Nature’s Beauty in Utah – Riverside Walk at Zion National Park

By PhilaTravelGirlUtah
Riverside Walk Zion National Park
Riverside Walk Zion National Park
The Riverside Walk in Zion National Park is an easy to do walk for all with paved path

Visiting Zion National Park is easy to do for travelers of all ages and activity levels. There are two paved accessible paths at Zion that are lovely walks and easy to do with fantastic sights.  I had planned on doing more intensive hiking at the park but was waylaid by two injuries sustained at my Red Mountain Resort Spa escape – naming a wonky big toe on my right foot and a hamstring injury on my left leg.  So I was hobbling slowly by the time I made it to Zion Lodge in Zion National Park.  Luckily, Zion offers a range of hiking options so I chose to start with the Riverside Walk (2.2 miles, 1.5 hrs.) which leads to the Narrows Hike for those with water gear and a few hours (8+ hours for the 9.4 mile trek).  The Riverside Walk is at the end of the Scenic Drive and shuttle stop #9.

The paved path has a slight elevation at parts and allows you to go off the path down a few stairs to get closer to the waters of the Virgin River if you choose. As it was early morning in November, I had the path to myself for the most part and was able to stop frequently to take photos. I did see a few people – some friendly “good morning”, some not so much.  The air was crisp and cool, the views simply stunning and the only noise was the rush of the river.  You really can’t ask for more than that on a morning walk.

Riverside Walk Zion National Park
Much of the paved path on the Riverside Walk is rock formation on one side and river on the other

 

Stopping to view the plants, the water, the rocks, the views was a wonderful entrée into the vast wilderness that is Zion National Park.

Riverside Walk Zion National Park Virgin River
View of the Virgin River on the Riverside Walk in Zion National Park

Here’s the video at the end of the Riverside Walk when I walked down to the rocks.  Sounds of the wind and the river are so relaxing.

Some more views during the walk.  It was so quite for the most part that I was just enjoying the view and kept my camera down for much of the walk in order to take it all in.  As someone from the city, I’m rarely out in nature to enjoy it and on this wellness vacation, I was really enjoying being disconnected from the world and discovering all the beauty that nature has to offer.  Simple rivers, rocks, plants, trees and views.  Just simply….stunning all around at Zion National Park in Utah.

Riverside Walk Zion National Park
The Riverside Walk starting point after you pass the “flood warning” sign for those venturing beyond the path
Early morning Zion National Park Riverside Walk
Lighting definitely changes the view in Zion National Park along the Riverside Walk
Riverside Walk Zion National Park
One of a few hikers I saw on the Riverside Walk in Zion National Park

Note:

Parking for the Riverside Walk and The Narrows was easy at 9 a.m. on a November Thursday, however, by 10:30 a.m., the lot was full.  Generally, this location is served by shuttle bus during busy season.  When the shuttle isn’t running, the Park Service will close the Scenic Drive when parking is full so I’d recommend an early start to get that coveted parking space.