Deal to keep Utah’s popular Zion Narrows open through March

SALT LAKE CITY – A family that owns land along the northeastern boundary of Zion National Park has agreed to let hikers continue to wade through their section of the narrowest stretch of Zion Canyon.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports the Bullochs, who own the piece of The Narrows, still hope to reach a permanent deal with the federal government.

Until then, the extension of a temporary agreement, announced last week, will ensure permit-holding hikers can enter the redrock canyon through March.

That hinges on the government shutdown ending. The Narrows are closed right now due to the shutdown.

The Virgin River runs through The Narrows.

Visitors with permits can hike 16 miles (about 26 kilometres) from a trailhead, through the property owned by the Bullochs called Simon Gulch and into the national park.

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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com