Easy Hike in Zion National Park

Zion National Park offers numerous hiking opportunities. Options range from easy hikes that nearly anyone can enjoy to much more difficult adventures. For our first day visiting Zion National Park, we planned to hike The Narrows. However, we decided to set that adventure aside for the following day. A change in plans led us to explore the Parus Trail hike in Zion.

Following an introduction to the park via a drive through the length of Highway 9 and a stop at the visitor center, we embarked on this easy introductory hike in Zion National Park.

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Par’rus Trail – By The Numbers

Length: (round trip): 3.5 miles / 1.5 hours
Elevation change: 100 feet
Difficulty rating: EasyRoute type: Out and back

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Quick Introduction to Pa’Rus Trail

The Pa’rus Trail starts close to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and follows the Virgin River for 1.8 miles until reaching Canyon Junction. This paved trail is shared by hikers and bicyclists. This trail quickly takes you away from the traffic noise, and lets you experience the canyon at a slow and calm pace.

And did you know, “Pa’rus” is Paiute for “bubbling water”? There’s your fun fact today.

Getting To The Pa’rus Trailhead

To reach the Pa’rus Trailhead in Zion National Park, we started at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, which is one of the main access points for various park trails. The Pa’rus Trail is uniquely designed to be easily accessible, starting from near the South Campground, and offers a gentle, paved path that is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride, though the main trail itself is not approved for bikes or pets.

For those starting at the Human History Museum Shuttle Stop #2, there is a short connector trail that provides access to the Pa’rus Trail. However, it’s important to note that this particular connector is not designed for wheelchairs, and bikes are not permitted on it.

The Hiking Experience on the Parus Trail in Zion

This hiking path is fairly level and accessible to most travelers. You’ll make your way towards Canyon Junction on a mostly paved pathway. Do be on the lookout for bicyclists. Cyclists on e-Bikes are known to go quite fast on this trail.

We shared the trail with numerous bikers, some likely on their own bikes, and many others on rentals, pedaling their way to the Temple of Sinawava. Pedestrians do have the right-of-way on the trail. Even dogs are allowed on the trail, as long as they are kept on a leash.

Dog friendly hiking trail, Zion National Park

Spectacular Scenery Makes For Great Photos

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.

Pa’rus Trail Scenery, Zion National Park

There are ample photography opportunities of landscapes, plants, flowers, and occasionally, wildlife.

Zion Human History Museum

Midway on the trail, there is a path to get to the Zion Human History Museum. You might check in advance to see if it will be open at the time of your visit. During our visit in the midst of the Covid era, we were not able to visit this location.

Hiking Beyond Canyon Junction

As we arrived at the far end of this hike at Canyon Junction, we decided to walk a bit further along the road, which heads towards the Temple of Sinawava (but not quite all the way). The road was closed to car traffic as the parking lots were filled just after 6 am.

Reaching The Court Of The Patriarchs

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.

A Pleasant Hiking Trail

This is a very pleasant hiking trail. You will be rewarded with views of the Zion hills, vegetation, river, and possibly wildlife. The difficulty level is about as easy as they come. The Pa’rus Trail is one of the few ADA accessible trails in Zion National Park.

Experience Pa’rus Trail on a Bicycle or e-Bike

If you’re planning to rent a bike or e-bike for a trip up Zion Canyon to the Temple of Sinawava, the Pa’rus Trail will mark the beginning of your adventure. After reaching Canyon Junction, ride along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Remember to pull over to let buses pass, as they are prohibited from overtaking moving bicycles. And be careful around hikers when riding your e-Bike while exploring this trail.

Also, if your destination is Canyon Junction, bikers prefer to get there via the Pa’rus Trail versus biking on the main road.

Guided Mountain Bike Tour in Zion
Rated 5.0 on Viator

Wildlife On The Pa’rus Trail

Keep your eye open for diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. As you traverse this scenic path, you might see majestic mule deer, often seen gracefully wandering through the park’s lush landscapes. Bird enthusiasts might delight in spotting various species, including the vibrant Vermilion Flycatcher or the elusive American Dipper along the Virgin River.

While the scenery can be breathtaking, it’s important to remain vigilant, as the trail is also home to rattlesnakes. Although encounters are relatively rare, these snakes may be found basking on rocks or nestled in the underbrush, so it’s wise to stay on marked paths and be cautious.

Observing wildlife from a respectful distance ensures safety for both you and the animals, allowing for a harmonious experience with nature.

What To Bring On Your Hike

When planning a hike on the Pa’rus Trail in Zion National Park, it’s essential to pack appropriately to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here’s a suggested list of items to bring:

1. Water: Hydration is crucial, especially in Zion’s desert climate. Carry a refillable water bottle or hydration pack. The trail provides no water sources, so ensure you have enough for the entire hike.

2. Snacks: Pack light snacks such as energy bars, trail mix, or fruit to keep your energy levels up during the hike.

3. Sun Protection: The trail is mostly exposed, so bring essentials like sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect against the sun’s rays.

4. Comfortable Footwear: The Pa’rus Trail is paved and relatively flat, making sturdy walking shoes or hiking sandals a suitable choice.

5. Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Dress in layers to accommodate temperature changes throughout the day. Consider moisture-wicking fabrics that dry quickly.

6. Camera or Smartphone: Capture the stunning views and interesting wildlife along the trail. A smartphone also serves as a handy navigation tool or for emergencies. We also pack a GoPro Camerawith us to capture videos memories.

7. Basic First Aid Kit: A small first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications can come in handy for minor scrapes or emergencies.

By packing these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Pa’rus Trail, which is known for its accessible route and stunning views of Zion’s landscapes.

Best Time to Explore the Pa’rus Trail

Exploring the Pa’rus Trail in Zion National Park can be a delightful experience when timed right. The ideal times to embark on this trail are during the cooler months when the weather is more comfortable, making the hike leisurely and enjoyable. Sunrise and sunset offer particularly magical moments, as the gentle light enhances the landscape’s subtle beauty and casts an enchanting glow over the surroundings.

If you’re visiting during the warmer months, consider taking a shuttle back to the Visitor Center in the late afternoon and disembarking at the Canyon Junction. From there, you can enjoy a serene walk back along the trail as the sun begins to set, creating a tranquil atmosphere that’s perfect for reflection and appreciation of the park’s natural charm.

Avoid hiking this trail in the mid-afternoon of a hot summer day to prevent exhaustion and heat-related discomfort.

Pro Tip: When hiking the Pa’rus Trail, plan your trek to coincide with sunset time. As the sun dips below the horizon, the peaks surrounding you are kissed by a golden glow, creating a breathtaking spectacle that is perfect for photography or simply soaking in the moment. It’s a magical experience that transforms the natural landscape into a masterpiece of light and shadow. Don’t forget to bring your camera and some extra water to enjoy this scenic vista comfortably.

Plan Your Zion Trip – Recommended Books

Colorful Photos	Written By Locals	Discover Top Hikes
Zion National Park: The Complete Guide (Color Travel Guide)	Fodor's Utah: with Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands National Parks (Full-color Travel Guide)	Hike the Parks: Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks: Best Day Hikes, Walks, and Sights
Primary Rating: 4.8	Primary Rating: 4.3	Primary Rating: 4.8
$16.95	$15.59	$16.95
Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now