Riverside Walk, Entrance to The Narrows, Zion National Park

Riverside Walk / Entrance to The Narrows Zion National Park, Utah 

Riverside Walk, Zion National Park, Utah 

The Riverside Walk Trail was a great way to end our day at Zion National Park in Southern Utah.  Riverside Walk is the 2 mile out and back paved trail that leads to the entrance of The Narrows.  The trail head is at the Temple of Sinawava, which is at the very end of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (the 6 mile road through the park where are the trail heads are).  

Riverside Walk Map, Zion National Park 

Riverside Walk, Zion National Park 

The paved trail is one mile out to the end, following the Virgin River to the start of The Narrows.  There are portions where you can leave the paved trail and walk right along the river with your toes in the sand.  It is much cooler here than the other sections of the park and the water is quite cold this time of year.  

Virgin River, Riverside Walk, Zion National Park

Riverside Walk, Zion National Park

This is a gorgeous trail for all types of hikers, and a great option for anyone looking for an easy hike on a paved trail with gorgeous views along the Virgin River. 

Riverside Walk, Zion National Park

Riverside Walk, Zion National Park

Riverside Walk, Zion National Park

Virgin River, Riverside Walk, Zion National Park

Virgin River, Riverside Walk, Zion National Park

We started this trail at around 5pm and saw a ton of hikers, a bunch walking back from The Narrows in their dry suits and hiking sticks.  Although hiking The Narrows in the winter requires a $40 dry suit rental, you get to enjoy a less crowded hike in one of the most beautiful and popular sections of the park.  I fully intend to head back to Zion to hike the famous Narrows and can’t wait to tell you all about it then. 

Hikers in dry suits at the entrance to The Narrows, Zion National Park

Hikers in dry suits at the entrance to The Narrows, Zion National Park

The Narrows starts right here, where the Riverside Trail abruptly ends and the only way to continue is, you guessed it, right through the river.  

This is how I spend most trips, with a Go Pro or camera in front of my face. 

Riverside Walk, Zion National Park

If trudging through the river for 8-12 hours, or even over night isn't your definition of the best hike ever, or the weather won’t allow, the Riverside Walk is a great way to see the beautiful Virgin River and the opening of The Narrows.