Hikers and backpackers can access the Zion narrows from the top down again, but it’s only temporary. Last week Zion National Park sent a shockwave through the outdoor community when they announced they will no longer issue permits for the Narrows above Big Spring. The reason? Private landowners that control access in the upper portion of the canyon closed the popular trail in an effort to force a sale of the land.
But access has now been restored… for now. On Saturday, September 29th, the land owner reopened access after striking a deal with Washington County. But this “temporary recreational access license” will only last until the end of 2018, unless a more permanent solution can be found.
“We greatly appreciate the goodwill of the landowners and the efforts of the Washington County Commission in quickly resolving access concerns at the entrance to the Virgin River Narrows,” Jeff Bradybaugh, Zion National Park superintendent, said in a press release.
The closure stemmed from an ongoing dispute between the land owner the the Forest Service. The land owner wants to sell the land to the federal government, but the feds have rejected a recent 3rd-party appraisal saying they over-valued the land. Out of frustration, the lend owner then posted “No Trespassing” signs. Apparently another appraisal is now being conducted.
Hopefully this issue gets resolved soon because I’d hate to see access to this incredible canyon shut down. I’ve been lucky enough to do this hike one time and it easily falls into one the my top 5 Utah outdoor adventure of my life.