Hiking The Riverside Walk Trail - Zion National Park
The whole family, including the little ones, can blaze this trail without any trouble at all. Lush trees, ferns, moss, hanging gardens, and other greenery line the whole thing, not to mention the Virgin River alongside.
Bring water shoes and swimsuits in the summer because this is a great place to play in the river. If you are feeling ambitious, you can even walk up The Narrows for a bit.
LENGTH
2 miles round trip.
DIFFICULTY
This is an easy family friendly hike with very little elevation gain. Strollers and wheelchairs can come along on this hike with no problems.
LOCATION
This trail is located at the last shuttle stop in the canyon called Temple of Sinawava. You can drive to the trail head in the winter when the shuttles are not running. Click Here for exact location.
TRAIL DETAILS
This trail is mostly level and paved. Shear red rock mountains line the path as you walk along the Virgin River. You can find mule deer along the trail, and if you are visiting in the summer, you will be sure to come across some very friendly squirrels. You might be tempted to feed and pet them, but please don't. They bite and feeding them is not good for their diet.
The end of this hike is where The Narrows begins. For a change of scenery and less crowds take the dirt trail that goes right along the Virgin River on your way back. Scroll through to get tips and additional information.
GOOD TO KNOW
There are bathrooms and water fill stations at the trailhead.....yay!
TIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFO
This trail is extremely popular, so it is best to go first thing in the morning. I recommend taking the shuttle right around sunrise if you want to beat the crowds.
If you are hiking this trail in the middle of the summer with the intentions of letting the kiddos play in the Virgin River then make a day of it. Plan to spend 3-4 hours exploring along the trail, playing in the river and even walking a little way up The Narrows.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, snacks and maybe even a change of clothes for the kids in the summer. They will get wet.
There is a dirt trail that runs along the river. I recommend taking this trail on the way to or from. It is less crowded and gives you different scenery.
Wear good hiking shoes or hiking sandals. For the kiddos bring water shoes for playing in the river.
Happy hiking,
Arika
