Overview: Whether you are looking for a short jaunt along the river, a morning run to warm up your quads for Angel's Landing, or a sneak around in the shade in the afternoon, this trail is subtle and beautiful. Scrambling along river's edge, slowly climbing the foothills, the bench wonders along the the base of the Patriarchs, Jacab and Isaac, then skirts the Springdale formation, eventually junctioning with the Emerald Pools Trail. Some follow the trail across the bridge, and South along riverside to the Court of the Patriarchs. Either this route, or re-tracing your steps, the Sand Bench is a great hike for kids, or those wanting a tasty, rather than torturous hike.

Trailhead: Exit shuttle at the Zion Lodge or Court of the Patriarchs. If you start at the Court, walk across the Canyon Drive to a service road, then across the bridge to the connecting trail system.

Mileage: 3.6 miles (5.8 km)

Elevation Gain: 500 feet (152 meters)

Approximate Hike Time: 3 hours, round-trip

Difficulty: Moderately easy

Best Times of Day: Hike before 7am or after 5pm to avoid the equines caravans.

Best Times of Year: Hike Sand Bench October through March for a horse-free trail and riverside tranquility.

Crowds: You’ll find few hikers on this trail, but many four-legged friends and their droppings. Horse tours follow this trail every day, March through October, from 7am to 5pm. Inquire at Zion Lodge for this alternative form of hiking.

Don’t Miss: Viewing climbers across the way at the "Practice Cliffs," smelling the Spring flowers April through June, and the alpen glow upon the Mountain of the Sun in the early evening.

Special Notes:
- This is probably the best moderate running trail in the Park, featuring a low impact surface and mild elevation gains.