Bicycling

Riding your bike can be a great way to experience Zion National Park, and there are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to do that.

General Rules

• Bicycling is permitted on all park roadways and on the Pa'rus Trail. All other park trails, off-trail routes, and the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel are closed to bikes.

• Bicycles must ride single file on the right side of park roads and the Parus Trail.

• Please wear your helmet!
• Cyclists are limited to groups of 6 bikes or less. Larger groups prevent vehicles from passing them in a safe manner on the narrow park roads. Groups of more than 6 bikes can split into smaller groups but must be separated by one quarter mile or more.
• Bicycles are allowed on the park shuttle buses, though you will need to be able to lift the bikes on and off the front racks yourself.

E-Bikes

Effective August 30, 2019, Class 1 pedal-assist E-bikes are allowed in the same locations as regular bicycles, and must follow all of the same rules. A Class 1 E-bike is defined as an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bike reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

Download our Bicycling Handout (PDF 0.7 MB) to find out more about places to bike in Zion and find a scannable QR code to learn more about our Frequently Asked Questions about Bicycling in Zion.

Where to go

Bicycles are allowed in specific areas of Zion National Park. Read here to learn more about specific areas where you can cycle and what to expect if you do.

 

Bicycling on the Pa'rus Trail

Pa'rus Trail

• The Pa'rus Trail is a multi-use path with foot and bike traffic, so slow down and please be considerate of other visitors.

• Bicyclists must obey all traffic signs including stop signs. The side trail to the Human History Museum is not open to bicycles.

• There are lots of turns, bridges, blind corners, and wildlife along the trail. Cyclists must warn pedestrians before passing, either verbally or with a horn or bell. Pedestrians have the right of way. Bikes must stop if the path is not clear.
• Be careful when passing wildlife and pets. The speed and sound of a bicycle can startle animals.
• The Pa'rus Trail begins at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and can take you to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive without the need to ride on UT-9 (the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway).

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

• The park shuttle buses will not pass bicycle riders on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Cyclists must pull over to the side of the road and come to a complete stop so shuttles can safely pass them.
• There are bike racks located at major shuttle stops and trail heads for your convenience.
• Bikes on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive must ride single file on the side of the road.
• Use caution when biking through the Canyon Junction and Weeping Rock areas due to limited sight corridors and narrow lanes.

All Other Park Roads

• Cyclists attempting to travel through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel must obtain a ride through the tunnel, which is often possible by hitchhiking. Rangers are not allowed to arrange for, or transport cyclists through the tunnel.
• These roads (Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, Kolob Canyons Road, and Kolob Terrace Road) have steep grades, sharp curves, and narrow sections with no shoulder. Use caution.

 

Q. Where should I enter the park on a bicycle?

A. The bicycle and pedestrian entrance is in Springdale next to the Zion Outfitter and the Zion Brew Pub. You’ll cross a small bridge with a fee station which will lead into the parking lot of the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Please walk your bike through the Visitor Center plaza.

Q. What is the entrance fee when entering the park on a bicycle?

A. The fee is $20.00 per person which is good for seven days in Zion National Park. You can also use a valid park pass.

Q. Where can I leave my bike when I’m not riding it?

A. There are bicycle racks at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and each shuttle stop along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

Q. Where should I ride my bike in Zion National Park?

A. The best places to bike are the Pa'rus Trail from the Visitor Center to Canyon Junction. Bicycles are not allowed on trails other than the Pa'rus

Q. Where is the Pa'rus Trail?

A. The Pa'rus Trail meanders along the Virgin river between the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Canyon Junction. It is a paved trail shared with pedestrians and leashed pets. Always be careful when passing people and dogs.

Q. What do I need to know about riding on the Pa'rus Trail?

A. The trail is 1.75 miles from end to end. Please do not bike fast. There are lots of turns, bridges, blind corners and wildlife on the trail. Pedestrians have the right-of-way on this trail and cyclists must warn pedestrians before passing, either verbally ("passing on your left") or with a bell or horn. If pedestrians do not move out of the way, then stop until you can safely pass them. When the weather is damp the four bridges on the Pa'rus Trail may be slippery.

Q. What other considerations about riding on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive should I know?

A. Riding your bicycle on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is an enjoyable option that can help you skip the shuttle and experience a more intimate visit with the canyon. A few things to keep in mind:

• Shuttle buses are not allowed to pass moving bicycles. When a shuttle bus approaches, find a safe place to pull over and allow the bus to pass.
• Do not pass a moving bus.
• Always wear your helmet. Children under 18 years of age are required to wear helmets.
• Always ride on the right side of the road and in single file.
• Be especially careful when biking through the Canyon Junction and Weeping Rock shuttle stops. Both areas have limited sight and narrow lanes.
• Each shuttle has a rack for two bicycles.
• The first 2 miles of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive are a little steep, so take your time and pull off the road completely to stop if you need to. After the Court of the Patriarchs the road levels out a bit.
• Consider riding in the early morning or evening when the shuttles are running less frequently. This will also help you avoid the hottest part of the day.
• If you put your bike on the shuttle bike rack and ride the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava you can ride downhill most of the way back down the canyon. There is a significant southbound uphill grade between Weeping Rock and the Grotto.
• Always keep a close eye on children.

Q. Can I ride my e-bike in Zion?

A. Effective August 30, 2019, Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed in the same locations as regular bicycles and must follow all of the same rules. E-bikes will not fit on the shuttles bike rack, so please plan to ride the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive both ways.
Pedal Assist e-bikes: The term “pedal-assist e-bike” means a bicycle that contains an electric motor that provides supplemental power to move the bicycle. In order to be considered a pedal-assist e-bike, the electric motor must supply less than 50% of the power and must not be operable unless the rider is pedaling. Class 1 e-bikes cease to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

Q. Am I allowed to ride on other roads in the park?

A. Yes, bicycles are allowed on all paved roads, but other roads in the park have lots of vehicle traffic.

• The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (that runs through the park) has steep grades, narrow sections of road, and tight turns. The Zion-Mount Carmel highway gains 900 feet of elevation in just under three miles. There is a one-mile tunnel located on this route that bicycles are not allowed to ride through. Cyclists attempting to travel through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel must obtain a ride through the tunnel, which is often possible by hitchhiking. Rangers are not allowed to arrange for, or transport cyclists through the tunnel.
• The Kolob Terrace Road and the Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive both have steep grades.

Q. Why can't I ride my bicycle through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel?

A: The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel was completed in 1930 with narrow lanes and no shoulder for cyclists to avoid vehicles. There are no lights within the historic 1.1-mile-long tunnel and several areas are completely dark. Numerous accidents and collisions have occurred within the tunnel due to the narrow and dark conditions. Please plan ahead to have a vehicle transport you and your bicycle through the tunnel.

Q. Any other considerations about bicycling in Zion?

A. Bicyclists should be careful when pulling off the road because of the presence of thorny plants which can cause flat tires. Carrying a flat kit with you, consisting of a spare tube, bike lever, and the tools necessary to remove your bicycles wheel, can help you out in a pinch!