While Zion is famous for its iconic hikes, some of the park’s most breathtaking views are best experienced from the seat of a bike.
Key Takeaways
- The 1.75-mile Pa’rus Trail is one of the most accessible Zion bike trails, with a paved riverside route that allows Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes.
- Some of the most popular bike trails near Zion National Park include the 2- to 3-mile Springdale Bike Path for easy town access and the 8.5-mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive for a deep dive into the canyon’s interior.
- Riders looking for technical mountain bike trails near Zion National Park will find world-class terrain at Gooseberry Mesa, which offers 8 to 12 miles of challenging slickrock and stunning desert views just a short drive from the park.
Are you planning a trip to southern Utah and wondering about bike trails near Zion National Park? You’re in luck. The area surrounding Zion offers everything from smooth paved paths inside the park to rugged singletrack on the mesas above town. Whether you’re rolling on a traditional road bike, a mountain bike, or an e-bike, there’s a route here that you’re sure to love.
Are There Bike Trails Near Zion National Park?
The Zion bike trails range from family-friendly paved paths to technical backcountry rides. Here’s a look at four trails and routes worth adding to your itinerary.
1. Pa’rus Trail
The Pa’rus Trail is your go-to ride for cycling inside Zion National Park. Starting at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, this 1.75-mile paved path winds along the Virgin River up to Canyon Junction. You’ll go past bridges, wildlife, and stunning canyon views along the way.
Keep in mind that Pa’rus Trail is multi-use, which means you’ll have to share it with pedestrians and leashed pets. The speed limit is capped at 15 mph, and you’re expected to yield to foot traffic.
Class 1 e-bikes are welcome on the trail, but you can’t load e-bikes onto the park shuttle buses, so plan your route accordingly. Watch for sandy patches on corners and slick bridge decking when it’s wet. If you’re riding with a group, keep it to six bikes or fewer. Zion requires larger parties to split up before hitting the trail.
2. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
If you want to go deeper into the canyon, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is where your bike ride really opens up. From the Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava, you’re looking at roughly 8.5 miles one way, with about 600–700 feet of gradual elevation gain spread across the route.
The first two miles throw a noticeable climb at you, but the grade settles into a steady, manageable incline past Court of the Patriarchs. Overall, the ride stays fairly forgiving, which is why it works for a wide range of riders.
Many riders like to load their bikes onto a shuttle, ride all the way up to the Temple of Sinawava, and coast most of the way back down. Just save a little energy for the southbound uphill stretch between Weeping Rock and The Grotto. You’ll find bike racks at major shuttle stops and trailheads throughout the drive if you need to lock up your bike so you can hike Zion on foot.
This working road is shared with NPS shuttles and lodge traffic, so staying alert is important. When a shuttle comes up behind you, pull completely off the road and stop to let it pass safely.
3. Springdale Bike Path
The town of Springdale has developed a dedicated bike path just outside of Zion, giving riders an easy way to roll through town while soaking up the area’s red rock views and dramatic canyon scenery. The paved path runs for about 2–3 miles, with minimal elevation change, making it an easy ride for just about anyone.
The path connects hotels, restaurants, shops, and shuttle stops, so you can get around without spending much time in car traffic. That makes it a great warm-up before heading into the park, or a laid-back way to end the day after exploring mountain bike trails near Zion National Park.
4. Gooseberry Mesa
If you rode all the way to southern Utah with a mountain bike strapped to your rig, Gooseberry Mesa is the ride that makes the trip worth it. Located about 20 miles from Springdale, this mesa is one of the most celebrated bike trails near Zion and a bucket-list destination for mountain bikers across the Southwest.
The main trail network covers roughly 8–12 miles, depending on your route, with a mix of slickrock and singletrack. You’ll experience around 800–1,200 feet of elevation change across rolling terrain.
The trail system accommodates a range of skill levels, from beginner-friendly doubletrack to technical lines that will push more experienced riders. No matter where you land, plan for extra time. Between the terrain and the views, Gooseberry has a way of keeping you out there longer than expected.
Make Settler’s Junction Your Basecamp for Biking Near Zion
Settler’s Junction RV Resort is just a short drive from Zion’s bike trails and perfectly positioned for day trips to Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and other nearby national parks. The resort borders more than 100 miles of Southern Utah BLM land, giving you and your four-legged co-pilot plenty of room to roam between rides.
After a long day in the saddle, you can come back to tiled showers, a luxury sauna, and a 24/7 laundry room waiting for you. If you’re searching for an RV park near trails in southern Utah, book a stay at Settler’s Junction. It’s the basecamp you’ve been looking for.