Riverside Walk (Zion) Hiking Guide
The Riverside Walk is the paved path at the very end of Zion Canyon, running beside the Virgin River as the walls close in. It ends where the pavement stops and The Narrows begins, so it doubles as a gentle sampler for anyone who doesn't want to get wet. It's one of the few trails in the canyon that works for strollers and, with help, wheelchairs.
Permit: No permit for the walk itself; it's covered by the Zion entrance pass. That's $35 for a private vehicle, $20 for each person 16 or older who walks or bikes in, or the $70 Zion annual or $80 America the Beautiful pass. Non-US residents aged 16 and up pay an added $100 apiece unless entering on an annual pass.
Distance and Surface
AllTrails measures the out-and-back at 1.9 miles with 88 feet of gain, about 30 minutes to an hour. The park calls it about a mile each way, an hour round trip, and rates it easy; its accessibility survey logged roughly 150 feet of gain over the mile, a typical grade under 5 percent and a few steeper pitches. The whole path is concrete, mostly flat for the first half mile, with irregular paving, patches of slippery sand, minor drop-offs and one overhanging rock with about 4 feet of headroom.
What You See
The trail follows the river into a deepening canyon, with exhibits on how the river carved it and on the plants and animals that crowd its banks. Seeps along the cliffs feed hanging gardens of ferns and flowers; the park's shuttle narration explains them as rain and snowmelt that filtered down through the sandstone until it met a layer it couldn't pass. At the end of the pavement the canyon floor is all river; turn around here to stay dry, or wade a few minutes upstream for a taste of The Narrows.
Accessibility
The park lists this as one of the few Zion trails that is wheelchair accessible with assistance, along with the Pa'rus Trail. The tread is typically more than 6 feet wide and never narrower than about 4 feet. All Zion shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible, with a ramp limit of 1,000 pounds combined and chairs up to 48 by 32 inches. Strollers ride on the bus's front bike rack, which you load yourself.
Seasons and River Safety
The trail is open all year, but the park warns that sections can close in winter when ice makes them unsafe. Summer brings crowds and, in the monsoon months, flash-flood risk in the river beside you. Wherever you touch the water, follow the park's cyanobacteria warning: don't put your head under or drink from the river, and keep an eye on small children at the water's edge.
Getting There
Riverside Walk starts at the Temple of Sinawava, Shuttle Stop 9, the end of the line about 45 minutes from the visitor center. The shuttle is free and needs no reservation, and it's the only way in during the season, which in most years runs daily from March through November plus the late-December holidays. Water and restrooms are at the stop. If you're staying until evening, check the posted time of the last bus down the canyon.
Hiking tips for Riverside Walk (Zion)
- Plan about an hour round trip, more if you linger where the pavement meets the river.
- If you plan to wade past the pavement, wear closed-toe shoes; the park says sandals and bare feet lead to twisted ankles and crushed toes.
- Leave pets at camp; dogs aren't allowed on this trail or on the shuttle.
- Mind the low rock overhang near the river if you're tall or pushing a stroller.
- Refill bottles at the Temple of Sinawava station before you start; the river water isn't safe to drink.
Nearby trails to explore
- The Narrows Bottom-Up Hike (Zion)
- Emerald Pools Trail (Zion)
- Pa'rus Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Riverside Walk is an easy outing to share with family or new friends. Use TrailMates to find Zion hikers heading to the Temple of Sinawava. Download the TrailMates app to connect.