Riverside Walk

The Riverside Walk is the easiest way to feel the drama of upper Zion Canyon, and the gateway to The Narrows. It starts at the Temple of Sinawava, the last stop on the Zion Canyon shuttle (Stop 9) at the very end of the Scenic Drive, where the canyon walls close in around a natural amphitheater of red and cream cliffs. From there, a paved concrete path follows the North Fork of the Virgin River upstream for about a mile, gaining only around 150 feet, as the canyon grows steadily narrower and deeper. The National Park Service suggests allowing one to two hours. Along the way, water seeping out of the sandstone walls feeds hanging gardens of ferns, mosses and wildflowers, and in spring and early summer the wet walls bloom with columbines and monkeyflowers. Cottonwoods line the river, rock squirrels scurry along the path (please do not feed them), and dippers bob in the shallows. At the end of the pavement, the canyon floor gives way to the river itself: this is where hikers bound for The Narrows step into the water, and where everyone else can stand on the rocks and watch them disappear upstream between walls hundreds of feet high. If you only want to see the start of The Narrows, this is the way to do it without getting wet. The trail is open year round, with restrooms and water at the trailhead.

Accessibility and safety. The path is concrete for its whole length but not fully accessible: the typical grade is gentle, but some short sections are steeper, the trail narrows to about four feet in places, and there are overhanging rocks with low clearance. Sand can make the surface slippery. Pets are not allowed. In winter, sections of the trail may close because of icy, unsafe conditions, as this deep, north-trending part of the canyon gets little sun, so check current conditions before you go. Rockfall is possible anywhere in Zion, so do not linger beneath obviously loose cliffs.

Water quality. Toxic cyanobacteria have been found in the North Fork of the Virgin River, and the park has posted advisories. Do not drink untreated river water, avoid submerging your head, keep children from swallowing water, and check the park's current notice before wading at the end of the walk. Flash floods are also a risk in narrow canyons; if a flood warning is posted, stay away from the river.

How to fit it in. Ride the shuttle to the last stop and walk the Riverside Walk first thing in the morning, when the light is soft and the path is quiet, then work your way back down the canyon by shuttle or bike, stopping at The Grotto, Zion Lodge and the Court of the Patriarchs. From November 29 to December 25 the shuttle does not run and private cars may drive to the Temple of Sinawava, but parking at the end of the road is limited, so arrive early. The walk is ideal for families, older travelers and anyone who wants a taste of The Narrows without a permit or wet feet.