Zion, UT - Riverwalk Trail - Mar 2009

We had unusually warm weather our first week at Zion, so on one very warm day, when the high was nearing 80 degrees, we opted to walk the Riverside Trail. It was an easy two mile (round trip) stroll and we could see and hear the rushing water of the Virgin River the whole way. Walkers along the trail are immersed in shadows almost the whole way and it's a great way to keep cool on a warm day.

The Riverside Trail began at The Temple of Sinawava -- another spectacular, red-rock wall with just a hint of a waterfall.

From there, the trail led us to the part of Zion Canyon known as "The Narrows" where the trail ends, the canyon shrinks in width and the looming cliffs tower above. To go further into "The Narrows" you must begin wading the Virgin River. At that time of year, the water was icy cold and folks continuing their trek upriver were donning dry suits and special waterproof socks and wading boots.

My photos didn't do justice to the scenery because of the shadows and cloudy skies not to mention the towering walls (hard to capture in a photo) but it was a nice walk.

Since it was still winter in the park, we didn't encounter much of anything green in the canyon, but there was one little spot where a pool of water was sprouting what appeared to be wild watercress.