Gateway hike to the famous Narrows Bottom-Up, the Riverside Walk in Zion National Park is an easy, scenic trail, suitable for all activity levels, including kids.
Last updated: May 5, 2025
A Complete Guide to Hiking the Zion Riverside Walk
If you pick the Zion Riverside Walk in the hope of hiking to the popular narrow section of Zion Canyon later on, well done. The panoramic, paved trail runs along the Virgin River in the far end of Zion National Park’s main section, eventually merging with the Narrows trailhead. Yet the difference between these two trails is immense.
Brimming with astounding natural scenes and occasional wildlife, the Zion Riverside Walk feels like a walk in a city park. No steep ascents or descents interrupt your leisurely stroll. Crowds of hikers both streaming to the nice “patio” at the end of the trail and venturing deeper into the Narrows abound, though.
Interesting Fact: The Riverside Walk Trail was known as the “Gateway to the Narrows” until the 90s. The old name stirred away families with kids not interested in tedious hikes.
But “strenuous” has nothing to do with the Zion Riverside Walk hike. On the contrary, it’s a place to relax, take in the views, and, if you wish, deep your feet in the river. The water, however, is cold. Freezing cold. At least this is how it felt in early April.
READ MORE: 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Zion National Park
Zion Riverside Walk Trail Stats
- Distance: 2-mile, round-trip trail
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 57 feet. The Zion Riverside Walk hike is mostly flat. The area has very little elevation gain.
- Time: 40-60 minutes
HIKING THE ZION RIVERSIDE WALK
Once you get to the Temple of Sinawava, either by a personal vehicle or shuttle, follow the sign to the Zion Riverside Walk trailhead, located near the shuttle stop. Guarded by massive cliff walls, right from the start, the trail instills a feeling of complete awe and expectancy. You feel like something intriguing ought to happen in a colossal, ancient canyon.
The trail remains relatively the same throughout your entire journey along the Zion Riverside Walk. It doesn’t get either broader or narrower and avoids any steep ascents or abrupt descents. The walls, however, grow closer to each other the farther you hike into the canyon.
Along the Trail
The Riverside Walk hike is all about enjoying the walk and taking in the sights along the way.
A dirt path forks from the official trail shortly after you start the hike. While the paved path stays close to the towering cliffs, the unofficial path diverges to the left. It approaches the Virgin River and runs along its bank for a while. Soon ashamed of its frivolous behavior, the dirt path rejoins the main trail. The Riverside Walk becomes more directed and mission-oriented at this point, leading straight to a shaded “balcony” at the Narrows trailhead.
Along the way, the Zion Riverside Walk entertains hikes with some trees, ferns, moss, and alert wildlife.
Lingering on the bank of the Virgin River, however, is not the only side activity during your Zion Riverside Walk hike. Ferns, trees, moss, and wildlife accompany you, seducing to stay longer on the trail. We even spotted one threadlike waterfall that plunged from the top of the cliff and evaporated before reaching the ground.
The Zion Riverside Walk terminates at a paved platform with stairs descending to the water. In early April, the majority of the visitors stay here, testing the water with their toes before heading back to the trailhead. A few embarked on the miles-long adventure through the Narrows.
The Narrows Bottom-Up Hike from the Zion Riverside Walk
In essence, the Zion Riverside Walk is a prelude to the Narrows, one of the most beautiful and challenging trails in Zion National Park.
The new trail that starts at the end of the Zion Riverside Walk runs upstream to the narrowest sector for the canyon on the North Fork of the Virgin River. The river itself is a trail, abound with slippery rocks and lacking any exposed dry grounds.
The Hike through the Narrows is strenuous, demanding both alertness and vigor. On average, the journey lasts 6 hours or as long as you want to hike before returning to the Riverside Walk. The entire hike, including the Zion Riverside Walk, consists of traversing approximately 10 miles.
The views along the Narrows Bottom-Up Trail make hiking in knee- and waist-deep water worth it. From the end of the Zion Riverside Walk, hike toward Orderville Canyon, Wall Street, and eventually Big Springs and enjoy the vistas you haven’t seen anywhere in Zion National Park yet.
No Permits: Similar to the Zion Riverside Walk, the Narrows Bottom-Up don’t require a permit. Keeping an eye on the weather forecast, however, is necessary. Flash floods are common in the area.
Why Should You Hike the Zion Riverside Walk?
1. Scenic Views and Iconic Sites
The Zion Riverside Walk may sound too simple for experienced hikers. The dramatic views of the surrounding area, however, far outweigh this “shortcoming”. From the remarkable Temple of Sinawava to hanging gardens, a towering waterfall, and the massive cliff walls, the Zion Riverside Walk hike displays the heart and soul of the park.
2. Easy Access and Hike
Ease of getting to the trailhead is as important as the journey itself. Unlike the Narrows, which require a preliminary hike, the Riverside Walk starts right near the shuttle stop. Just get off the bus, head to your right where a sign with unquestionable “Riverside Walk Trailhead” stands, and enjoy the hike.
3. Kid-Friendly Hike
We visited Zion National Park during spring break when families with kids traversed every section of the area. Easy, flat, and rather wide, the Riverside Walk demanded almost zero effort. Older and smaller kids (even toddlers) comfortably tread alongside their parents all the way to the concrete deck and the end of the trail. After a short break, they eagerly jumped back on the trail and headed back to the shuttle station.
No whining, no asking to be carried. The Zion Riverside Walk indeed suited their activity level and pace. You could see it in their every step.
4. The Easiest Way to Take in Zion National Park’s Scenery at Your Own Pace
Truth be told, the Zion Riverside Walk hike is not the only place to enjoy the quiet splendor of the area. Plentiful stunning trails, waterfalls, canyons, and hidden alcoves adorn the park, making it one of the most astounding places to visit in Utah. At the same time, many popular trails, such as the Zion Canyon Overlook, are too narrow and too overcrowded. Once hiking them, you feel obligated to move forward to avoid “hiking jam”.
The Zion Riverside Walk Trail doesn’t lack the overzealous crowds of nature enthusiasts either. The path is, however, broader. Numerous benches and off-the-trail “destinations” near the river bank further allow you to slow down and hike at your own pace.
5. Gateway to the Narrows Bottom-Up
As we discussed already, the Riverside Walk Trail is a preliminary hike to the awe-inspiring Narrows. The concrete “balcony” with stairs down to the river bank is where one trail stops and the new one starts.
The Best Time to Hike the Zion Riverside Walk
The well-maintained Zion Riverside Walk is open all year round. The paved path hardly has any elevation gain and stays relatively dry during the rainy season.
In the winter, icy packs may be present on the trail, making the hike a little bit difficult. Occasional trail closures happen even in this favorable section of Zion National Park. The rest of the year, the winding paved path remains in good conditions for hiking or walking adventures in the park.
Apart from it, surrounded by the towering cliff walls, the Zion Riverside Walk enjoys a fair amount of shade even in the summer. The secluded alcove normally offers a safe haven for hikers exhausted by the scorching heat.
TIP: During any other seasons, these same cliffs force the area to stay cooler than the rest of the park. It feels chillier here. So mastery in layering should be achieved before the Zion Riverside Walk hike is attempted.
HOW TO GET TO ZION RIVERSIDE WALK
Location
The Riverside Walk starts at the Temple of Sinawava (shuttle stop #9), the far end of the main section of Zion National Park. It takes approximately 40 minutes to reach the area by the park’s shuttle.
Shuttle Ride during the Peak Season
The shuttle operates along the Zion Scenic Drive from March through November. To avoid traffic congestion, private vehicles are not allowed in the area at this time. (Exceptions are made for those who stay at Zion Lodge.)
The first shuttle departs from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center at 7 a.m. The last chance to catch a ride back from the Temple of Sinawava is 7:15 p.m. (8:15 p.m. from mid-May until mid-September). If you miss the shuttle, brave yourself for a 7-mile hike, a distance from the shuttle stop #9 to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, to your hike along the Zion Riverside Walk Trail.
Getting to Riverside Walk during the Slow Season
During the slow season, which is usually the winter months, the shuttle reduces its services to accommodate the park’s guests only during holidays.
On weekdays and most weekends, visitors should plan for an alternative way to get to the Temple of Sinawava and hike the Riverside Walk. Driving, biking, and even walking, all of these are acceptable and allowed in the main canyon at this time.
Parking at the Riverside Walk Trailhead
The parking lot sits across the road from the Riverside Walk trailhead. The spaces, however, are limited. You need to arrive early in the morning to claim one of them for yourself. Otherwise, wait in the car until a spot opens up, which may be several minutes or a few hours.
Zion Riverside Walk Hike with Kids
I wouldn’t recommend hiking the Narrows with small kids, although we saw people doing it. The Zion Riverside Walk, on the other hand, is a great hike to embark on with your little explorers. It’s easy, beautiful, and instills a sense of adventure from an early age. If you attempt the Zion Riverside Walk hike with children, follow these recommendations to make the walk enjoyable for all of you.
Enjoy the Walk
It’s a hike, not a race. Walk at your child’s pace. Make frequent stops. Trust me, there will be many of them.
Being curious souls as they are, the young hikers will want to test the water in the river with their hands and possibly feet. Let them enjoy the hike along the Zion Riverside Walk as best as they can. You, in your turn, be prepared to spend more time on the trail and bring along snacks or lunch. And just in case, pack a change of clothes.
TIP: Don’t let your kids submerge their heads in the water. Toxic cyanobacteria was found in the North Fork of the Virgin River.
Admire Wildlife
Admire Zion wildlife, but at a safe distance. Squirrels and chumps are used to people and may linger on the trail. Don’t let your children approach and feed the animals. Furthermore, resist the temptation of touching the wild inhabitants.
TIP: During our visit, the park was warning its guests of toxic cyanobacteria that could be transmitted by animals. Don’t take chances. Instead, teach your children to enjoy, but never touch or otherwise disturb wildlife.
Bring a Stroller Along
If you hike with a baby or a toddler, be sure to bring a stroller. Paved all the way through, the Zion Riverside Walk is stroller and wheelchair-friendly.
Have a Picnic along the Riverside Walk
Pack your lunch and have a little picnic on plentiful benches along the Riverside Walk. Make sure to pack out all your trash after you are done and ready to hit the trail again.
How Much Time Do You Need for a Zion Riverside Walk Hike?
The Zion Riverside Walk can take anywhere from 40 minutes to 2.5 hours to complete. Prepare for a longer adventure if you plan to hike through the Narrows. An average adult spends less than an hour on the Riverside Walk while taking in the views and stopping for photos along the way.
Families with kids need more time to hike the Zion Riverside Walk. Look at spending 1.5-2 hours in the area when traveling with small children.
Tips for Hiking the Riverside Walk Trail
Stop and Smell the Roses
Figuratively speaking. Make your Zion Riverside walk memorable. Look up and around often. It’s gorgeous. Don’t let it escape you when you rush to the end of the trail.
Get Waterproof Gear or a Change of Clothes
If you intend to walk through the Narrows after finishing the Zion Riverside Walk hike, wear waders or any other waterproof clothes. The gear comes in handy even if you just want to linger in the freezing cold water at the end of the Riverside Walk Trail. The equipment can be rented in Springdale.
TIP: Many hikers test the water without any special equipment. The river is indeed tempting. If you don’t intend to hike through the Narrows, then at least cross to the other bank. Do as you please, but make sure to have an extra pair of dry shoes to put on after the water hike.
READ MORE: Where to Stay in and near Zion National Park: Camping and Lodging
Use Facilities at Zion Riverside Walk Trailhead
Bathrooms and a water filling station are located only at the trailhead. Use them before setting off on the Zion Riverside Walk hike.
No Pets on Riverside Walk Trail
Pets are not allowed on the Zion Riverside Walk.
Poison Ivy Warning
Poison ivy grows near the Riverside Walk trailhead. So stay on the trail only.
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