Pa'rus - A Living Canyon

The Pa'rus Trail follows the Virgin River through lower Zion Canyon.

NPS/Abi Farish

Quick Facts

Location:

Pa'rus Trail

Amenities

4 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Pets Allowed, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Wheelchair Accessible

A Living Canyon

Learn

Zion's diverse topography leads to a diversity of habitats and species. Along the Virgin River, the riparian area is home to plants and animals that require an abundant supply of water.  
Fremont cottonwood trees (Populus fremontii) require a constant source of water and thrive along the Virgin River. When Fremont cottonwoods have access to reliable water, they can grow between 10–20 feet per year. These trees can also be helpful for streambank protection and are able to withstand low levels of flooding.
The riparian area is also the perfect habitat for the American beaver. You may not immediately think of the American beaver when in the Southwest, but the Virgin River provides a welcome habitat for this river specialist. Sightings are rare, but evidence of the beaver's activity can be seen on many of the park's Fremont cottonwood trees. They do most of their tree-chewing during the night when the cover of darkness helps them to avoid predators. 

Look

Have you seen any evidence of wildlife along the trail? The tall shrubs and plants along the trail like Utah Juniper and Rabbitbrush provide food and shelter for a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Along the trail keep an eye out for wildlife like mule deer, road runner, and western scrub jays.  

Connect 

Zion Canyon would be inhospitable for plants and wildlife without water. How would our experience as visitors change if there were no water present in Zion Canyon?  

Open Transcript 

Transcript

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Hello.

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I'm Ranger Nicholas,

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and I'm standing here
on the Pa’rus trail

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next to a sign
titled A Living Canyon.

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Now, when you think of Zion,
you might envision

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the towering cliffs
that form the canyon walls,

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but equally important
to the natural beauty

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here is the abundance of plant
and animal life.

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Both exist
because of the presence of water

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sources like the Virgin River,
which this trail follows.

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The water that the river

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supplies supports the diverse
riparian or riverside ecosystem

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in the canyon.

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And the Virgin River itself
hosts many flood adapted fishes

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and amphibian species.

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Animals require
constant access to water.

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Just like the plants
that live in this area.

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Like the Fremont cottonwoods.

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These plants, in turn, provide
food and habitat for the animals

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that live here. As you
stroll the trail,

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keep an eye out for mule deer
grazing in the rabbit brush.

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Or porcupines
resting high in the trees.

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I encourage you

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to take some time to stop,
look and listen for wildlife.

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And always remember
to give them plenty of space.

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Thanks for joining me

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as you hike today and learning
more about Zion National Park.

Duration:

1 minute, 10 seconds

Ranger Nick talks about the connection between water, plants, and wildlife in Zion!