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While visiting Zion National Park, I hiked Riverside Walk. This is an easy, scenic trail along the Virgin River in Utah.
It’s pretty short and one of the more popular paths because it leads to the Narrows. So this could be one small trek or keep going for a very long one.
I’ll share what to know when going, information about getting there, what to expect, and tips.
Getting to Riverside Walk
To access the trail, you’ll need to enter Zion National Park. You can park at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, located near the south entrance of the park.
Then you’ll want to get on the shuttle for Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. You cannot drive your personal vehicle to the trail.
The shuttle has nine stops, at which you can access many trails. For the Riverside trail, you’ll take it to stop 9, the Temple of Sinawava.
Hiking Riverside Walk
The walk along the river is a little over 2 miles round-trip, with an elevation gain of over 150 feet. It leads to The Narrows, a very popular hike in Zion.
Since the park is open 24 hours a day, you can access the trail anytime, as long as it’s not closed due to weather conditions.
Know that the buses do not run all day. So if you want a ride to and from the trail, heed the bus schedule. Meaning, don’t start your hike right before the last bus.
You’ll need to find your way back to the entrance. By the way, the rangers will not give you a ride.
Riding the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive Shuttle
Buses depart from the visitor center every 15 or so minutes. The ride up Zion Canyon Scenic Drive wasn’t too long.
However, many people crammed onto the bus. It seemed like everyone was going to the last stop.
I looked out the window and saw people riding bicycles on the scenic drive. That’s a great way to travel, but you’ll have to yield to buses.
It was a 40-minute ride from the visitor center to the Temple of Sinawava stop. But it didn’t feel like it because there were things to see along the way.
When you get off the bus to explore, that’s when you see the real beauty of the park. That’s when it gets scenic.
Arriving at the Riverside Walk Trailhead
At the last stop, all the people got off. There were tons of people waiting to catch the bus back. Ugh! The dreaded long lines flooded the trailhead.
It looked like a very long wait, and I thought it was a big mistake coming here.
The trail began more flat and a bit sandy. After walking for a couple of minutes, I started to see the inner beauty of the canyon.
I wore my gym shoes and left my hiking shoes behind. The initial plan was to sightsee, so I didn’t wear them.
But plenty of people walked the trail in street shoes and flip-flops. They seemed to get along just fine.
Hiking Along the Virgin River
On the trail, you’ll walk along the Virgin River, flowing deep in the canyon. People were picnicking and playing in the water.
However, signs at the beginning of the trailhead warned of toxic algal mats.
You don’t want to go in the water when those are present. The RV resort I stayed at also warned not to get in the river at this time.
The river gurgled through the canyon under towering trees and majestic rock formations. It was really peaceful.
Overhangs and Puddles on the Trail
Overall, the trail is well-maintained and paved. The slight elevation changes weren’t bad.
Lush foliage bent over the trail in some places. You’ll want to watch out for rock overhangs, in which I had to bend down low in some places.
For the most part, I stayed dry on this trail. However, water from melting snow from the mountains slid onto the path.
So there were many wet spots at this time. Again, hiking shoes might be a better choice for more traction.
People on the Trail
Starting the hike in the mid-afternoon was a prime time for people and crowds.
At times, the trail was like a busy New York street, jam-packed with people flooding the way. Some of them didn’t know which side to walk on.
Others weaved in and out of the traffic flow, bumping into people. Ugh…
Large groups of tourists got all excited about the views and stopped right on the trail, blocking the way. I guess they forgot other people were there too.
Luckily, I found short stretches of calm where I could take pictures and breathe without the masses.
Finding the Beginning of the Narrows
Coming to the end of the Riverside Walk was an accomplishment. At this point, it turns into the beginning of The Narrows trail.
You can see down into it and continue on that trail for eight more hours. But you’ll have to shuffle through water.
That’s why you’ll see people in waterproof hiking boots and pants. I didn’t plan to go farther.
Many people gathered here, and people even had hammocks tied to trees.
It was difficult to find a place to relax in this area. So, it was time to head back and take more pictures.
Heading Back on the Trail
Although beautiful, I was ready to leave. Some people didn’t have hiking etiquette, and that sounds like another post.
One thing about the squirrels—I saw them leaping at people’s hands. That’s because they’re used to people feeding them.
But this is a big no-no. Do not feed the wildlife in national parks. If the staff catch you, you’ll get fined for this.
I had to stand in a long line at the trailhead to catch the shuttle. It took less than an hour to board the bus.
Despite having my snacks, I was hungry and tired. I didn’t see a ranger or staff policing the area.
I saw people throwing trash on the ground. Wow. That’s another big no-no.
It’s beyond me why some people trash our beautiful lands like their dirty bedrooms.
It was a relief to board the bus, but people filed in like canned sardines. These were hot, sweaty people who had hiked all day.
Travel Notes
If you want to hike in Zion, the National Park Service recommends arriving 90 minutes before your hike.
You’ll need time to park, catch the shuttle, and ride up Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Then you’ll do the hike and need to travel back down.
This hike took around 4 hours. So keep that in mind if you plan to do multiple hikes in one day.
Also, bring your refillable bottle. I was able to fill up mine at one of the water stations in the national park.
The next time I walk this trail, I’ll wear hiking shoes. You might want to consider wearing yours.
Overall
The Riverside Walk is a beautiful and easy trail in Zion National Park. Despite the crowds, I saw many amazing views of the deep canyon.
And if you want to avoid the crowds, you might go much earlier. Next time, I might even venture down into the Narrows for another adventure!
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