Hike the easy paved trail of the Riverside Walk, the gateway to the Zion Narrows, for great views of the Virgin River and surrounding canyon walls.
Riverside Walk Trail Basics
1 – 2 Hours
1.9 Miles Round Trip
Out-And-Back
57 Feet
Duration: 1-2 Hours
It takes about one hour to walk the entirety of the Zion Riverside Walk if you only go straight to the end and back. Plan for closer to two hours to give yourself time to take in the views.
Distance: 1.9 Miles Roundtrip
Walking all the way from the Riverside Walk trailhead to the mouth of The Narrows and back is almost 2 miles.
Type: Out-and-Back Trail
Riverside Walk Trail is an out-and-back trail. It does not loop back to the trailhead so hikers must turn around at the end of the Riverside Walk and return to the beginning.
Elevation Change: 57 Feet
The elevation change is subtle along this trail for the first half of a mile. Then the trail starts to get slightly steeper as you climb towards the mouth of the canyon.
Season: Any
As long as the water levels are low enough, the Riverside Walk is open year-round. The highest chance for closures due to flooding is in the early spring from the spring runoff snowmelt and during monsoon season when storms upstream will cause flash flooding through the canyon. In the winter months, there’s a decent chance of snowfall and ice, so make sure to tread carefully on the trail.
Time of Day: Any
While the trail is available any time of the day, the best time to get here is early morning before it gets crowded or in the late afternoon for a higher chance of seeing some of the wildlife.
Amount of Shade: Moderate
The amount of shade will vary based on the time of day you walk on the trail. Later in the afternoon and early evening has more shade because the sun starts to set behind the main Zion Canyon walls.
Difficulty: Easy
Overall, the Riverside Walk Trail is an easy path and perfect for the whole family. Just be careful with small children as there are a few steep slopes and dropoffs at a few places along the trail.
What Makes Riverside Walk a Great Hike?
The Riverside Walk, from the trailhead near the Temple of Sinawava Shuttle Stop all the way to the start of the Narrows hike, has the best scenery I’ve seen in many of the national parks we’ve been to.
Walking along the river bank is serene with the sound of the water over the boulders. The trail has great views of the lush vegetation and hanging gardens on the canyon walls. And with plenty of access points to the Virgin River, we were able to find a great place to stop, take off our shoes, and rest our food in the cold water. Across the river, we had great views of some of the wildlife including mule deer munching on the tall grass.
Scenery on the Riverside Walk
Start of the Trail
When you start the trail, you are on a paved walkway that goes along the canyon walls. The path is above the Virgin River through the cottonwood trees and has rails at certain places.
On the Trail
As you continue the scenic stroll, you are greeted with views of the weeping walls. There are multiple places with easy access to the river on this short hike. Take a dip in the water, but remember that the water temperatures stay chilly year-round.
End of the Trail
The trail ends where there is no more space for a walkway along the canyon walls. This starts the Narrows Trail. Most casual hikers will turn around here.
Notable Places on the Hike
Make sure to stop along the river and look for fish and other river life at one of the river access points.
Riverside Walk Trailhead Information
Park Name: Zion National Park
Riverside Walk is a trail at the north end of Zion National Park at the last stop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle. Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah near the cities of Springdale, Hurricane, and St. George. The nearest international airport is in Las Vegas, about a 1.5-hour drive away.
Finding the Trailhead
If you are looking at the sandstone building with the restrooms, there's a paved walkway to the left. That is the start of the Riverside Walk that leads to the Narrows trail.
Markers Along the Trail
As you walk on the trail, there are interpretive signs and exhibits with information about the canyon carving, erosion, and the ecological richness of the Virgin River and Zion Canyon.
Nearest Restrooms
When you reach the Temple of Sinawava, there's a shade structure with benches on the north side of the road. Just behind this structure is a small sandstone building with restrooms and a water bottle-filling station.
Parking Area
During the peak season, from about March through November, private vehicles aren't allowed to drive up Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Instead, visitors will have to park at the Zion Visitor Center near the South Entrance and take the Zion Shuttle. Riverside Walk is at the Temple of Sinawava bus stop, the last stop on the shuttle bus path.
Other Trails at this Trailhead
At the end of the Riverside Walk, you reach the start of the Narrows Trail. These are the only two trails available at this location.
Tips for Riverside Walk
- Only attempt The Narrows if you are prepared. Make sure you have water shoes, a walking stick, and special gear to keep everything dry. Discuss your plans with a park ranger and keep in mind the threat of life-threatening flash floods.
- There are a few drop-offs on the narrow paths of the riverside trail, so keep a close watch on young children.
- If the water is flowing over 150 cubic feet per second, the Riverside Walk hikes and the Narrows hikes will be closed for safety.
Accessibility Information for Riverside Walk
Paved Portion
Shuttle
Trail Type: Paved Portion
Riverside Walk is considered to be one of the most scenic accessible trails in the area with the first almost half-mile of trail a paved flat walkway. After the half-mile point, the trail starts to get steeper, making it difficult and dangerous for wheelchairs and strollers.
Parking: Shuttle
For those going during shuttle season, parking will be at the visitor center before boarding the shuttle. If you are driving through at a time that allows a private vehicle to drive on Zion Canyon Road, then park at the very end of the scenic drive, at the Temple of Sinawava, which is a paved parking lot.