Temple of Sinawava Trail
Temple of Sinawava Trail
4.5
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This trail can be hiked to view the Narrows of the Virgin River Canyon.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
397 reviews
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radx4
Ellicott City, MD2,189 contributions
Oct 2020
The Temple of Sinawava trail is a mostly-paved path that leads to the Riverwalk area at the northern end of the Zion Canyon. There are interesting landscapes to see, and the walk follows the Zion River. The paved path ends once you reach the river walk. Overall, we found the Angel's Landing hike to be much more interesting and picturesque with elevated views. If you aren't going to do the Riverwalk, you can skip this hike if you have time constraints.
We visited late in the day. Note that it gets very shaded because the entire Valley is in shadows. I recommend going mid-day for the best lighting.
Zion National Park is incredibly gorgeous area. If you have time, visiting the Temple of Sinawava is a great activity.
We visited late in the day. Note that it gets very shaded because the entire Valley is in shadows. I recommend going mid-day for the best lighting.
Zion National Park is incredibly gorgeous area. If you have time, visiting the Temple of Sinawava is a great activity.
Written November 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles F
6 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
It was all awesome, can't wait to go back. Traveled from Texas to Vegas straight to Zion, was like a kid waiting to get to the toy store, my wife was wanting to go back the following month. The hardest thing to do after visiting Zion is deciding which near duplicate picture to delete.
Written November 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shane M
3 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
This is a beautiful park at a scale that is hard to fathom. Take as many trails as you can. Ride the shuttle bus to save your feet. Arrive early and park free at the Visitor’s Center.
Written May 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Selena F
Salt Lake City, UT82 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
Hiked Temple of Sinawava Trail – nature's sanctuary! Easy stroll with jaw-dropping views. The towering cliffs and river at the end were like a scene from a dream. If you're in Zion, don't miss this!
Written April 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ktmat.jul
Aliso Viejo, CA130 contributions
This one-mile trail was probably the highlight of our 10-day trip across the Southwest. Starting at the end of the scenic drive in Zion (accessible only by free shuttle), this flat trail follows the Virgin River through Zion Canyon as it narrows to a slot canyon. During our visit in mid June, the water flow was still to great from snowmelt for anyone to enter the narrows, but that just leaves us something to look forward to on our next trip (and we WILL be back - there's no way we could stay away!).
As explained by our very personable shuttle driver, the walls of this canyon are made of sandstone, which absorbs and holds an enormous amount of water. This water trickles out of the sandstone in many places, making the canyon floor a virtual rainforest. Moss and lichens grow out of the rock everywhere, and there are small waterfalls and beautiful pools everywhere you look. Even though there were many people on the trail, we felt almost alone walking the easy, paved path. The Virgin River runs very fast, so that the beautiful sound of running water always surrounds you.
There is little else I can do to describe this beautiful place to you. You just have to experience it. I highly, highly recommend taking at least four or five hours to explore Zion. If you only have a little bit of time, this trail is one to see. Since it's at the end of the scenic drive, you get to see at least a little bit of everything. You could easily take a couple of days exploring this wonderful park.
As explained by our very personable shuttle driver, the walls of this canyon are made of sandstone, which absorbs and holds an enormous amount of water. This water trickles out of the sandstone in many places, making the canyon floor a virtual rainforest. Moss and lichens grow out of the rock everywhere, and there are small waterfalls and beautiful pools everywhere you look. Even though there were many people on the trail, we felt almost alone walking the easy, paved path. The Virgin River runs very fast, so that the beautiful sound of running water always surrounds you.
There is little else I can do to describe this beautiful place to you. You just have to experience it. I highly, highly recommend taking at least four or five hours to explore Zion. If you only have a little bit of time, this trail is one to see. Since it's at the end of the scenic drive, you get to see at least a little bit of everything. You could easily take a couple of days exploring this wonderful park.
Written July 22, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
finesilver
Denver, CO2,193 contributions
Nov 2018 • Business
This is the trail which starts at shuttle stop 9. It is also known by some as the Riverside Walk. It is basically the trail, mostly paved from this shuttle stop to the narrows start about a mile down canyon. An easy walk, with little elevation changes, great colors and views along the way. Quite crowded with people just on the trail as well as others going on to hike/explore the Narrows.
I loved the scenery there, even in fall with the great yellow leaves. The water levels were low but the canyon was so very picturesque.
If you do one hike in Zion, make it this one, something for everyone.Well worth checking out.
I loved the scenery there, even in fall with the great yellow leaves. The water levels were low but the canyon was so very picturesque.
If you do one hike in Zion, make it this one, something for everyone.Well worth checking out.
Written November 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CrankingChick
Tucson, AZ7,681 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
Clarification: This trail is named "Riverside Walk" and the trail head is in the north end of Zion Canyon at a geologic formation named Temple of Sinawava (Zion Shuttle stop 9, about 7 miles from the visitor center). To reach it, you must pay entry fees to the park, park your vehicle, then ride the free shuttle into Zion Canyon, which is closed to private vehicles. The Riverside Walk hugs the Virgin River and leads between high canyon walls covered with "hanging gardens" to the trail head for The Narrows. The scenery is outstanding, and we saw a deer grazing right beside the path. In the morning it was mostly shaded by the sheer canyon walls. The trail surface is paved and easy to walk, with some minor slopes. The park service describes this trail as wheelchair-accessible and we did take a wheelchair on it, but only the first section is truly accessible. As the trail goes farther north, there are short, steep hills and areas with a coating of sand which makes it difficult to maintain traction. We managed to take the wheelchair all the way to the end (a mile one-way) but I had a very able and determined assistant. Benches and large rocks are available for rest stops. This trail is crowded with both out-of-shape tourists who need an easy walk and more experienced hikers who are on their way to the more-challenging Narrows. I suggest going as early as possible, and weekdays might be less popular. There is a restroom at the shuttle stop/trail head.
Written February 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle G
Lake Forest, CA442 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
This was a gentle walk along the riverside. It allowed the hiker to experience the changes of the river, park wildlife (chipmunks and deer), water meandering off the rock walls and dripping off plants and even a swamp. The wild flowers are hard to spot, but if you stop to look, you will find the beauty of the small flowers. At the end of the trail, you can depart from the trail end, hike up the river into the Narrows. I wish we had more time. I hear that's an impressive experience.
Written July 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SacramentoCalGal
Sacramento, Ca70 contributions
May 2014 • Family
There is nothing special on this trail and it is a dead end! You probably will not see the narrow canyon in the pictures. Not unless you are willing to wade across the fast-moving river - on slippery rocks - with or without shoes, and continue hiking.
This information should be prominently posted at the beginning of the trail.
This information should be prominently posted at the beginning of the trail.
Written May 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve5863
Avon, OH12,812 contributions
Mar 2013 • Family
This mostly flat, paved trail, also known as the Riverside Walk, begins at the last shuttle stop at the end of the canyon scenic drive and follows the Virgin River upstream for 1.1m (1.8k) to the beginning of the Narrows where the river completely fills the canyon floor, cutting through the sandstone, producing a narrow canyon with vertical cliffs of more than 1000ft (300m). The trail starts with the sandstone cliffs of the Temple of Sinawava soaring above you, good views of the Great White Throne and, looking closely, hikers can be seen high above along the cliffs the West Rim Trail. The floor of the Temple is lush and shady with a large stone formation that looks like an altar which leads to the area’s name. This lush shady environment continues as one heads upstream along the trail and as the canyon wall closes in on the one side, springs and hanging gardens can be easily observed. Despite the large number of people using this trail the walk was very pleasant and we saw deer, turkeys and many squirrels along the trail and river bottoms. At the end of the trail there is an excellent view of the Narrows and one can step off the pavement onto a sandy shore and walk out into the shallow river for even better views. Returning the direction one came from results in a hike of about 2.2m (3.5k). This is certainly one of the best easy and handicap accessible trails we have taken anywhere yet is worthwhile for all. Restrooms and water is available at the trailhead.
Written June 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jamesalexjames
Los Angeles, California
Hello, my family and I would like to hike to the narrows in January. I see the shuttle service is potentially not in use and you can drive your own vehicle along the scenic canyon drive. Is there parking at the Temple of Sinawava?
Thanks in advance!
Written December 9, 2020
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