walking the narrows: memories, change, and community debate
When I first set foot in The Narrows of Zion as a child, I remember my grandmother holding my hand, telling stories of how her family used to wade through these icy waters every summer. Back then, it was just us, the river, and the towering canyon walls—a quiet, healing place where generations connected with nature.
Now, decades later, I see crowds with high-tech gear, waterproof cameras, and online guides, turning this sacred spot into a social media backdrop. Some say it’s progress—making nature accessible to all. Others, like me, worry we’re losing the soul of this place.
Locals debate fiercely: Should we limit visitors to protect the fragile ecosystem, or is it everyone’s right to experience this wonder? The riverbanks show scars from too many footsteps, yet the laughter of families echoes off the walls, just as it did in my youth.
Utah’s climate is changing, too—flash floods come more often, and the water runs lower some years. Old-timers argue that the Narrows isn’t what it used to be, while newcomers marvel at its beauty, unaware of what’s been lost.
As summer arrives, I wonder: How do we honor tradition while embracing change? Can we protect this canyon for our grandchildren, or will we argue until it’s too late?
#ZionMemories #NatureDebate #GenerationsCollide #Travel
