Riverside Walk

Riverside Walk

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 1
Route Type: Out and back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 154.2

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 1
Route Type: Out and back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 154.2
Estimated Time: 1–2 hours round-trip (2 miles total)
Trail Surface: 100% concrete paving with irregular, uneven sections. Some areas slippery from sand; tread width minimum 50 inches.
Trail Features: Virgin River
Sandstone canyon walls
Exhibits on canyon erosion and ecology
River access
Gateway to The Narrows
Trail Highlights: The narrowing canyon intensifies at mile 0.8, where towering sandstone walls close in on both sides. The payoff is full river immersion in a slot-canyon atmosphere without technical scrambling. The paved trail ends at Temple of Sinawava junction; beyond lies The Narrows (non-paved, wades through water).

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Temple of Sinawava (Shuttle Stop #9), end of Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Follow sidewalk past the shuttle stop and restrooms to trail entrance.
Parking Fill Time: Full by mid-morning March–November. December–February: typically available.
Shuttle Required: 1
Shuttle Details: March–November: Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is shuttle-only; Riverside Walk is accessible via Shuttle Stop #9. December–February: private vehicles can drive to Temple of Sinawava. Verify current conditions and shuttle schedule at nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/conditions.htm before your trip.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required.
Fees: $35 (Private Vehicle entrance to Zion National Park; valid 1–7 days). Youth 15 and under free with paying adult.
Trail Status: Open year-round; sections may close in winter due to icy and unsafe conditions.
Seasonal Closures: Sections of the trail may close in winter due to icy and unsafe conditions. Check current conditions at nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/conditions.htm before your trip.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: Water available at Temple of Sinawava trailhead. No potable water along the trail. Carry 2L water minimum; the Virgin River is unfiltered.
Accessibility: Flat paved surface (100% concrete) with typical grades of 4.6% and cross slopes of 1.7%. Minimum tread width 50 inches. Surface may be slippery from sand. Overhanging obstacles with 4-foot vertical clearance and 48-inch remaining tread width. Wheelchair access to first sections possible; full accessibility limited by narrow passages.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Irregular paving and uneven surface
Minor drop-offs
Slippery sand on concrete when wet
Narrow tread width (50 inches minimum)
Overhanging rocks (7 feet long, 4 feet vertical clearance)
Winter ice
Flash flood risk (rare, but monitor weather)
Hazard Details: Paving is irregular and uneven in sections—watch foot placement. Minor drop-offs are present; edge awareness mandatory with children. Tread width varies; minimum 50 inches in bottleneck sections (48 inches of clearance under overhanging rocks). Concrete surface becomes slippery from sand and water. Winter conditions create unpredictable icy patches that close sections. Virgin River can flood during heavy rain upstream.
Crowd Level: Conga line. Heavy shuttle-season traffic March–November.
Peak Crowd Times: Spring (March–May) and summer (June–August), especially 9 AM–4 PM. Shuttle season March–late November increases foot traffic.
Best Season: Year-round; optimal March–May and September–November to avoid extreme heat and winter ice.
Best Time To Visit: Start by 7 AM to beat the shuttle crowds. March–May and September–November are optimal: moderate temps and stable ground. Avoid winter (ice closes sections) and peak summer heat (full sun, canyon oven effect). Check park conditions the morning of your visit.
Tips Advice: Wear shoes with firm grip—irregular paving and sand create slip hazards.
Carry 2L water minimum; the Virgin River is unfiltered.
Go early: the trailhead fills by mid-morning March–November.
Step carefully at minor drop-offs; don't assume flat = safe.
Bring sunscreen and a hat; canyon walls provide partial shade only.
If you reach the paved end at mile 1, scout the junction to The Narrows to gauge the deeper terrain.

More details

Park Area: Zion Canyon
Trail Markers: Well-marked paved surface with clear path. No navigation challenge; the trail is linear and traffic is constant.
Dogs Allowed: No
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: Partial shade from canyon walls; full sun exposure in open sections. Heat accumulates in the narrow canyon—expect 5–10°F warmer than rim temperature.
Emergency Contacts: Alert a ranger immediately at Temple of Sinawava facilities or call for emergency services. Park headquarters: general inquiries at nps.gov/zion.
Map Recommended: 0
Snow Dates: Typically December–February; check nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/conditions.htm for real-time closure updates.
Mud Season: Minimal. Paved surface drains well, but sand and water create slippery patches.
Insider Tips: Most tourists stop at the mile-1 turnaround. Scout beyond to the Narrows entry point to see what lies ahead.
Visit in early morning (before 7:30 AM) to have the trail nearly to yourself.
The riverside exhibits are worth 10 minutes; they explain the geology and ecology shaping the canyon.
If winter ice is present, turn back—don't risk slipping on concrete in a canyon.
Recent Updates: Accessibility assessment conducted February 24, 2025. Check park website for current seasonal closure status and trail condition updates.
Family Friendly Notes: Easy paved trail suitable for families with young children and elderly hikers. Irregular paving and minor drop-offs demand hand-holding with small children. Strollers feasible on smooth sections but irregular paving creates challenges. No shaded rest areas—bring water, sunscreen, and hats. Teach children about edge hazards near the river.
Review Summary: Hikers consistently praise this trail as the perfect Zion warm-up—scenic, paced, and safe. Most report the 1-mile length feels longer due to immersive canyon atmosphere. Veteran hikers note that irregular paving requires active foot placement but rewards with intimate river access and a legitimate gateway to harder terrain.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this hike if I'm not very fit?

Yes. This is a flat, paved trail with only 154 feet of gain. The challenge is not fitness—it's foot placement on irregular paving and attentiveness to minor drop-offs. Any healthy adult can complete it.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Yes. The trail is heavily trafficked, well-marked, and short. Ranger presence is typical. Stay alert for the minor drop-offs and irregular surface, but solitude-wise, you're never truly alone on this trail March–November.

Do I need special gear or training?

No special gear. Wear shoes with firm grip (the paving sheds sand and can be slippery). Bring 2L water minimum, sunscreen, and a hat. No technical skills or special training required.

What happens if I visit in winter?

Sections may close due to ice. Before going, check nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/conditions.htm. If icy patches are reported, postpone—the regular concrete becomes treacherous when frozen.

Can I turn back whenever I want?

Yes. This is an out-and-back trail. You set the turnaround point. Most stop at mile 1; some scout the Narrows junction beyond. You're in control.

Will I see The Narrows on this hike?

You'll reach the junction and gateway view to The Narrows, where the paved section ends. The Narrows proper involves wading through water and is not part of this trail. The Riverside Walk stays dry and paved.