The Magical River Walk In Utah That Will Transport You To Another World
By Catherine Armstrong|Published April 28, 2019
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
If you’ve visited Zion National Park, you’ve probably taken the Riverside Walk Trail. It’s a short, easy trail that’s suitable for almost everyone, and even though it’s a typically busy trail, it’s so beautiful that it will transport you to another world.
Riverside Walk is likely Zion National Park's most popular trail. It's short, easy, and scenic, and the shuttle drops you off right at the trailhead.
The scenery is classic Zion - soaring, red rock cliffs with the beautiful Virgin River cutting right through them. You'll certainly want to bring your camera for this one.
You definitely won't have this trail to yourself, but as long as you keep your expectations of solitude low, you'll enjoy this adventure. There's almost a communal feeling of nature-loving as you walk amongst others on the same journey, and it's always fun to see the faces of the people who are seeing this scenery for the very first time.
...but please don't feed these adorable little creatures! The park has instituted a $100 for folks who violate this policy, and there are good reasons for it to be in place. Feeding these small rodents makes them more brave around people, and makes them dependent on visitors for food.
You'll have views of the Virgin River all along this trail, as well as hanging gardens. The trail is paved, and is accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers, so it really is perfect for everyone.
The hike ends where the Narrows Hike begins, right in the middle of the Virgin River. Wear shoes or hiking sandals that you can get wet, and hike up the narrows for the first mile or so - it's a refreshing way to cool off on a hot day before heading back the way you came.
