the morning because the sun is low and the tall canyon walls block direct sunlight. Thankfully, we were wearing layers, had our neoprene socks and waterproof hiking boots.

If you have children, you should bring a warm jacket, an extra set of clothing (in case they get wet) and even a pair of waterproof gloves to keep their hands dry and warm. We also saw some children wearing fishing bibs which would give them additional protection.

The most difficult part of the Narrows was navigating the areas of the river that had strong currents. You really need at least one hiking stick! We each had our own portable walking stick. We used the hiking stick as a third leg. We planted our pole into the river bed to secure our position before moving our legs to the next position. This will give your upper body a good workout.


Portable Hiking Sticks



Here is a list of other essential items for hiking the Narrows from late spring through summer.

If you decide to hike the Narrows in the fall through mid/late-spring, you will need to wear wetsuits or drysuits. The water will be colder and higher because of the snowmelt. If you do not want to purchase your own suit, you can rent them at Zion Outfitter along with other useful gear.

How long does it take to hike the Narrows?

The wonderful thing about the Narrows hike is that you can hike as long as you want, and then turn right back around. Most people hike up to Wall Street and then turn around. The length of time you spend will depend on your health, level of personal fitness, the water levels and the weather.

We hiked on a chilly morning, but the water levels were low in most areas. My preteen daughter, my mother, husband and I hiked about 7 hours, which included time to stop and take pictures, eat snacks, and explore the side canyon.

Tip: If you hike early in the morning, the Narrows will be less crowded and you will have a better chance getting photos without a slew of people in them. For this reason, I would recommend taking photos while you walk upstream instead of waiting to take them on the way back.

Orderville Canyon

Orderville Canyon, Zion National Park, USA

We hiked into Orderville Canyon because we wanted to see Veiled Falls. We scrambled over the first set of boulders without issue, but we stopped at the second set of boulders. Another set of hikers were returning from that direction, and said there was an even larger set of rocks blocking the path ahead that they were unable to climb over.

2nd set of boulders blocking the trail at Orderville Canyon

We decided to turn around at that point. The boulders were wet and slippery, and we were concerned about climbing back down safely. We did not want to land incorrectly and sprain an ankle or worse slip and hit our head.

Safety First

Keep in mind, if you do get injured in the Narrows, it may take hours before help arrives. Recently, a woman who was canyoneering at the Narrows (i.e., Mystery Canyon) fell 50 to 80 feet.3 The narrow canyon walls prevented a rescue helicopter from reaching her. Sadly, she passed away from her injuries before park medics were able to reach her.

Tip: Pack a travel first aid kit for minor scrapes and injuries. Consider also packing an ankle brace and a knee brace. These items are light and will not take up a lot of space in your hiking bag.

First Aid Kit




We could not have asked for a better day. No one was injured, and the Narrows surpassed our expectations. This place is more beautiful than any of the photos I have seen!

Sources

  1. “Severe Weather 101 – Floods,” The National Severe Storms Laboratory, accessed July 7, 2021, https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/floods/detection/
  2. “Current Conditions,” National Park Service, accessed July 7, 2021, https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.
  3. “Body of Canyoneer Identified at Zion National Park,” National Park Service, accessed July 7, 2021, https://www.nps.gov/zion/learn/news/body-of-canyoneer-identified-at-zion-national-park.htm

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Las Vegas

Day 2: Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Joshua Tree Forest, Grand Canyon West

Day 3: Kayaking to Emerald Cave and Raiders Stadium Tour

Day 4: Bryce Canyon

Day 5: Zion Emerald Pools

Day 6: Zion Horseback Riding

Day 7: Hiking Zion National Park Narrows

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What to Bring to The Narrows

What to bring to The Narrows Zion National Park Trip - Product Images

Neoprene Socks


Neoprene Socks

The water in the Narrows is freezing cold, and these neoprene socks kept our feet comfortable and free of blisters. The girls and I preferred the thick, ankle-high neoprene socks that I purchased from Amazon. We found their size charts to be accurate. The wet suit material is supposed to be very snug so expect resistance in slipping these socks on and off unless you use the wet socks (below).


Knee-High Wet Socks

My husband preferred using these knee-high neoprene socks. These wet socks make it incredibly easy to slip your feet in and out of the thicker neoprene socks. This material is much thinner than the ankle socks, and allows a lot of flexibility. My husband is naturally warm so he just wore these socks with his water shoes.

Hiking Shoes

A good pair of waterproof or water resistant hiking shoes really make a difference on this hike. For additional safety, you will want hiking shoes that give you additional ankle support. We spent most of our time hiking through cold rushing water, balancing on slippery, unstable algae-covered rocks, and trekking through rocky or muddy terrain.


Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Gtx Hiking Boot

Most of us brought low profile hiking shoes that did not have ankle support (see below), but the hike was still doable with the assistance of a hiking stick.



Merrell Child Moab FST Hiking Shoe

The Merrell Moab FST Low Waterproof Shoes are great hiking shoes for kids. They are lightweight, have a good grip, and have a waterproof construction. My daughter hiked all week without any issues.


The North Face Women’s Hedgehog Fastpack Waterproof Hiking Shoe

I fell in love with North Face hiking shoes a long time ago. They have always served me well. This pair was a little heavier than my last pair, but they are comfortable, have great grip, provide nice ventilation and dries quickly. I also appreciated the sturdy construction, which kept my toes from being crushed a couple of times I lost my footing and got wedged between rocks at the Narrows.

Walking Sticks


Portable Hiking Sticks

Can you walk the Narrows without a hiking stick? Well, I passed by a man walking the Narrows barefooted and I saw a couple of mothers hiking the Narrows with their babies in a baby hiking carrier without hiking sticks so I guess it can be done. However, I am not sure how far they got or if they were able to hike the Narrows safely. Our driver told us about a woman he picked up that fell and broke her wrist hiking the Narrows that day – Ouch!

Hiking sticks are necessary to prevent falls and injury. I was able to use my hiking stick to navigate the swift waters and slippery, unstable rocks without falling once! Some areas of the river were murky so the hiking stick also allowed us to gauge how deep the water was.

If you arrive early enough, there are a pile of wooden walking sticks at the end of the Riverside Walk and the beginning of the Narrows Bottom Up trail. However, we brought our own travel hiking sticks on this trip.

Our portable walking sticks are lightweight, but very sturdy. I leaned heavily on my pole while navigating the river and it never collapsed. In fact, none of us had any issues and our heaviest member was 220 lbs.

I love that these hiking sticks are adjustable. They can extend up to 54 inches, but it collapses down to 25.5 inches so it fits easily in our suitcase or can be attached to our backpacks. Just allow yourself a minute or two to set them up. You might need to tighten the metal screw before snapping them in place if you find that the poles are slipping and not holding your weight.

Waterproof Phone Cover


Universal Waterproof Cellphone Case

Protect your phone with a waterproof case. There was low water levels when we went, but some areas of the Narrows had depths of waters that reached our waist. We also saw others slipping and falling into the water.

This waterproof cellphone case keeps your phone dry from accidental falls in the river. Wear it around your neck and easily take photos without having to remove your phone from the case.

Waterproof Bag


Waterproof Dry Bag

If you are planning on bringing other items that cannot get wet, consider getting a waterproof dry bag. These bags come in handy and we have used ours numerous times on kayaking trips and trips to the beach. One was enough for our family of four. I have thrown cameras, keys, phones, portable charges, battery packs, cables and food in this bag.

Hydration Backpack

You need to bring drinking water to the Narrows. Zion National Park issued a warning of dangerous levels of cyanobacteria in the water. You cannot filter out these cyanobacteria toxins. Children and pets are especially susceptible. There was a six month old dog that died from the toxic cyanobacteria blooms last July. The park also advises people to avoid swimming or submerging their heads in the water.


Insulated Hydration Backpack Pack with 2L BPA Free Bladder

My husband, mother and daughter used compact hydration backpacks. These hydration backpacks are nice because they come with an insulated lining which helps keep the water cold for several hours. It also had enough room to pack snacks and hold essential items.


TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack

If you want to bring more equipment, consider taking a day hiking backpack. This backpack holds 3400 cubic inches (55 L), and can accommodate two to four day hiking trips. Although it is very roomy, it only weighs 4.5 lbs which still makes it convenient for shorter hikes.

I stored my camera, chargers, portable power bank, cables, wallet, keys, food and my first aid kit in my dry bag and dropped it in my backpack. I never once worried about any of my stuff getting wet.


2 Liter Leak Proof BPA Free Upgraded Water Storage Bag for Hydration Pack

If your backpack does not come with a water bladder or if you need a new one, consider this water storage bag. The wide opening makes it easy to fill, empty and clean. It is BPA-free, and it is very easy to drink water from the mouthpiece. 2 liters was plenty of water for us on this hike.

Anti-bacterial Wipes & Trash bag


Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes

The thought of my mouthpiece touching the river water or eating food with dirty hands was justification enough for me to bring these on the hike. I chose the wipes over the gel because the wipes do a better job at removing grime.

Remember to also bring an empty trash bag so that you can carry all of your trash back out of the park.

First Aid Kit


First Aid Kit

This basic first aid kit is small, light and easily fits in your pack. It is something you hope you never have to use, but are grateful to have if you do get hurt.

If you have other issues, like a bad knee or ankle, consider bringing a knee brace or ankle brace as well. They are light and take very little space. I packed both just in case anyone had any issues.