Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(closed to private vehicles, except in winter), and the rest of Zion Canyon. See
“Zion Canyon” in chapter 3.
3.5 miles RT. Easy. Access: Either the entrance to Watchman Campground, near the amphitheater
parking area; or near the Nature Center in South Campground.
RiversideWalk&GatewaytotheNarrows
★★★
The sound of the rushing Virgin River
and the intriguing hanging gardens of wildflowers make this easy paved trail a fa-
vorite of ours, as it follows the river upstream to the beginning of the Zion Canyon
Narrows. It's best in spring and early summer, when the river is at its peak, but
the cooling breeze off the river is also refreshing in the summer heat, and the
trailside exhibits add interest at any time. Accessible for wheelchair-bound travel-
ers (with some assistance), the trail has an elevation change of only 57 feet over its
2 miles. The pavement ends at the Narrows, and here you can either turn around
and head back, or continue upstream into the Narrows, where the canyon walls
are sometimes less than 20 feet apart but more than 1,000 feet high. You should
have a sturdy hiking staff for wading into the cold river over slippery rocks. Before
entering the Narrows, check the weather forecast (posted at Zion Canyon Visitor
Center) and discuss your plans with park rangers—during rainstorms (common in
July-Aug), flash floods are a serious threat. For more information, see “The Nar-
rows: Safety First” box, the listing, and the “Zion Canyon” map in chapter 3.
2.2 miles RT. Easy. Access: Temple of Sinawava at the end of Zion Canyon Scenic Dr.
SandBenchTrail
This trail is most popular with hikers in the off-season, as horse-
back riders use it heavily from March through October. After crossing the river on
the footbridge, this sandy trail turns left and meanders through a sagebrush mead-
ow in the Court of the Patriarchs. It's not always well marked, so watch carefully
for the junction, where you'll take the left fork across a small streambed—after
which, the 500-foot climb to the top of the bench begins. Soon the loop splits; if you
choose the right fork, you'll pass under sheer stone walls and stark towers until you
come out on top, where the Streaked Wall dominates the near view and the Watch-
man stands sentinel in the distance. As you approach the base of the Streaked Wall,
you'll come to a rest area and corral that mark the end of the loop. The trail back
takes you along the edge of an escarpment above the river, offering magnificent
views of the Twin Brothers, Mountain of the Sun, and East Temple. If you choose
the left fork, you'll see all these sights in reverse order, because the trail is a loop.
Remember, horses have the right of way, so step to the side of the trail and stand
quietly while they pass. See “Zion Canyon” in chapter 3.
3.4-mile loop. Moderate. Access: Court of the Patriarchs Viewpoint, along Zion Canyon Scenic Dr.
