Zion National Park: Pa’Rus Trail (Blog Hike #199)

Trail: Pa’rus Trail

Hike Location: Zion National Park

Geographic Location: north of Springdale, UT (37.21835, -112.97398)

Length: 1.75 miles ONE-WAY

Difficulty: 0/10 (Easy)

Date Hiked: May 2006

Overview: A flat walk along a bike path allowing good views of the Virgin River and the canyon walls.

Park Information: http://www.nps.gov/zion

Hike Route Map: http://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=132346
Photo Highlight:

Directions to the trailhead: To reach Canyon Junction, board the free Zion National Park shuttle at the Visitor Center.  Ride the shuttle to Canyon Junction.  Depart the shuttle; the hike heads back down canyon, starting on the west side of the road.

The hike: For my general comments on Zion Canyon, see the Riverside Walk hike.  The Pa’rus Trail is a bike path connecting the Visitor Center to Canyon Junction, the point in Zion Canyon when SR 9 departs the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and heads east toward famous Zion Tunnel.  While the scenery on this hike does not quite rival that found on other trails in the park, the ease of walking makes up for the difference.  In addition to a little extra exercise, if you rode the park shuttle, as is required most of the year, you have to get back to your car at the Visitor Center somehow: may as well see more of the canyon on your journey back.

East wall of Zion Canyon

            You could start this trail at either end, but this description will proceed down canyon, starting at Canyon Junction and ending at the Visitor Center.  The wide, paved trail begins at the southwest corner of Canyon Junction and descends toward the river, leaving the road above you and to the left.  The trail passes under the road and then reemerges into the sunny canyon bottom.  There is very little shade on this trail, so make sure you bring plenty of water.  Desert wildflowers will be splendid in May and June.

Cactus in bloom along Pa'Rus Trail

            In quick fashion the trail crosses a pair of sturdy metal bridges over the Virgin River.  With the road disappeared on the far side of the river, great views of both the east and west canyon walls can be had along this section of trail.  At 0.9 miles, the trail crosses the Virgin River for the final time.  Due to the trail’s close proximity to the river, you will sometimes see people carrying canoes upriver seeking a pleasant ride back down to either the campground or the Visitor Center.

Virgin River

            The trail stays along the river as the South Campground comes into view on the right.  While several trails depart toward various points in the campground, stay on the main trail, as you will soon pass through the campground and arrive at the park road that gives access to the Visitor Center.  Turn left to return to the Visitor Center and complete the hike.