Zion Canyon and Pa'rus Trail

Bike trail in lower Zion Canyon connects to road up Zion Canyon to the mouth of the narrows. Light but steady climb, easy technical. Cars can be a problem when the shuttle buses aren't running. Season mid-February through mid-December.

Here's an awesome day for you: Bike up Zion Canyon with the kids. The kids will see squirrels, lizards, birds, and probably a mule deer or two, as you cruise underneath large cottonwood trees along the river. Going up the canyon to the end of the road (Temple of Sinewava), you'll find 2 miles of the paved Pa'rus Trail, which starts alongside the river. Then if you want, 6 miles on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive road.

Depending on your energy level, you can take the kids on a few side hikes as a break from biking. These range from a quick break (Court of the Patriarchs, about 150 feet) to tough major climbs (Angel's Landing, 5 miles and about 1500 vertical feet). The riverside walk at the Temple of Sinewava is a paved 1-mile stroll to the mouth of the Virgin Narrows, a nice end-of-ride hike for your youngsters.

Getting there: Heading south on I-15, take the exit for Highway 17 to Toquerville and La Verkin. In La Verkin, watch for Highway 9 to Zion. It will turn off on your left. Continue east to Springdale. Just past the Zion Amphitheaters (on your right), you'll see the entrance station to Zion National Park. Pull into the parking lot on your right, just before the fee stations.