For many people, the thought of a long and strenuous hike is pretty much the last thing on earth that they feel ready to do. This can understandably make a visit to the exquisite Zion National Park seem somewhat daunting. However, there are several hikes suitable for those with less experience. So, how long is Riverside Walk in Zion National Park?
The Riverside Walk in Utah’s Zion National Park is a roughly two-mile roundtrip through beautiful views, including lush greenery, weeping walls, and the Virgin River. The Riverside Walk is a family-friendly and wheelchair-friendly hike that takes approximately one to two hours to complete.
Visiting a National Park like Utah’s Zion National Park does not have to be as intimidating as inexperienced hikers might think. Indeed, Zion National Park has plenty of family-friendly hiking options for those looking for something more relaxed. Discover how long the Riverside Walk is, if it is worth it, and what you’ll need to prepare for this hike.
How Long Is The Riverside Walk In Zion National Park?
From seasoned hikers to those who prefer peaceful strolls in the park, there is arguably no more extraordinary place to find yourself other than the magnificent Zion National Park. Indeed, the beauty and diversity in this magnificent National Park in Utah are breathtaking and can very quickly leave any outdoor enthusiast with a profound sense of awe.
Unfortunately, many people have passed by on opportunities to visit Zion National Park because of a misconception that it caters only to long-distance, strenuous hikes. However, part of what makes Zion National Park so fantastic is that it has a wide range of unique opportunities for adventure that cater to hikers of any skill and experience.
One of these incredible opportunities for adventure is the popular Riverside Walk. Zion National Park’s Riverside Walk is arguably one of the most family-friendly hikes in the entire park! The paved path is mostly level, making it perfect for small children, strollers, and also those who are in wheelchairs looking for some outdoor scenic fun.
The Riverside Walk is arguably the perfect place to enjoy some exercise – without it being too strenuous – while soaking up some of the most exquisite views found only in Utah’s Zion National Park. The sightseeing opportunities on the Riverside Walk include lush gardens, tall trees, the stunning Virgin River, and a few weeping walls.
There are also wildlife sighting opportunities on the Riverside Walk. It is highly common to see squirrels and chipmunks, wild turkeys, mule deer, and blue heron. However, as cute as many of these animals are, it is prohibited to give them food of any kind. Due to the popularity of Riverside Walk, it is essential to do everything you can to leave the environment “untouched.”
The Riverside Walk begins at the last stop of the Zion shuttle – the magnificent Temple of Sinawava. In this area of Zion National Park, the canyon walls are incredibly tall, and many people say that the area overall leaves you with a deep sense of awe. The trail runs for roughly a mile along the canyon, giving hikers plenty of sightseeing opportunities.
Many people describe the Riverside Walk as being about the journey more than the destination, which is absolutely true! The Riverside Walk is filled with lush greenery, tall and mesmerizing canyon walls, and views alongside the Virgin River. Hikers are encouraged to take a slow, peaceful walk and soak in the scenery rather than rush straight to the end.
Eventually, the trail leads to the beginning of the famous Zion Narrows hike – a long and strenuous hike only suitable for more experienced hikers. This marks the end of the Riverside Walk, as the canyon walls become so narrow that there are no longer any land banks on either side of the Virgin River.
At this point, you will turn back to the trailhead unless you are feeling up to getting your shoes wet and continuing to do the famous Zion Narrows hike – the choice is yours!
Overall, the Riverside Walk in Zion National Park is roughly two-miles roundtrip. Depending on the pace you walk, and how long you spend soaking up the views along the way, the hike should take approximately one to two hours to complete, making it perfectly manageable for even the least experienced hiker.
Is The Riverside Walk In Zion National Park Worth It?
Now that you have more information about the nature of the Riverside Walk in Zion National Park, you might be wondering whether the overall hiking experience here is worth it or not. There are two sides to this answer that we will explore.
Firstly, for those looking for a more relaxed “stroll” through the beauties of Zion National Park, there’s undoubtedly no better place to do that than at the Riverside Walk. This hike’s family-friendly and accessible nature makes it an excellent choice for families with small children and strollers and those in wheelchairs. The views are incredible here.
On the other hand, if you are a seasoned hiker looking for a challenge, then this hike is likely not suitable for you. The trail is mostly level, there are no obstacles, and there is nothing strenuous about this trail. However, you could push on to make the Zion Narrows trail which would unquestionably give you a formidable challenge to conquer.
Overall, if you are looking for a peaceful, scenic family stroll, then the Riverside Walk is well worth it! However, if you are looking for more of a challenge, then the Riverside Walk on its own is probably not worth it for you.
Preparing For The Riverside Walk In Zion National Park
Due to the family-friendly nature of the Riverside Walk, there is not all that much that hikers need to be strictly prepared for.
Other than a few hiking essentials like a comfortable pair of shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water, there shouldn’t be too much else that you would need to handle this hike. Come ready to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery found only in Zion National Park.
Conclusion
All in all, the Riverside Walk is a roughly two-mile round trip through lush scenery along a primarily level paved path. The hike should take approximately one to two hours to complete depending on how long you spend soaking in the views. The Riverside Walk is undoubtedly one of the best family-friendly hikes in Zion National Park, so do not pass it by!
