Pa'rus Trail

This beautiful 1.7 mile trail hugs and occasionally crosses the Virgin River. The trail begins at South Campground and finishes at Canyon Junction. The Pa’rus trail is a great place to get a good look at the Watchman mountain. There are sections of the trail that are paved making this a great hike for those who are in need of a stroller or wheelchair. The Pa’rus trail is the only trail in Zion National Park where pets are permitted.

The flat paved Pa’rus Trail along the bank of the Virgin River and exits the campground boundary. This is where the trail highlights a more isolated area of the park. There are several locations along the way that allow for a closure encounter with the Virgin River nearby. About a mile from the start of the trail, the pavement ends (this is where it is no longer wheelchair or stroller friendly) and becomes a dirt trail until its end at the Zion Human History Museum.

As you continue past the museum, the scenery changes as the trail zig-zags into the park and over the river several times. The path is loaded with interest, there is wildlife, wildflowers, the Virgin River, and a great variety of rock formations and plant life. One important landmark is the old diversion dam. As you approach the end of the trail, it goes under Highway 9 and ends at the Canyon Junction shuttle stop. This trail is offers great opportunity for leisurely strolls and taking in the wonderful Zion National Park surroundings from the bottom of the Main Canyon.

The Pa’rus Trail can be accessed from the visitor center, museum, or any of the first three shuttle stops.

This trail can get hot in the summer but is a great trail for all year long.