Riverside Walk

Riverside Walk follows the Virgin River for a paved mile at the far end of Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, starting from the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop. It's the easiest true trail in the canyon and one of the busiest, since it also happens to be the approach to The Narrows. Cottonwoods shade most of the route and the river stays close on your right the whole way in, with the canyon walls closing in tighter as you go.

What to expect

• About 1 mile one-way (2 miles round trip), fully paved in concrete
• Mostly flat, with some sections reaching steeper grades and a bit of sand or slick spots on the concrete
• Shaded by cottonwood trees for much of the day
• Ends where the paved trail stops and The Narrows begins — turn around here to stay dry

This is a shuttle-only trail in season; drive-up access to the canyon is closed while the Zion Canyon Shuttle runs, so plan around the shuttle schedule. The paved section holds up well most of the year but can ice over in winter, so check current conditions before heading out if you're visiting in colder months. It's a solid pick for families, slower walkers, or anyone who wants river views without wading into the Narrows themselves.