West Bank of the Virgin River Hike
The trail along the West Bank of the Virgin River is a family-friendly hike with beautiful views of the canyon, and lots of places to relax by the water. This path is also used as a horseback riding trail, so watch your step, and keep an eye out for the horses and riders who share this route. Mule deer are also often seen along this trail, please admire any wildlife you may see from a safe distance and do not feed them any of your snacks.
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Route Description for West Bank of the Virgin River Hike
The path along the West Bank of the Virgin River is a popular sunset stroll in Zion Canyon. This trail is shared by hikers and horseback riders alike, so watch out for droppings on the trail. This hike follows the Virgin river, past the Lower Emerald Pool, and turns around at The Grotto Picnic site. The Virgin River is prone to flash flooding so do not use this riverside pathway after heavy rainfall.
From the shuttle stop at Canyon Junction, head up the road and turn onto the trail marked “River Access”. Cross over the Virgin River on the footbridge and, at the junction after the bridge, turn right to follow the river northward. After passing the Lower Emerald Pool, the trail will start to branch off to your left. Stay on the right-hand path to keep following the Virgin River trail.
The West Bank of the Virgin River Trail ends at the Grotto Picnic Site. Hikers can catch a ride from the shuttle stop here, or turn around and follow the trail back to Canyon Junction and get a shuttle home from there.
Getting to the West Bank of the Virgin River Hike Trailhead
Catch the Zion Canyon Shuttle at the Visitor’s center near Springdale, this is a free service that operates almost year-round. Hop off the shuttle at the 3rd stop: Canyon Junction. The trailhead is just up the road and marked with a sign reading “River Access”.
Route Information
West Bank of the Virgin River Hike Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherWest Bank of the Virgin River Hike Reviews
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Nearby Trails
- Sand Bench Loop
- The West Rim Trail (Bottom-up)
- Angels Landing, West Rim, Telephone Loop
- Lower Pine Creek Waterfall Trail
- Sand Bench Loop via Zion Lodge
- Zion Grotto Trail
- Kayenta Trail to the Emerald Pools
- Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail
- Lower Emerald Pool Trail
- Angel’s Landing
- Pa’rus River Trail
- Emerald Pools