Pa'rus Trail
Pa'rus Trail
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
219 reviews
Excellent
124
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67
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4
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The Places Where We Go Podcast
Simi Valley, CA955 contributions
Jun 2020
On day one at Zion, we had hoped to hike the Narrows, but given the limited capacity in the park, this would be delayed one day. We thus chose the Pa’rus Trail, just outside of the Zion National Park Visitor Center, as our first hike in the park. This is an easy trail, mostly paved that runs 3.5 miles round trip with a total estimated time of two hours.
The hike is an easy stroll which follows the Virgin River. The early sky and slight cloud cover gave us a tourist’s atmosphere for picture taking. There are spectacular mountains on both sides of the trail. We shared the trail with numerous bikers, some likely on their own bikes, and many others on rentals, pedalling their way to the Temple of Sinawava.
As we arrived at the far end of this hike, we decided to walk a bit further along the closed to car traffic, scenic drive. We walked as far as a good viewpoint for the Court of the Patriarchs. After snapping more photos, we turned around. The extra addition lengthened the entire hike to 3 hours.
This is a very pleasant hiking trail. Difficulty level is about as easy as they come. There are ample photography opportunities of landscapes, plants and flowers, and occasionally, wildlife.
The hike is an easy stroll which follows the Virgin River. The early sky and slight cloud cover gave us a tourist’s atmosphere for picture taking. There are spectacular mountains on both sides of the trail. We shared the trail with numerous bikers, some likely on their own bikes, and many others on rentals, pedalling their way to the Temple of Sinawava.
As we arrived at the far end of this hike, we decided to walk a bit further along the closed to car traffic, scenic drive. We walked as far as a good viewpoint for the Court of the Patriarchs. After snapping more photos, we turned around. The extra addition lengthened the entire hike to 3 hours.
This is a very pleasant hiking trail. Difficulty level is about as easy as they come. There are ample photography opportunities of landscapes, plants and flowers, and occasionally, wildlife.
Written July 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NatParkLove
Peoria, IL1,793 contributions
Jul 2021
If you're looking for an easy, peaceful walk in Zion, I recommend Pa'Rus Trail, specifically at sunset. Do know that most of the trail is exposed to the sun, so I wouldn't do it in the heat of the day. It begins at the visitor center and initially winds through the campground area before opening up in the valley. It is paved and pretty much totally level. You get awesome views of the peaks around you, and at sunset, the tops of them are lit up glowing gold by the setting sun.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sandy817
Phoenix, AZ886 contributions
Oct 2020
This is a beautiful walk from the Visitor's Center past the RV campgrounds between mountain ridges. There is some shade a long the way and a few picnic tables to eat at. Bikes however, including electric ones, are permitted on this trail and there were a lot of them.
Written October 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BrownsburgBoiler
Brownsburg, IN75 contributions
Jun 2022
Pa rus trail is barely wheelchair accessible.
What has happen to the Pa rus trail, our favorite trail in Zion National Park? We were here 4 years ago before the Covid pandemic, but it has changes dramatically. When we last travelled to this park, I push my wife on her wheelchair on this accessible trail. We enjoyed the time together, natural beauty of this national park, and the quiet solitude. The scenery is still beautiful with the river and the red mountains. But I’m not sure it is safe for a slow moving wheelchair with the many motorized bikers zooming on this trail. I’m guessing several were going 25-30 mph. As an avid biker myself, I was shocked at the speed and recklessness of these motorized bikers. I’ve been on many accessible trails with walkers and bikers over the years, but I have never been this scared.
What has happen to the Pa rus trail, our favorite trail in Zion National Park? We were here 4 years ago before the Covid pandemic, but it has changes dramatically. When we last travelled to this park, I push my wife on her wheelchair on this accessible trail. We enjoyed the time together, natural beauty of this national park, and the quiet solitude. The scenery is still beautiful with the river and the red mountains. But I’m not sure it is safe for a slow moving wheelchair with the many motorized bikers zooming on this trail. I’m guessing several were going 25-30 mph. As an avid biker myself, I was shocked at the speed and recklessness of these motorized bikers. I’ve been on many accessible trails with walkers and bikers over the years, but I have never been this scared.
Written June 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TaurusMom
Iowa536 contributions
Mar 2022
Yes, the trail is accessible. Unfortunately, people on their ebikes ruin it.
Prepare to be practically run over, or skip this trail.
The "bikers" don't care about the walkers, and the walkers cannot hear them from behind, especially when next to the river. They whiz by you and most expect you to make room for them. It was super annoying.
I've spent time in Amsterdam, and these bike renters are not "bikers". The ones who are will call out "On your left!"
(it's obvious that this is the only kind of bike some people can ride. #snarky)
The rental places are NOT teaching them Bike Etiquette. Zion has signs that say "bikes must yield to pedestrians" but they are small signs.
Prepare to be practically run over, or skip this trail.
The "bikers" don't care about the walkers, and the walkers cannot hear them from behind, especially when next to the river. They whiz by you and most expect you to make room for them. It was super annoying.
I've spent time in Amsterdam, and these bike renters are not "bikers". The ones who are will call out "On your left!"
(it's obvious that this is the only kind of bike some people can ride. #snarky)
The rental places are NOT teaching them Bike Etiquette. Zion has signs that say "bikes must yield to pedestrians" but they are small signs.
Written March 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kamig3
Indianapolis, IN35 contributions
Aug 2020
We biked into the park and up this trail, to the Zion park road at the junction and onto the grotto to hike the Emerald Pools. This was a great day trip in the park. Very hot as they day progressed, but it's a super fast ride back. Good family fun!
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
angelmusicmaven
New York City, NY225 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
We explored this trail and area in the spring. It was actually memorial day weekend... I'm not sure when the ebike invasion happened, but we didn't have any crowds or problems there. It was nice and a non strenuous choice.
Written October 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stacy J
Texas14 contributions
Mar 2022
We enjoyed Pa'rus Trail on more than one occasion. We used the trail to bike in and out of the park on several trips into the park to avoid the traffic. It is a nice wide level trail with beautiful scenery all around you.
Written March 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Matthew M
Farmington Hills, MI297 contributions
Nov 2012 • Solo
The Pa’rus is a great trail for a walk with the kids or leisurely stroll with the dog—it’s as easy as ambling through the neighborhood, only the brick houses of the suburbs don’t surround you, the giant towers of Zion do--unreal views in every direction.
But even if you’re a hardcore hiker, the Pa’rus can be a thrill. I certainly found it so. Perhaps this was because it was the first hike I took in Zion, as I got there late in the day and didn’t have much time to do anything else. However, turns out it’s just as great seeing Zion Canyon from the canyon floor as it is from the summits of the more popular trails. It’s a good introduction to the park. And you’ll have companions, too. Finches and a few woodpeckers hopped around the trees, and near a road crossing a mule deer buck appeared from behind the brush and stared me down.
There are better trails in Zion, sure, but not one step of the Pa’rus Trail is wasted time.
But even if you’re a hardcore hiker, the Pa’rus can be a thrill. I certainly found it so. Perhaps this was because it was the first hike I took in Zion, as I got there late in the day and didn’t have much time to do anything else. However, turns out it’s just as great seeing Zion Canyon from the canyon floor as it is from the summits of the more popular trails. It’s a good introduction to the park. And you’ll have companions, too. Finches and a few woodpeckers hopped around the trees, and near a road crossing a mule deer buck appeared from behind the brush and stared me down.
There are better trails in Zion, sure, but not one step of the Pa’rus Trail is wasted time.
Written October 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve5863
Avon, OH13,020 contributions
Apr 2013 • Family
The Pa’rus Trail is a paved trial about 1 ¾ mi (2.8 km) long, one-way, that follows the Virgin River from the South Campground to Canyon junction. Not only is this trial handicapped accessible, it is also the only trail in Zion that allows bikes and dogs. While this is not really our type of trail, it does offer wonderful views and photographic opportunities of the Watchman and the Virgin River at sunset from the Canyon Junction end of the trail. If you prefer the views and photography without hiking this busy, paved trail, Canyon Junction is accessible by car year-round; however, parking is very limited and I noticed tickets were being given to illegally parked cars so you may wish to take the shuttle which stops here as well. The best view and shooting location is from the edge of the vehicle bridge that crosses the Virgin River; be sure to look behind you in the other direction as a good view and shot of the sandstone walls lit with the warm colors of the setting sun often occurs as well. My high rating is due much more to this beautiful, iconic view of the Watchman from the end of the trail than the trail itself.
Written October 21, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ViruDh
Chicago, IL11 contributions
I would like to visit Pa'rus with 4 years old kid. I read somewhere that total distance of this trail is lesser if we start it from shuttle stop 2 or 3... Where can I find these distances from each of these starting points?
lindamir
US43 contributions
Hi all - we will be arriving at zion park on an august afternoon and the Parus trail sounds like a great early evening introduction to the park for our group. If we plan the timing properly, will we be able to see the watchman at sunset from the trail below or are we better off at canyon junction bridge squeezed in between the photographers? Any other suggestions for sunset viewing? Thanks in advance!
lindamir
US43 contributions
Good to know, thanks!
RachelTsan
Malaysia37 contributions
Is there any bike rental there?
3littlebirdies
Baton Rouge, LA54 contributions
From the Zion Lodge website:
BIKE RENTALS AT ZION NATIONAL PARK LODGE
Bike rentals are available from mid March through October
Explore Zion on two wheels with a rented bike from Zion Lodge it’s a spectacular way to take in the beautiful scenery in the park! Whether you want to ride for an hour, half or full, day you’re sure to enjoy the journey. Rentals include bicycle, helmet, safety visibility vest and bike lock. Bikes are equipped with front cargo basket, safety lights (front and back), pedestrian notifier bell. Stop by the gift shop for more information.
ckahla
Joshua Tree42 contributions
Is this still a dog friendly hiking trail? Thanks so much...Carolyn
Pa'rus Trail (Zion National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Pa'rus Trail
- Hotels near Pa'rus Trail:
- (0.92 mi) Cable Mountain Lodge
- (1.42 mi) Zion Canyon Bed and Breakfast
- (1.10 mi) Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton
- (1.47 mi) Harvest House Bed and Breakfast
- (0.87 mi) Watchman Campground
- Restaurants near Pa'rus Trail:
- (0.11 mi) Castle Dome Cafe
- (1.05 mi) Cafe Soleil
- (1.28 mi) Spotted Dog
- (0.89 mi) Zion Canyon Brew Pub
- (1.77 mi) Springdale Candy Company