Riverside Walk - Zion National Park, Utah - National park, hiking

Originally called the Gateway to the Narrows, Riverside Walk's two mile round trip hike starts at the farthest end of Zion Canyon, at the Temple of Sinawava. This trail ends where the Zion Narrows Trail begins. This well traveled hike is a walk on a paved path with little change in elevation. It is popular because of the ease and beauty of the day hike.

Along the trail you'll find exhibits describing the plants and microhabitats that are present in this river habitat. This strip of land located between the cliffs and the Virgin River has a variety of plant and animal life. There is a pond along the path where canyon tree frogs are often seen and heard. Other wildlife includes the rock squirrel and the mule deer. The hanging gardens and desert swamps along the trail are smaller zones where conditions allow certain animals and plants to thrive. The Zion Snail is native to the hanging gardens in the park. This creature isn't found anywhere in the world except Zion.

From Salt Lake City: Travel I-15 south, past Beaver. Exit onto Highway 20. Then follow US-89 to Mount Carmel Junction. Take U-9 to Zion's east entrance. Allow one and a half hours to complete the loop to the start of the Zion Narrows and back to the Riverside Walk trailhead.

The best season to hike this trail is from March to October. The trail closes sometimes in the winter due to icy conditions. From early April to early November you can park at the Zion Canyon Visitors Center and ride the Zion Canyon Shuttle. The rest of the year drive into Zion Canyon and park at the very last stop at the end of the road. This is one of the most popular trails in the park. This paved trail is well maintained making it accessible to strollers and wheel chairs.

Riverside Walk information:

Day Hike - Yes

Trail Distance - 2 miles round trip

Average Hiking Time - 1.5 hour round trip

Trail Distance - 2 miles round trip

Average Hiking Time - 1.5 hour round trip

Accessible Trail - Yes

Trail Usage - Heavy

Difficulty - Easy

Sun Exposure - Shaded along most of the path.

Permits - Not required.

Trailhead - Temple of Sinawava

Trailend - Same as trailhead

Elevation Gain - 57'

Restrooms - Available at the Temple of Sinawava

Water Availability - At trailhead, water bottles can be filled at the drinking fountain Difficulty - Easy

This trails best features include the towering monoliths and the pools and small rapids of the Virgin River. The shade and water along this hike provide a cool environment where many visitors stop and soak their feet in the river.

This online reviewer in 0ctober 2008 said, "We walked along the Riverside trail after coming down from the Angel's Landing Trail. We hiked the trail in the fall and the trail was refreshingly cool after the baking heat of Angel's Landing. The trail provided a different beauty and we could look up in the Canyon instead of down from Angel's Landing. We were surprised by a small group of deer munching away in the grass, and the hanging gardens provided another beauty of their own. No trip to Zion should be considered complete without a walk along Riverside.''

A second reviewer said, "This is a great walk in the park. It is located at the last bus stop along the route. It's flat and paved so anyone can do it. It is very beautiful walking along the bottom of the canyon next to the river with the red canyon walls towering around you.

At several points along the walk and at the end you are able to walk down to the river. Make sure to bring a towel if you want to get your feet wet. Overall, I think this is a must for anyone who is visiting the park. Just make sure to bring the camera!''