Conditions Right Now
Use sunset as your turnaround alarm.
Why Hike This
This is the trail that ends where the famous one begins. A mile of pavement runs upstream from the Temple of Sinawava, the last shuttle stop, and stops at the point where the canyon pinches down and everyone else steps into the water. The park lists it as wheelchair accessible with assistance, which is rare here, and the grade is gentle enough that kids can run it. Go early or late if you want the hanging gardens without a crowd moving past you.
The Trail
Paved path to the Narrows entrance. Squirrels, hanging gardens, river access.
Heat note: desert country - in summer start at dawn and carry more water than feels reasonable.
Pack Loadout (Easy)
Water bottle, sunscreen, hat, snacks, comfortable shoes.
Getting There
Make it a weekend: South Campground (Zion) (Camping, 6 mi) · Watchman Campground (Camping, 6 mi) · Lava Point Campground (Camping, 8 mi) · Kolob Reservoir (Fishing, 12 mi)
More hikes nearby: The Narrows (Bottom-Up) (Hike, 0 mi) · Angels Landing (Hike, 1 mi) · Emerald Pools (Hike, 2 mi) · Observation Point (East Mesa) (Hike, 3 mi)
Quick Answers
- How long is the Riverside Walk hike?
- 2.2 miles round trip with 57 feet of elevation gain.
- How hard is Riverside Walk?
- Easy. Kid rating: 5 out of 5.
- When should I hike Riverside Walk?
- Best season: All year.
- Why hike Riverside Walk?
- You get the Virgin River, seeping hanging gardens, and the mouth of the Narrows on a paved mile with barely any climbing. During shuttle season you have to ride in, since private cars are not allowed on the scenic drive. It is the easiest way to see what the Narrows looks like without getting wet.