Geography in the United States is so diverse. You can enjoy big cities like New York and Los Angeles, wriggle your toes in the white sandy beaches of Miami, or zip down snowy trails in Colorado and Washington state. But if you haven’t had the chance, there’s nothing as awe-inspiring as the mountains of the Southwest. Utah — a state in the latter region’s “Grand Circle” tourist route — is home to several popular hiking trails in one of the country’s most iconic national parks.
Zion National Park offers a variety of natural landmarks perfect for reconnecting with nature and unplugging from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can’t go wrong with a trip to Zion if you love a good hiking journey, but you’ll need to plan accordingly.
The massive park is located in southwest Utah. You can book guided tours, but many people choose to go on solo or private group trips. Below, learn more about what you’re getting yourself into, when to go, and what to expect if you want to stop by the iconic Temple of Sinawava.
Trail Overview
The Temple of Sinawava is a natural amphitheater nestled in Zion National Park. It sits along the Virgin River and is accessible via two main trails, Riverside Walk and The Narrows. The easiest way to start your journey to the site is by taking the Zion Canyon Shuttle Bus to stop nine at the canyon’s end.
Like many parks in the American Southwest, this land was previously occupied by indigenous peoples over several centuries. That includes early hunter-gatherer settlements, and later the Paiute, before European American settlers like Mormon homesteaders. In fact, the site’s name honors Sinawava, the indigenous Paiute people’s coyote deity spirit.
Permits And Regulations
The Temple of Sinawava is in Zion National Park, and you don’t need a permit to enter it. However, you’ll need to purchase a weekly park pass because there are no daily passes. As of the time of publishing, park fees are usually $20 per person or $35 per private vehicle. Park passes for Zion National Park are only sold on-site, and you can pay with cash or credit and debit cards.
While you don’t need to display the pass on your car, you should keep it with you in case you leave and want to re-enter. Alternatively, if you’re an avid hiker, consider purchasing an annual pass for $70. Note that the yearly price is discounted to $20 for seniors 62 or older, and free for active duty military.
Trail Highlights And Points Of Interest
The easiest way to start your trek to the Temple of Sinawava is with a ride on the park’s canyon shuttle. Remember to get off at the last stop, which is the ninth. You can bring bikes with you since the shuttles have bike racks. There are two ways to get to the Temple of Sinawava, and you’ll want to pick the one that aligns with your agility level. Remember that many of the National Parks in the U.S. are independent hike opportunities — meaning you won’t always have access to guides or experts.
Riverside Walk
If you’re not a seasoned hiker, stick to Riverside Walk. Of the two trails that will take you to the site, this one is paved and is designed for people of all abilities to easily tackle. This trail begins immediately at the canyon shuttle’s last stop. You’ll enjoy a relatively level pathway, and even people in wheelchairs can access it, making it ideal if you’re in a group with varying levels of mobility. The gorgeous scenery of the Virgin River and any animals you might see along the way are key highlights.
The Narrows
To reach The Narrows trail, you’ll still start with Riverside Walk. As the name suggests, this is an incredibly narrow trail that runs through a massive gorge, sometimes spanning thousands of feet tall and, in many places, just 20 or 30 feet wide. You have to wade the Virgin River as part of this hike since it runs through the gorge. Unlike Riverside Walk, The Narrows is much more challenging and, depending on river conditions, can’t be attempted at all times.
Experts recommend hiking The Narrows between summer and early fall when the water is warmer and at its lowest level. Still, flash floods are a real risk in The Narrows — especially during monsoon season. Winter and spring are less popular for attempting The Narrows since the water is usually colder and higher. Often, the park will close the trail as a safety precaution, usually between April and June.
Safety Considerations
Riverside Walk is a generally safe trail open year-round unless the National Parks Service (NPS) closes Zion National Park. Your biggest concern will be bringing the proper clothing so you’re not sweating or freezing, depending on the time of year.
By contrast, The Narrows is much more challenging and can even be life-threatening if you’re not careful. Because of the natural geography, flash floods are your biggest concern. The canyon rock doesn’t absorb water, so intense rain from storms causes runoff that flows rapidly through the canyon. Water levels can rise instantly, leaving people stranded, injured, and even killed. Avoid this fate by checking the weather forecast and any potential warnings NPS releases before heading into The Narrows trail.
Additionally, toxic cyanobacteria is also a risk with the Virgin River. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s a type of bacteria that can make people sick. Skin, eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation are the most common symptoms of wading through contaminated water. However, if ingested, people might also suffer from:
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
Note that the Virgin River water is not safe for drinking. Hikers are urged to bring their own bottled water. While NPS does post current cyanobacteria levels for the park, you should still use caution when entering waterways.
Camping In The Park
You can easily hike to and from the Temple of Sinawava as a short half-day trip. But if you’re including it as part of a greater Zion hiking adventure, you can also camp in the park. There are three official camping sites: Watchman Campground, South Campground, and Lava Point Campground.
Watchman Campground is open year-round. However, you need to make reservations, which can be done up to six months before your visit. South Campground is currently closed due to a rehabilitation project. Lava Point Campground is closed in the winter but is about an hour away from Zion Canyon. Between March and mid-November, your maximum camp stay park-wide is 14 nights. During the rest of the year, you can camp for up to 34 consecutive days in the park.
You can bring RVs or camping equipment into the park. But if you’re renting equipment and having it delivered to a campsite, do it from a reputable vendor that has a permit to do business in Zion. Note that the South and Watchman Campground are located in desert terrain and can get very hot with few shady spots available.
All Zion National Park campsites are drive-ups. You can bring up to two vehicles, although only one can be an RV or trailer. Each campsite can accommodate up to six people, with a maximum of two tents. You can use hammocks, but they must be within the campsite boundaries. Additionally, check-out is 11:00 a.m.
There are on-site comfort stations with working toilets, cold-running drinkable water, and trash containers. However, there is no electrical supply and no shower. Every campsite has a picnic table and fire pit with an attached grill. Pets are allowed, but you must keep them on a leash no longer than six feet. Pet hiking is limited to roads and the Pa’rus Trail.
Also, note that quiet hours are between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Food should be stored in a vehicle or a locked container, and don’t leave trash unattended. If the on-site campgrounds are full, you can pick from several options that are a quick drive from the park.
What To Bring To The Temple Of Sinawava
If you’re planning a day trip to Zion National Park and The Temple of Sinawava, depending on the time of year, there are a few things you might want to bring with you. Comfortable shoes, a light outerwear piece for layering, a water bottle, a camera, sunblock, a hat, a backpack, sunglasses, and snacks are all good to have. Overall, you’ll want to make sure you have all the necessary hiking trip essentials.
If you plan on traversing the Virgin River in The Narrows trail, bring water-resistant shoes and clothing that dries quickly. The time of year will determine how deep the river is. Regardless of whether you’re camping on or off-site, leave your valuables secured at your campsite and only bring what you need.
Hiking Tips and Techniques
Good walking or hiking shoes are a must. Even though the Riverside Walk trail is fully paved, plenty of other trails in Zion National Park are not. Depending on your plans, you might spend time in wet and dry conditions, so a good pair of shoes with a solid grip is critical. Avoid bringing too much gear for short day trips. If you struggle with balance, collapsible hiking poles are ideal for stability.
Stay hydrated and be mindful of rest stops for replenishing water bottles and recovering in the shade. Zion National Park can be a blisteringly hot place depending on the time of year.
Environmental Awareness
As with many natural attractions, being a good environmental steward is critical. NPS has a national program called “Leave No Trace,” which focuses on being a responsible visitor. Simply put, the campaign has a seven-point guideline:
- Don’t destroy the natural beauty by carrying all trash out with you (including food waste)
- Protect natural vegetation by staying on the established trails — note this is also a safety issue since many hiking trails are along cliffsides
- Don’t set up campsites in restricted areas
- Use restrooms in designated areas only and pack all other human waste if you must go along the trail
- Don’t engage in vandalism, including not messing with rock cairns that serve as trail markers
- Don’t start a campfire when fire warnings are posted
- Respect the wildlife and leash your pets in campsites as an added precaution
How Long Is The Hike To Temple Of Sinawava?
Per the NPS, getting to the site on foot requires a 16-mile through-hike from Chamberlin’s Ranch through the Virgin River Narrows. Zion Adventures describes the endeavor as a “strenuous” one that can be completed in a “day or two,” including “10 to 12 hours of continuous hiking.”
Can You Drive To The Temple Of Sinawava?
It depends on the time of year. Generally, travelers can get to the site via Zion Canyon Scenic Drive outside of shuttle season, which is usually from March through November. Private cars are also usually prohibited during the end-of-December holiday season.
More Questions People Ask About Hiking The Temple Of Sinawava
How difficult is the hike?
Thanks to the nearly flat, paved ground, the Riverside Walk trail is the easiest option. However, you’ll only be able to view the Temple of Sinawava if you take that course. The Narrows will take you directly to the site, but it’s more challenging and can be dangerous depending on water conditions.
Can I visit the Temple of Sinawava by myself?
Yes. However, pay attention to trail markers, especially for The Narrows, since it winds through the canyons. You can also look for guided tours and packages.
Are there restrooms along the trail?
No, there aren’t. There are relief areas throughout the park, but once you start either the Riverside Walk or The Narrows trails, you won’t have access to toilets. If you must go on the trail, NPS requires that you carry out your human waste and dispose of it in designated trash receptacles. This includes diapers, toilet paper, and hygiene products. If you think it’ll be an issue, bring human waste disposal bags with you.
Do I need a permit to hike to the Temple of Sinawava?
You won’t need a permit to hike to the Temple of Sinawava, but you must pay for the park pass. Zion National Park only offers weekly and annual passes that start at $20 per person.
When is the best time to hike to the Temple of Sinawava?
If you take the Riverside Walk trail, it’s open year-round. However, you should always be mindful of NPS notices area closures. Typically, spring through early fall is the best time. The Narrows trail can be risky during monsoon season, so it’s usually closed between April and June. Summer is best to traverse this trail since you have to walk through the water, and it’ll be at its lowest point and warmer.
Should I bring money with me?
There are no gas stations or grocery stores in Zion National Park. At best, you can buy a refillable water bottle at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, Human History Museum, Zion Canyon Lodge, and Kolob Canyons Visitor Center. So, if you want a souvenir bottle, bring money. Otherwise, secure your valuables in your car or campsite.
Is the Temple of Sinawava trek safe?
It is a generally safe trek for most people to attempt. The Riverside Walk is the safest since it’s a paved path with gentle slopes. The Narrows trail can be more treacherous because of the flash flood risk. Also, remember that you’ll be in a national park that’s home to wild animals. It’s possible to encounter them on your hike. While trekking, implement all the guidelines for staying safe while hiking.
