Trip Date: 10/31/2016

Location: Zion National Park

Permit/Pass: Private Vehicle: $30. Valid for 7 days. Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants to Zion National Park, including both the Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyon areas. Motorcycle: $25. Valid for 7 days. Admits one non-commercial motorcycle to Zion National Park, including both the Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyon areas. Per Person: $15. Valid for 7 days. 

Trail maps: NPSmap 

Directions: From Interstate 15 just north of the town of St. George take Utah Highway 9 east toward Hurricane (follow the signs for Zion National Park). After a bit over 12 miles, and passing through Hurricane, you reach a junction with Hwy. 17 in La Verkin where you turn right to continue on Hwy. 9 East. Continue for about 20 and a half miles to, and through, the town of Springdale (just outside of the park) and to the park's entrance kiosks. Just past the entrance there will be signs for the Visitor Center. Take this quick right turn and head down to the parking area, then walk over to the center where you'll pick up the Zion shuttle bus - the only way to reach the trailheads in the canyon.

Synopsis: This brief stroll follows the Virgin River next to the Visitor Center. It is paved, has some interpretive signs, and is probably best reserved for those times when you're waiting for someone who's either in the bookstore or the restrooms.

Trail sequence: Virgin River Nature Trail

Type: Point to point

Distance: 0.1 miles

Elevation: Min. - 3916', Max. - 3922'

Rating: Easy (factors: heat)

Notes: A nature trail that needs some upgrading.

Track: Virgin River Nature Trail - Zion NP: Alltrails, GaiaGPS

Turn by Turn:

  -- At the north end of the waiting are for the shuttle buses there is a paved trail leading off toward the river from the main sidewalk. Follow this path as it leads past some signs on the left, and the banks of the river on the right. After a short distance the trail ends at the restrooms.