Parus Trail in Zions National Park

The Pa'rus Trail is perfect cycling, a wheelchair or even a stroller. It is one of Zion National Park's most ideal routes, even used by horse riders and hikers. It is fully paved and is easily accessed from a nearby parking lot. In fact, it has become the main route to most of the park's major campgrounds.

Zion National Park's Pa'rus Trail is the only paved one in the area. It is a hiking, walking and cycling paradise that is fully able to handle baby strollers and disabled transportation. Located within walking distance of nearby campgrounds and parking lots, the trail is the best route through to the park's rocky amphitheater and the raging river below.

The trail can be done in one day quite easily. It is a four mile round trip and leads from the Canyon Junction shuttle bus stop/parking lot and the famous Watchman Campground. On average, most people can do it in less than two hours.

Unlike the majority of the park, this is one trail that allows pets, as long as they are leashed. In fact, no matter how one gets along the trail or what friendly critters one brings along, the trail is extremely easy and can easily be shortened as it accesses so many different viewpoints.

The trail rises to about four thousand feet above the river floor, but its open exposure makes it a very hot trek during the summer. However, most people who use it during the hotter months clamber down the easy banks to the river below, enjoying icy waters and a chance to cool off.

Generally the trail is excellently maintained, and deliberately wide to allow for two way traffic. A few bridges have been constructed with wooden planks to cross the river, a noisy experience if passing bicycles. However, with several points of exit, the Watchman Campground, Zion Human History Museum and the South Campground, it is great for any adventurer.

The trail is open year round. Washrooms are available at varied points, including handicapped ones. However, despite all three stop of points having plentiful water supplies, everyone is advised to carry as much water as they can because the sun can get very hot.