Pa’rus Trail, Zion National Park, Utah

Although I’m not as crazy as my father, who is planning a cross country road bike adventure next summer, I enjoy a good bike ride now and again. And what better place to ride than in beautiful Zion National Park?

Mountain Dad and I started out on the Pa’rus Trail at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and enjoyed the scenic views of the Virgin River from the paved path along its bank. No motorized traffic is allowed on Pa’rus trail, so apart from some passing dog walkers, we had the place to ourselves. The trail is three and a half miles long, which makes for a quick bike ride, so when we got to the end we decided to continue on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, the main road of the park.

Surrounded by towering rock formations while feeling the wheels turn beneath me was a refreshing experience. It was great biking at this time of year as well, thanks to the shuttle service. You must pull over to let shuttle vehicles pass, but since the shuttle is one of the only vehicles on the road I felt very safe riding here.   

Here, at the Court of the Patriarchs, I enjoyed the view and the weather. It was a great trip and I’d definitely do it again.

Distance: 3.5 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Tips: For the easiest ride, put your bike on the shuttle bus and get off at the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop. That way you can ride your bike down hill the whole way on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.