Zion Canyon Virgin River Walk
I was surprised to discover how far this social trail along the Virgin River actually continues through Zion Canyon. I first explored it the day after Thanksgiving, when the park was packed—shuttles full, bikes everywhere—and it ended up being one of the best ways I’ve found to experience the canyon without crowds.
The path begins right along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive—the same road the shuttle follows—and loosely tracks the Virgin River as it winds deeper into the canyon. Even though the road is never far, you don’t notice it. You’re down closer to the river, surrounded by towering walls, and the experience feels much quieter and more immersive than it should.
The canyon gradually deepens, the scale builds, and you feel smaller with every step. It’s a vast and humbling stretch of Zion—and being able to move through it at your own pace, without the constant stop-and-go of the shuttle, completely changes the experience.
I haven’t yet walked the entire route end to end, but I’ve covered most of it and plan to return to complete it all the way to the Temple of Sinawava and shuttle back. The full distance is roughly 8–9 miles one way, but it’s easy to shorten by taking the shuttle further into the canyon and picking up the trail from there.
You could also experience Zion Canyon by e-bike, which is a great option—but being down along the river on foot feels much more intimate.
An informal path along the Virgin River offering a quieter, more immersive way to move through Zion Canyon.
Awe Rating (1-5):
4
Length:
< 5 miles, 5-8 miles, > 8 miles
Difficulty:
Easy
Trail Type:
Out & Back
Time Needed:
2-3 hours, Half Day, Full Day
Highlights:
Big Views, Creek/River Walk, Solitude
Landscape:
Canyon
Solitude Potential:
High
Trailhead Access:
Paved Access
Special Considerations, Best Season to Hike:
Best on busy days when the canyon is crowded—an easy way to find solitude while staying in the most dramatic part of the park.
Things to Know
Start near Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (park at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center)
If the main lot is full, check smaller parking areas further along near the start of the scenic drive
Trekking poles can be helpful, though it’s often possible to stay dry
More to Explore
If you have more time to spend inside the park, these are some good options:
The West Rim Trail, another quiet choice (once you pass the junction with Angel's Landing) in the dramatic main canyon. It climbs steadily into the canyon walls for a much vaster, more committing experience.
Past the tunnel on the east side, the Canyon Overlook trail is busy but short with spectacular views of the canyon.
One can also drop into Clear Creek, which runs along the scenic drive east of the tunnel, and enjoy its many narrow sections and various side drainages.
Scenes Along the Trail
