Every year, Zion National Park attracts visitors from all around the world. Hikers and explorers flock to the park to experience southern Utah at its very finest. Though the park is full of advanced hikes complete with steep drop offs and world-class views, there are plenty of easier paths within the park that are better suited for families with the same desire for exploration.
If you are visiting Zion’s with kids in tow, consider the Riverside Walk a.k.a. the Gateway to the Narrows. This path is paved and meanders along the Virgin River with very little incline. It’s a mild, 2-mile round trip jaunt – pleasant for the very young and very old…and all those in between. Though the trail does not include expansive vistas of the park, it does award beautiful views of the Virgin River. You’ll walk along, surrounded by lush, hanging gardens and “weeping” rocks that are often missed when seen from up high. These are the subtleties of Zion that often go overlooked and underappreciated.
In reality, it is the contrast between this type of greenery and the red cliffs that make travelling through Zion’s such a breathtaking experience. So, don’t let your little ones inhibit you from exploring this world-class national park. Bring all your family along for the adventure! You’ll get to see Zion’s with a new set of eyes and, believe me, your entire family will return home with stories to tell.
Details about Riverside Walk: A Family Friendly Hike at Zion National Park
- Where: The trail begins at the Temple of Sinawa, the last stop on the shuttle service
- Length: 2 miles, round trip
- When: open year round
Planning on making the trip with kids? Check out this guide – it will make your excursion much more enjoyable.
Looking for more family or kid-friendly hikes? See reviews on Trip Advisor here.
*Images courtesy of citrusmilo.com