HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · ZION NATIONAL PARK

Riverside Walk

2.2 midistance
57 ftelevation gain
45mmoving time
26 ft/miaverage climb

Riverside Walk is a 2.2 mi trail with 57 ft of climbing — about 45m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 3. About 60% of it is shaded, and there is water on the route to refill from.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 No dogs 🧒 Comfortable from age 3 👶 Stroller OK 🚻 Restrooms at the trailhead 💧 Water on the route ☀️ 60% shaded

Underfoot & overhead paved canyon

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Riverside Walk charges in hours, not miles.

2.2 mi and 57 ft of climbing work out to 45m of moving time — before you stop for anything. There is water on the route to refill from. Informational only, not medical advice.

Get the summer refuel plan →

NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out

45mmoving time, no breaks
0.4–0.8 Lwater, cool day → hot
20–50 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

26 ft per mile 6th steepest of the 7 trails we've measured in Zion National Park
60% shaded Mostly tree cover — a workable afternoon

In July, Zion National Park runs around 100°F at the main visitor elevation.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

Tonight

55°F · Mostly Clear · wind 5 mph

NOAA forecast for Zion National Park — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ The Virgin River Narrows and all slot canyons closed

The Narrows and all slot canyons are closed at this time due to active or anticipated flash flooding.

Live NPS alert for Zion National Park · source
⚠️ Stage 2 fire restrictions in effect

No setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using open fires of any kind in the park. This includes campfires and charcoal fires in Watchman Campground, South Campground, and picnic areas in Zion Canyon. Stoves...

Live NPS alert for Zion National Park · source
NOT THIS ONE?

Other trails in Zion National Park

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How long does Riverside Walk take?

About 45m of moving time for 2.2 mi and 57 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.

How much water should I carry on Riverside Walk?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.4–0.8 L, cool day to hot. There is water on the route, so you can refill. Informational only, not medical advice.

Can I take a dog on Riverside Walk?

No — Riverside Walk is closed to dogs. Our Zion National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.

Is Riverside Walk good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 3. It takes a stroller. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.

When is the best time of day to hike Riverside Walk?

About 60% of the route is shaded, and Zion National Park peaks around 100°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.