Tag: 2013

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.
Pa’rus Trail Biking
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.

Virgin River Swimming Hole, Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park is known for its hiking and scenery, but it should also be known for having great swimming spots. The shallow and rocky Virgin River is only swimmable at some points, but conveniently this little swim spot was right by the Canyon Junction shuttle stop. 

The ruins of an old diversion dam is what gives this area its special appeal. Now, we hadn’t planned on swimming and did not come prepared, but the weather was so hot, I didn’t mind getting my clothes wet. 
The shallow section above this waterfall was calm enough for little g to splash in on her own, but my favorite part was playing in the pools below. We slid very slowly, thanks to the rough surface of the rock, into the three to four foot water below. With the tots, we stayed to the right, away from the small white water section.

Along the banks of the river we found tiny desert toads and wriggled our toes in the cool sand. On a hot summer day in Zion National Park, this Virgin River Swimming Hole could not be beat!
Virgin River Swimming Hole Info:
Location: At the Canyon Junction Shuttle stop, follow river access signs on the west side of the road.
Difficulty: Moderate. The water above is calm, but little ones should be watched carefully to avoid the rough section to the left. The water below the waterfall averaged three to four feet deep.
Tips: Bring a towel and a swimsuit. We hadn’t planned on swimming and did not have our suits, but the water felt so good, it was worth it.

Lower Emerald Pool Trail, Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park was the first National Park established in Utah and it’s easy to see why. The beautiful cliffs of red sandstone tower around you, as the meandering Virgin River gurgles happily. Now, there’s plenty to see and do in Zion National Park, but Mountain Dad and I chose to take the tots hiking on the Lower Emerald Pool Trail our first day, because of the promise of water.
The Lower Emerald Pool Trail begins across the street from Zion Lodge. The trail was paved at the beginning, well marked and relatively flat. Little g hated being strapped into the pack, as always, but her tiny legs just couldn’t keep up, even with great trail conditions.

On this hot summer day, the cool water showering us from above was a welcome respite. Emerald Pools gets its name from the green algae growing in the water, but the waterfalls are what make the hike truly interesting. 

Lower Emerald Pools Trail connects to Upper Emerald Pools trail and the Kayenta Trail. Big E was a great hiker for the Lower and Upper Emerald Pools Trails, walking on his own the entire time. 

Construction on an off shoot of this trail made a portion unreachable, but we were satisfied with the large waterfall of the Lower Emerald Pool and this small waterfall of what I call the Middle Emerald Pool. We stopped here for a picnic, and to let the tots splash in the water, refreshing after an afternoon in the sun. 

On the hike down, it was obvious that Little g enjoyed herself. Nothing tires out the little ones like some outdoor exercise!

TRAIL INFO:
Location: Zion National Park, Utah
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Rating: 4 Stars
Tips: Bring your own water bottle. Zion National Park no longer sells plastic water bottles in an effort to reduce waste.

Grotto Trail, Nebo Loop Scenic Byway, Utah

Looking for a short, fun hike to wrap up the summer? The tots and I really enjoyed Grotto Trail off the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway. This half mile hike followed a rocky stream to an interesting cave like rock formation adorned with a twenty foot tall waterfall.

Little g was content in the pack as long as she had her pacifier and Big E was a big help by carrying snacks and water in his little red backpack. We enjoyed the Grotto Trail hike along with our cousins and the wood bridges across the rocky stream were highlights of the hike.

At the end of the trail, we enjoyed the mysteriousness of the waterfall cave, where Grotto Trail gets its name. Verdent moss clung to the craggy walls and the cool spray from the water splashed our faces. It was a great hike for a summer day.

Trail Info: Grotto Trail
Length: approximately 0.5 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Rating: 5 stars, this is the perfect hike for kids
Tips: Go with friends. This hike is short and sweet, less than ten miles up the canyon from the city of Payson, Utah.  Bring the whole crew and enjoy.