Pa'rus Trail

The Pa'rus Trail is approximately 3.2 miles (5.1 km) one-way, making it about 6.4 miles (10.2 km) for a round trip. While the komoot data suggests a cycling duration of around 19 minutes one-way, most visitors take longer to enjoy the scenery, stop at viewpoints, and account for sharing the path with pedestrians. Plan for 1-2 hours for a relaxed round trip, especially if you plan to stop or continue onto the Scenic Drive.

Yes, the Pa'rus Trail is ideal for beginners and families. It is entirely paved, well-maintained, and relatively flat with minimal elevation gain, making it an easy and accessible ride for all skill levels, including those with bike trailers. It's considered an "easy" trail.

The trail connects the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to Canyon Junction. You can start from either end. Parking is available at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. During peak seasons, parking can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended. From Canyon Junction, the scenic drive becomes restricted to shuttle buses, but cyclists can continue further up.

The trail is entirely paved and generally smooth, making for a comfortable ride. It's a multi-use path shared with pedestrians and leashed pets, so be mindful of others. While mostly flat, some sections within the campground area might be a bit rough. Caution is advised on bridges when wet, as they can be slippery, and watch for sand patches on turns.

The trail follows the Virgin River, offering picturesque views of the water and towering sandstone cliffs. You'll see iconic formations like The Watchman, Bridge Mountain, the West Temple, and Bee Hive. The trail also crosses Oak Creek and Pine Creek. There are interpretive signs detailing the park's geology, flora, and fauna, and you might spot wildlife such as mule deer and wild turkeys. The trail also provides access to the Watchman Trailhead and the Zion Human History Museum via a short connector path.

Yes, the Pa'rus Trail is one of the few trails in Zion National Park where leashed dogs are permitted. This makes it a great option for visitors who want to enjoy the park with their canine companions.

While there isn't a specific permit required for the Pa'rus Trail itself, it is located within Zion National Park. Therefore, you will need to pay the standard Zion National Park entrance fee to access the park. More information on fees can be found on the official NPS website.

The Pa'rus Trail is enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures. Summer can be very hot, making early mornings or late evenings ideal. Winter cycling is possible, but be aware that bridges can be slippery when wet or icy. The trail is particularly beautiful during morning or evening hours when the sunlight illuminates the canyon's peaks and cliffs.

Yes, the Pa'rus Trail is unique as it's the only trail in Zion National Park that allows bicycles. It connects the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to Canyon Junction. From Canyon Junction, cyclists can continue riding up the scenic drive, which offers another 6 miles of riding with an additional 450 feet of elevation gain to the Temple of Sinawava. You can ride one-way and take the free park shuttle back, which accommodates bikes on its front rack. The route also passes through sections of the Watchman Trail, Human History Museum Trail, and Virgin River Nature Trail.

The Pa'rus Trail is located within Zion National Park, which has limited dining options directly on the trail. However, the nearby town of Springdale, just outside the park's south entrance, offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options. You can easily access Springdale from the Visitor Center end of the trail.

For cycling the Pa'rus Trail, essential items include water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), and comfortable cycling attire. Given it's a multi-use path, a bell or verbal warning for passing pedestrians is courteous. If cycling during warmer months, consider bringing a swimsuit as you can cool off in Oak Creek and Pine Creek. Always carry a basic bike repair kit and a first-aid kit.