Virgin River in Zion National Park on the park's 99th birthday

© Justinreznick/Getty Image

The Narrows of Zion. A narrow passage

Utah’s Zion National Park, established 99 years ago today, is one of the most visited national parks in America. It’s full of amazing southwest scenery, including Zion Canyon. Our photo today shows The Narrows, a trail through the tightest gap in the canyon. Roughly one-third of The Narrows is under the waters of the Virgin River. For portions of the hike, the river fills up the passage, from wall to wall, leaving hikers no choice but to wade in and keep walking – not an unwelcome prospect on a hot day.