The Riverside Walk is one of the most popular trails in the park. Just a mile long, and wheelchair accessible, this trail follows the pools and small rapids of the Virgin River up the canyon as it narrows. High cliffs and abundant springs present a moist, refreshing environment where many plants and small animals thrive. In summer, visitors can soak their feet in the cool water. Where the Riverside Walk ends marks the end of the backcountry trail through the Zion Narrows. Permits are required in order to do this sixteen-mile trip; plus, there are no maintained trails, while about 60% of the hike is spent wading, walking, and sometimes swimming in the river. In addition, the rivers’ current is fast, the water is cold, and the rocks are slippery.    30 220 2 84