The Riverside Walk is an easy, paved hike in Zion National Park that leads directly to the start of the famous Zion Narrows. It’s one of the park’s most popular trails, thanks to its accessibility, river views, and dramatic canyon scenery, and yes, that popularity means crowds.
My first impression of the hike was… Meh. Too many people, very low expectations. I dragged my feet behind the rest of the family, largely unsure about this obvious colossal waste of our time. But, in just a few minutes, this hike won me over. Despite the crowds. (Make no mistake, I despise crowds.)
If you’re looking for a high-reward Zion hike that requires very little effort, the Riverside Walk is absolutely worth your time. It’s one of the most scenic hikes in Zion National Park, and one of the easiest. The two usually don’t go hand in hand, but this is one of those rare exceptions.
Riverside Walk: Quick facts
Type: Out-and-back
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1–2 hours
Trailhead: Temple of Sinawava Shuttle Stop (#9)
Dog-friendly: No (service animals only)
Fee: Yes (U.S. National Park Service entrance fee)
Trailhead info & route details
The Riverside Walk begins at the Temple of Sinawava, the final stop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle route. During most of the year, private vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (except for limited access to guests of the Zion Lodge), making the shuttle the primary way to access the trailhead.
Once you step off the bus, the start of the trail is obvious and well-marked. This is an out-and-back trail, following the same path the entire way, with no junctions or navigation decisions required.
Its paved surface and minimal, very gradual elevation gain make this Zion trail an easy option for a wide range of visitors, from families with small kids to anyone who just wants scenery without a strenuous hike. As long as sand hasn’t drifted over the pavement, it’s also stroller-friendly and wheelchair-accessible.
The entire hike can take around an hour to complete, but many visitors linger far longer than expected thanks to the scenery.
Trail description
The Riverside Walk is exactly what its name suggests — an easy stroll on a paved path that follows the Virgin River as it winds deeper into Zion Canyon. With almost no elevation change, it’s more of a relaxed walk than a traditional hike, and a great option if you’re looking for things to do in Zion without hiking.
What sets it apart is the scenery. Towering canyon walls rise straight up from the riverbank, creating a narrow corridor of rock, shade, and flowing water. The contrast between the massive cliffs and the lush greenery along the river is striking, especially for a trail that requires so little effort.
This hike is particularly well-suited for hot days. Thanks to the river, surrounding trees, and the canyon’s soaring walls, much of the path stays shaded for large portions of the day (except for a few hours around midday). Even in summer, the air here feels noticeably cooler and fresher than on the more exposed trails in the park.
As you continue, hanging gardens begin to appear along the canyon walls (much like at Zion’s Weeping Rock).
Plants cling to cracks in the rock, fed by water that seeps through the sandstone and trickles down in thin streams. It’s a quiet reminder of how much life exists in places that seem, at first glance, impossibly vertical and dry. The damp cliff walls are also home to the tiny endemic Zion snail.
There is even a small natural pool at the base of the cliff along the path, fed by the same water trickling down from the cliff — water that looks ordinary, but isn’t.
At several points along the way, there are river access spots where you can step closer to the water. On warm days, dipping your feet into the Virgin River can be refreshing, but keep in mind that the current can be stronger than it looks.
The deeper you walk into the canyon, the more dramatic the scenery becomes. The walls draw closer together, the sound of the river grows louder, and the path feels increasingly enclosed by rock and water — until it simply disappears and the only way forward at this point would be through the river.
Related: One Perfect Day in Zion National Park (How to See It All)
The end of the trail: Where The Narrows begin
About a mile in, the paved path comes to a natural stop. Here, the canyon narrows so tightly that there’s no space left for the trail to continue on dry land.
This point marks the mouth of The Zion Narrows, where the famous route officially begins and the river itself becomes the trail. For hikers continuing on, this is where permits, gear, and conditions start to matter.
If water levels are low, many visitors choose to step into the river here and wade around briefly. It’s a way to experience the start of The Narrows without committing to the full hike. Just keep in mind that the water is cold, the rocks can be slippery, and the current may have more force than it appears from the riverbank.
Enjoy hiking through water? Consider trying this unique Colorado hike.
Even if you don’t go any farther, reaching this point feels like a natural and satisfying turnaround. You’ve walked straight into the heart of Zion Canyon — and the views alone make it worthwhile.
Know before you go
Crowds are part of the deal
The Riverside Walk is one of the most popular trails in Zion National Park, and there’s no real way around that.
You can try the usual tricks — getting here early or coming later in the day, or you may as well just ignore the mobs of people because they, too, will try to get here early or come later than most. There will be people. Just expect it. The upside? The trail is wide enough, and you’ll be busy twisting your neck at the astonishing beauty all around, so even with crowds, it rarely feels stressful.
On that note, there is an unofficial primitive dirt path that skirts the river which you can take as an alternative to the main trail. It won’t take you all the way to the end and you might miss some of the highlights along the paved path, but it’s an option to consider if you’re craving quieter moments. Watch your steps, as parts may be washed out.
Weather and current conditions
Zion Canyon is a dynamic environment, and conditions here can change quickly. Before heading out, check the current conditions through the official gov website or stop by the Visitor Center to speak with park rangers.
High water levels, storms upstream, or poor weather forecasts can affect access to The Narrows gateway, even if the paved trail itself remains open.
Footwear and what to bring
You’ll see people walking this trail in everything from hiking boots to sandals, and yes, technically, you can do it in flip-flops. That said:
- supportive walking shoes are more comfortable
- a walking stick can help if you step into the river
- water and sun protection are still important, even in the shade
Wildlife and plants to watch for
Mule deer, wild turkeys, and birds are commonly spotted along the trail, and squirrels, which are not only the most abundant but also the most mischievous.
While you enjoy the scenery, keep an eye on your snacks. I’ve never seen squirrels as bold (or as chunky) as the ones along this trail. Don’t be surprised if they do the Macarena the moment they smell food in your pocket. Sneaky little things. Do not feed them. It’s illegal, unhealthy for the animals, and a fast way to lose your trail mix.
You may also spot poison ivy along the paved path as well as near the riverbank. It’s easy to avoid if you stay on the main trail, but something to be aware of if you wander closer to the water.
Other fun (and SAFE) Zion National Park hikes worth a try:
- Watchman Trail (3.2 miles; great views and less crowded)
- Emerald Pools Trail (~2.2 miles; natural pools, different route options)
- Weeping Rock Trail (0.4 miles; extremely short but very rewarding)
Hi, I’m Marketa!
Mom of two, Malinois wrangler, and the voice behind this blog. I share places worth the detour across the U.S., from remote backroads to favorite Chicago-area finds. Always chasing good views, great memories, and dog-friendly stops. More about us →
