pa'rus trail

This is a great trail (paved) for either walking or biking. It's a nice way to just relax and enjoy the canyon after you've been on a more strenuous hike. Of, if you're not into hiking, this is a great way to enjoy spectacular views from the bottom of the canyon without having to climb. The best time of day is in the morning or evening as the sun is going down. It's also nice mid-day if the temperature is cool enough. That's how it was for us on our recent visit to Zion. We felt like we had the canyon all to ourselves as there were very few other people on the trail (one other walker and two sets of bikers.) We'll be sure to do it again, and take our bikes next time!

The Pa'rus Trail is not really a trail in the strictest sense. It is best desribed as an asphalt-paved path located at the bottom of the canyon. Most people access it near the main visitor center or at the northern terminus at Canyon Junction. Mostly flat, 1.7 miles in each direction, it is the only trail that legally allows dogs. (Note, dogs must be leashed and canyon wildlife visit the area during the early morning and late afternoon/early evening hours. Keeping your dog on a leash prevents them from giving wildlife the chase.) The trail crosses the Virgin River a few times providing slightly elevated views up and down the canyon. There are many photo ops along this trail and I find it one of the best places to wind down after a day of more strenous hiking. Watching the sunset from Pa'rus is a special treat as the canyon walls change in hue and things begin to quiet down. One of my best memories of this trail is a slow bike ride from Zion Lodge to the north, heading south towards The Watchman campground as the sun was setting. Incredibly sublime and beautiful.It can be very warm on this trail during the summer, mid-day. Don't let the ease of the hike cause you to forget to bring a hat and water.

This trail runs right to the campground where dogs are also allowed not bad for dogs as far as national parks go

its one of the hikes where you are allowed to take strollers and bicycles. My wife and I along with our 2 year old walked on this trail twice. its a nice flat hike, easily doable. lot of places where you can take nice pictures. Also my wife took my son on bicycle ride on this trail and he loved it.

This is perhaps the easiest of all the hikes in Zion - bikes and dogs are allowed. Please note that technically, this is the only trail in Zion that allows dogs! It's a very easy path from the Visitor's Center to the confluence of roads at the mouth of Zion Canyon, and there is a shuttle stop at the end, so no worries. There is also a spur trail if you want to go to the museum while walking this trail. If you've got a party member with mobility issues, there should be no problem with taking them on this trail - it is paved.

We drove out from Vegas and arrived to our hotel 5 min from Zion at 2:30. Headed over to Zion and took the shuttle to the trail start. It was a perfect introduction to the Park - all level, paved, beautiful views, saw a black & white king snake. It's a nice walk, not a "hike". Our 10 & 12 year old boys loved going into the water - there were HUGE boulders to play on. Could probably do in 1 hour but took us 2.

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.

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.

We hiked this trail because we were taking a dog from the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary on an outing and this is one of the few trails in the surrounding national parks that allows dogs. The trail leaves from the Visitor Center which is one of the shuttle stops, but if you're coming to the park with a dog you can't use the shuttle. You have to park at the Visitor Center parking lot which is a challenge during summer afternoons. Cars were lined up in aisles waiting for spaces to open. We were very lucky because a space opened up near us after only about 5 minutes of waiting.It is a heavily used paved trail that has both walkers and bikers so it is not a peaceful stroll in the woods, but if you're looking for a walk with a dog it is a decent choice (your only choice). There are many access points that let you go down to the Virgin River to enjoy the cool shade and sound of the river which was greatly appreciated on the hot afternoon we were hiking.The views along the trail are of course quite striking with the tall cliffs and there are plenty of little critters to keep a dog interested in exploring, but it is a bit disappointing to be on such a busy trail.

Great trail for an morning or evening when you are looking to chill. Crossing over the river a few time on adorable bridges. Great spots for photographs.

Runs along the river and not much to see--but at times very nice. It was really hot when we tried it--to hot. Kids and dogs can take this trail with ease. Better trails to take than this one.

This is a very scenic bike path that runs through a portion of Zion. It crosses the river at least 3 times and runs alongside the campground. W tool this path as the sat to ride up the scenic drive.

I walked this Virgin River trail on a June morning, primarily looking for birds. It is a 3.5 mile roundtrip, but you could just take it to the end and take the park shuttle back, cutting the distance in half. One of the trailheads is located just past the west entrance to the park on Highway 9. There is a big parking lot, but get there early as it fills up in peak times. Once you park, you cross the Virgin River to get to the trail. Don't take the trail on the same side as the parking lot. That is the Watchman trail and will quickly take you away from the river up the side of the hills to a view point. The trail is essentially flat and paved. There are a lot of bikers, and dogs on leashes are allowed. I was looking for birds, and was a little disappointed. There weren't as many as I had hoped for. I did see a fox along the way. But it is a beautiful scenic trail with several bridges that is well worth the time. It can get hot in the summer so be prepared.

This is a nice path from the Visitor's Center that takes you along the Virgin River. There are places you can leave the trail and sit or put your feet in the water. Easy trail which you can turn around and head back anytime you want. Great for kids..

An easy accessable walk with fantastic scenic views along the way. Calm and peaceful!Watch for ants!