Pa'rus Trail to Canyon Junction

From the Zion Canyon Visitor Center cross the Virgin River and pick up the Pa'rus Trail by South Campground. The paved path follows the river upstream, crossing it on a string of footbridges, with the Watchman behind and the Towers of the Virgin to the west. A side path leads to the Zion Human History Museum. The trail passes an old diversion dam, goes under the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and ends at Canyon Junction. Return the same way.

It is 3.5 miles (5.7 km) round trip with 120 feet (37 m) of climbing; allow about 1½ hours. The grade is Easy: it is paved and almost flat.

This is the only trail in Zion open to dogs, which must be on a lead no longer than six feet and kept out of the water, and the only one open to bicycles. In shuttle season you can ride back: at Canyon Junction, stop 3, the shuttle picks up only on its way down the canyon to the Visitor Center. There is little shade. Water and restrooms are at the Visitor Center, where the car park fills early; once it is full, park in Springdale. The Watchman Trail, which also starts here, was closed for repairs in September 2026.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.