This is a continuation of a travel series to Utah. To start at the beginning, go HERE. The rest of the posts in chronological order are HERE and HERE.
One of my favorite trails in Zion National Park is also the easiest, the Pa'rus Trail. I wasn't sure if I just loved it so much because I was finally off of that wretched horse trail I wrote about last week, and I was on a trail I planned to go on, or if I just appreciated a paved trail after walking in deep sand and horse manure for an hour. But when I look at these pictures, I am reminded of why I loved it so much. This is one gorgeous trail with beautiful views of the monoliths and virgin river. The color on this trail is amazing. Who knew there could be so much color in a desert? But the contrast of the green foliage against the red rock and blue skies is breathtaking.
The paved, level Pa'rus Trail makes it ideal for bicyclists, wheelchairs, strollers, the elderly, and anyone looking for a nice, easy stroll. It's distance is 1.7 miles one way. You can pick up the trailhead at either the Visitor's Center or Canyon Junction so you don't have to turn around and walk the same way back when your done. We picked up the trail at Canyon Junction (stop 3 on the shuttle) after we were done hiking at the Court of the Patriarchs. From there we hiked the Pa'rus Trail to the Visitors Center and parking lot where we ended our day.
The Pa'rus Trail has multiple bridges that zigzag the Virgin River giving a sense of a path following the river's course. There are many signs along the way that say "River Access", where you can follow a short path down into the rivers waters. We saw many people swimming in the water. The water is so clean and clear! I took my shoes off and enjoyed the refreshing water myself!
The best times to hike any trail in Zion is the early morning or late evening. You will get the best pictures and views as the sun rises and sets on the stunning rock formations. Plus, you will be the most comfortable as it is hot in Zion. On the days we were there the temperatures were in the 100's. With the exception of The Narrows, we always hiked at dawn or dusk and lounged at hotel pool during the heat of the day.
It was such a beautiful evening when we hiked the trail. The weather was perfect and because it was such an easy trail, I was really able to just relax and soak in the views. I couldn't believe I was here. I longed to visit Zion National Park for years, and I finally made it! I felt so blessed and so happy.
If you're wondering how the trail got it''s name, the word Pa'rus, means “bubbling water”. It was the name the Paiute people gave to the North Fork of the Virgin River.
My son was definitely in his element. He grew up rock jumping in rivers. He loved this trail! The waterfall made him feel right at home.
See how nice this path is? You couldn't ask for a better path. My daughter would love to take her small children on a hike like this!
The bridges that they built on this path are almost as stunning as the surrounding natural landscape. I love how they used rock and wood to make the bridges as natural looking as possible.
As we neared the end of this trail, it took us behind the campsites. We saw so many mule deer in the camps. I think campers were feeding them, even though they're not suppose too. We saw one deer come up right next to a woman sitting at a picnic table! I could not believe how tame they were.
After we finished our hike on the Pa'rus Trail, we headed to the Visitor's Center parking lot to catch the shuttle back to our hotel. We grabbed some dinner in town, then hit the hotel pool. It was still in the 90's after dark, so the pool felt refreshing. Then it was time to go to bed for the next day we were going on one of the biggest adventures of our lives: hiking the famous NARROWS! Be sure to come back next week to read all about it!
Have A Great Day! Amy
Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE!
