Pa’rus Trail is a popular trail passing through Lower Zion Canyon. The name Pa’rus derives from a Paiute word meaning “bubbling water”. The trail begins at the Visitor Center and follows the Virgin River to Canyon Junction. The trail also provides easy access to the Human History Museum. Pa’rus Trail is ten feet wide and paved. This makes it the most wheelchair accessible trail in Zion National Park.
The Pa’rus Trail heads north from the Visitor Center and South Campground. It crosses the Virgin River and passes several river access points along it’s route. At the 0.6 mile mark a spur trail will take you to the Zion Human History Museum. Here you can learn about American Indian culture, pioneer settlement, and Zion’s growth as a national park. The museum also is a park shuttle stop so you could hop on a shuttle heading to the Visitor Center or Zion Canyon.
Pa’rus Trail gains very little elevation. The trail offers views of some of Zion’s prominent features such as the Watchman, the West Temple and Bridge Mountain. Near the end of the trail you will traverse a section of hard-packed dirt between bridges. Once crossed under the Scenic Drive, you will climb back up to road level at Canyon Junction.
Pa’rus Trail Trailhead
The trailhead for Pa’rus Trail can be found near the Zion National Park Visitor Center near the south entrance to the park.
Near Visitor Center: 37.2018406 N, 112.986744 W
Near Canyon Junction: 37.2170592 N, 112.974133 W
