Riverside Walk is a picturesque paved trail following the path of the Virgin River in southern Utah. It begins at the Temple of Sinawava rock formation in Zion National Park, before meandering through the park’s stunning natural features. Check out some of the impressive natural formations that decorate the sides of the trail.
Visit the Zion National Park Visitor Center to learn about the ecology and natural history of the park. Embark on a trek on Riverside Walk, which is flat and moderate, making it suitable for the whole family. It runs for 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers) round-trip and should take between 60 and 90 minutes to complete. Spot the rock formations of the Altar and the Pulpit near the beginning of the trailhead.
Stroll past the hanging plants that drape the sides of the canyon wall. These hanging gardens are among the most iconic sights in Zion National Park. Listen to the rush of water from the Virgin River beside you. Stop in this scenic setting for a picnic or a short break, as you appreciate the tranquility of the park. Look for the animals that live here, including mule deer, great blue herons, squirrels and beautiful blue Steller’s jays.
At the end of the trail, you’ll reach The Narrows, where the rock walls of the Virgin River Canyon creep closer together. Continuing further requires walking in the river itself.
Make sure to bring enough water and sunscreen for the dry heat in summer. Take appropriate safety cautions. In winter, a sheet of ice can make the region’s walks quite slippery. Rain can lead to flash floods in the canyon.
Riverside Walk runs between the center of Zion National Park and the town of Springdale, in southwestern Utah. Drive south from Salt Lake City for 300 miles (480 kilometers) to get here in about 5 hours.
Explore the rest of the region for other scenic locations such as the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Dixie National Forest.
