Riverside Walk
Zion's accessible paved path leading to the iconic Narrows, offering serene river views and towering canyon walls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter, better light for photos
Riverside Walk
Best Time
Quieter, better light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Zion's accessible paved path leading to the iconic Narrows, offering serene river views and towering canyon walls.
"A nice, scenic trail, but unless you’re planning to continue into The Narrows, it might not be the best use of your time."
🚶♀️ Easy Access for All
This paved trail is stroller and wheelchair friendly, making it perfect for families and those with mobility needs.
💧 Gear Up for Narrows
Rent water shoes & sticks if continuing into The Narrows for a more comfortable river hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Gateway to The Narrows
Temple of Sinawava
This paved path leads directly to the start of the iconic Narrows hike, offering a taste of the canyon's grandeur.
Accessible River Stroll
Zion National Park
A gentle, paved trail perfect for all ages and abilities, offering serene river views and potential wildlife sightings.
Lush Canyon Scenery
Along the Virgin River
Experience the vibrant greenery and towering sandstone cliffs that line the Virgin River, creating a picturesque setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds on Riverside Walk
Gear Up for The Narrows
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Access for All
This paved trail is stroller and wheelchair friendly, making it perfect for families and those with mobility needs.
💧 Gear Up for Narrows
Rent water shoes & sticks if continuing into The Narrows for a more comfortable river hike. +1
⏰ Go Early or Late
Avoid peak crowds by visiting early morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful experience.
🚗 Shuttle is Key
Access is via the Zion Canyon Shuttle; plan your journey accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Access for All
This paved trail is stroller and wheelchair friendly, making it perfect for families and those with mobility needs.
💧 Gear Up for Narrows
Rent water shoes & sticks if continuing into The Narrows for a more comfortable river hike. +1
⏰ Go Early or Late
Avoid peak crowds by visiting early morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful experience.
🚗 Shuttle is Key
Access is via the Zion Canyon Shuttle; plan your journey accordingly.
📸 Capture the Views
While the walk is lovely, the real magic begins where it meets The Narrows.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Riverside Walk is a pleasant, accessible paved trail offering lovely river and canyon views, perfect for families and those seeking an easy stroll. However, some find it less exciting than other Zion hikes and can be crowded, especially near The Narrows entrance. It's best enjoyed as a gentle introduction or a prelude to more adventurous trails.
"Riverside Walk is a nice, scenic trail, but unless you’re planning to continue into The Narrows, it might not be the best use of your time. The full round trip takes about an hour at a relaxed pace, and while the surroundings are peaceful, the views are a bit repetitive. Compared to other hikes in Zion like Emerald Pools or Canyon Overlook, this one feels more like a gentle stroll than a true hike. That said, the path is well-paved and very accessible, making it perfect for families with small children or anyone using a stroller or wheelchair. The river views and lush greenery are pleasant, and you might spot wildlife along the way. It’s a relaxing experience, just not the most exciting if you’re looking for adventure or variety. On busy days, the trail can get crowded, especially near the entrance to The Narrows. Still, it has its charm, especially in the morning when it’s quieter. If you’re short on time, prioritize more dynamic trails. But if you’re after something flat, easy, and family-friendly, Riverside Walk is ideal."
znachor znachor
"This is a part of the national park that I actually didn't enjoy that much. The walk itself is really nice, but it's quite narrow sidewalk with way too many people walking both directions. That itself is taking a bit from the charm of the place. I was focusing more on getting to the other side of the walkway than on the walk itself.
The walk itself is not difficult at all and everybody manage it, including children.
There are no toilets at the end of the walk, just close to the bus stop at the walk's beginning."
Jana Krištanová
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Benjamin Zhao
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Riverside Walk is accessible via the Zion Canyon Shuttle, which is the primary mode of transport within the main canyon during peak season. Take the shuttle to the last stop, Temple of Sinawava.
Private vehicles are generally not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during shuttle season. You'll need to park at the Visitor Center or in Springdale and take the shuttle.
Parking is extremely limited at the Temple of Sinawava trailhead. It's best to utilize the Zion Canyon Shuttle system.
The most convenient way to access Riverside Walk is by taking the Zion Canyon Shuttle to its final stop, the Temple of Sinawava.
You will need a valid Zion National Park entrance pass or an America the Beautiful Pass to access the park and use the shuttle system.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No permit is required for Riverside Walk itself. However, if you plan to continue into The Narrows beyond Big Springs, a permit is necessary.
Riverside Walk is open year-round during park hours. However, access via the shuttle is dependent on shuttle operating times.
There is no separate fee for Riverside Walk. The standard Zion National Park entrance fee applies.
Tickets are not required for Riverside Walk. You only need your park entrance pass.
Riverside Walk can get very crowded, especially during peak season and midday. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon is recommended to avoid the largest crowds.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Riverside Walk is about 2.2 miles round trip and typically takes about an hour at a relaxed pace.
No, Riverside Walk is a relatively easy, paved trail suitable for most fitness levels. It's a gentle stroll along the river.
You'll see the Virgin River, towering canyon walls, lush vegetation, and potentially some wildlife. It's the starting point for The Narrows.
While you can access the river from various points, swimming is generally not recommended due to strong currents and cold water. The Narrows hike involves wading.
Restrooms are available near the shuttle stop at the beginning of Riverside Walk (Temple of Sinawava). There are no restrooms at the end of the paved trail.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire walk offers scenic views, but the transition into The Narrows provides dramatic canyon shots. Look for interesting rock formations and the river's flow.
Yes, Riverside Walk offers beautiful natural scenery, especially in the morning light. It's a great spot for landscape and nature photography.
Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography. Late afternoon also provides beautiful golden hour light.
Drones are prohibited in all National Parks, including Zion. Please adhere to park regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive canyon views. A sturdy tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Kids often love exploring the riverbanks and playing with the rocks. It's a safe and accessible way to experience a part of Zion's grandeur without the intensity of more challenging hikes. Consider renting water shoes if your children are adventurous and want to dip their toes into the beginning of The Narrows. This makes the experience even more engaging. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited beyond the shuttle stop.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
The walk provides a gentle introduction to Zion's canyon landscapes before potentially tackling more challenging hikes like Angels Landing or The Narrows. Couples might enjoy the romantic ambiance of the riverside setting, particularly during golden hour. It's also a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the unique light and geological formations of Zion.
♿ Visitors with Mobility Challenges
The trail is wide enough in most sections to accommodate mobility devices comfortably. While the path itself is easy, it's important to note that the transition to The Narrows involves entering the river, which is not accessible. However, the paved portion offers ample stunning views and a pleasant outdoor experience within the park.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Narrows: A Zion Icon
While the full Narrows hike requires a permit and can be a strenuous, all-day adventure, visitors can experience a taste of it by continuing past the end of Riverside Walk. Even a short distance into the river offers a glimpse into the dramatic beauty of the slot canyon. Renting appropriate gear such as water shoes, neoprene socks, and a hiking stick from local outfitters is highly recommended for comfort and safety if you plan to venture beyond the paved path.
Planning your Narrows adventure involves checking weather conditions, as flash floods are a serious risk. The park service provides updates on conditions and potential closures. For those seeking a less intense experience, hiking a portion of The Narrows from the bottom up is a popular option, allowing you to turn back whenever you wish.
Accessibility and Family-Friendliness
Families with young children often find Riverside Walk to be a perfect outing. Toddlers can enjoy exploring the riverbanks and playing with rocks, and the gentle nature of the trail means parents can relax and take in the scenery.
The proximity to the Virgin River also provides a refreshing element, though direct swimming is not advised due to currents. While the paved path itself is easy, it's important to note that the transition into The Narrows involves wading in water, which may require more careful navigation for very young children or those with specific needs. However, for a scenic and manageable walk within Zion's main canyon, Riverside Walk is a top choice for families.
Beyond the Paved Path: Exploring Zion's Trails
For those who prefer less exposure but still want stunning vistas, the Canyon Overlook Trail is a popular choice. This shorter hike offers incredible views of the main canyon without the extreme exposure of Angels Landing.
Other notable hikes in Zion include the Emerald Pools Trail, which features waterfalls and lush vegetation, and the Pa'rus Trail, a paved, multi-use path that is also accessible and offers different perspectives of the park.
Social
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