Riverside Walk and The Sands
A gentle, paved trail along the Virgin River in Zion, leading to the sandy banks of The Sands. Perfect for all ages and abilities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Riverside Walk and The Sands
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A gentle, paved trail along the Virgin River in Zion, leading to the sandy banks of The Sands. Perfect for all ages and abilities.
"Beautiful and relaxing trail! The weather was great, the river was clear and refreshing, and the mountain views were stunning."
🎯 Arrive Early!
Beat the summer crowds by arriving early for a more peaceful experience. 🌅
🚶♀️ Easy & Accessible
The paved path is perfect for families, strollers, and wheelchairs. ♿
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 333 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Riverside Walk
Zion National Park
A gentle, paved path alongside the Virgin River with stunning canyon views. Perfect for all ages and abilities.
The Sands
Zion National Park
Experience the unique beauty of the Virgin River's sandy banks, offering a tranquil spot to relax and enjoy nature.
Fall Colors
Riverside Walk Trail
In early November, the fall foliage along the river creates a breathtaking, colorful spectacle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Narrows Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early!
Beat the summer crowds by arriving early for a more peaceful experience. 🌅
🚶♀️ Easy & Accessible
The paved path is perfect for families, strollers, and wheelchairs. ♿
I’m confused by the NPS website. Is the only way to the narrows the riverside walk? And is that 9.4 mile hike one way or round trip?
There are 2 ways to the narrows. - Riverside walk - a paved 1 mile trail at the last shuttle stop. This area is easily accessible and does not require a permit until you reach Big Spring which is about 9 miles out and back. This would be an all day hike as the distance isnt…
Possibly staying at Springdale and visiting Zion for the first time. Recommendations/tips?
Hello! Any tips or recommendations accepted, going with the family for the first time! I read that no need for permit/reservation is needed to enter the park. Also looked into the shuttles. Does one have to pay the park fee if taking a shuttle? Food spots, observation…
🍁 Fall Spectacle
Visit in early November for vibrant fall colors along the river. :maple_leaf:
💧 Narrows Gear
Rent Narrows hiking gear in Springdale if planning this adventure. :hiking_boot:
First time to Zion
We are planning on traveling to Zion mid November this year. We are staying a mile from the entrance in Springdale. What are some must do’s and see’s for first timers? We are definitely beginners so we aren’t looking for 6+ hours of hiking at once. Any advice and suggestions are…
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early!
Beat the summer crowds by arriving early for a more peaceful experience. 🌅
🚶♀️ Easy & Accessible
The paved path is perfect for families, strollers, and wheelchairs. ♿
🍁 Fall Spectacle
Visit in early November for vibrant fall colors along the river. :maple_leaf:
💧 Narrows Gear
Rent Narrows hiking gear in Springdale if planning this adventure. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Riverside Walk and The Sands for their stunning natural beauty, accessibility, and relaxing atmosphere. It's praised as a perfect, easy hike for families and a great introduction to Zion's grandeur. Some note that it can get very crowded, especially during peak season, making early visits highly recommended.
"Beautiful and relaxing trail! The weather was great, the river was clear and refreshing, and the mountain views were stunning. The path is easy to walk, perfect for kids and also wheelchair accessible. A great short hike for families."
ZEMEN ENT
"Had a wonderful time on a beautiful river trail! It was roughly 2 miles out of back and relatively flat! In early November, the fall colors are perfect and it was amazing walk!"
Preyas Shah
"Get there early! This gets incredibly crowded in the summer as the day goes on. You will want to be able to take your time and see everything along the path before the crowds dacend. Read and follow all the signage as you start the trail."
Dominique Norbeck-Amos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Riverside Walk is the start of the famous Narrows hike and is accessible via the Zion Canyon Shuttle. You'll need to take the shuttle to the last stop, Temple of Sinawava. The Sands is part of this accessible trail.
Parking within Zion Canyon is extremely limited. It's best to park in Springdale and take the free town shuttle to the park entrance, then transfer to the Zion Canyon Shuttle.
During peak season (typically March to November), private vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. You must use the mandatory Zion Canyon Shuttle.
The closest major airport is Las Vegas (LAS), about a 3-hour drive. You can rent a car or take a shuttle service from Las Vegas. Driving from Salt Lake City (SLC) is about a 4.5-hour trip.
Yes, the Riverside Walk is a paved, relatively flat trail that is wheelchair accessible, making it a great option for visitors with mobility challenges.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Zion National Park requires an entrance fee. You can purchase a 7-day pass per vehicle. Consider an America the Beautiful Pass if you plan to visit multiple national parks within a year.
Timed entry reservations are sometimes required for Zion, especially for popular areas like Angels Landing. Check the official NPS website for Zion National Park for the most current information on reservation requirements before your visit.
The Riverside Walk is accessible whenever the Zion Canyon Shuttle is operating, typically from early morning until late evening. The park itself is open 24/7, but shuttle access dictates when you can reach the trailhead.
Day hiking The Narrows from the bottom-up (starting at the end of the Riverside Walk) does not require a permit. However, overnight trips or top-down hikes do require a wilderness permit.
No, the Zion Canyon Shuttle is free to ride once you have paid your park entrance fee. It's the primary way to access the scenic drive during peak season.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Riverside Walk is approximately 2.2 miles (3.5 km) roundtrip, taking about 1-2 hours to complete at a leisurely pace.
The Sands refers to the sandy areas along the Virgin River at the end of the paved Riverside Walk, offering a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the water.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. If you plan to wade into the river, consider water shoes. Layers are recommended as temperatures can change.
Swimming is generally not recommended in the Virgin River due to strong currents and cold temperatures, especially in The Narrows. Wading is possible in designated areas.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the Temple of Sinawava trailhead, which is the start of the Riverside Walk.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Look for dramatic canyon walls, the flowing Virgin River, and the unique textures of the sandstone. The end of the paved trail, where The Sands begin, offers great river views.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Avoid midday sun, which can create harsh contrasts.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast canyon landscapes. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water and enhance colors.
No, drone use is prohibited in all national parks, including Zion, to protect wildlife and preserve the visitor experience.
Include a person or a recognizable object in your frame to give a sense of scale. Experiment with different angles, looking up at the towering cliffs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit