HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · ZION NATIONAL PARK

Pa'rus Trail

3.3 midistance
50 ftelevation gain
1h 5mmoving time
15 ft/miaverage climb

Pa'rus Trail is a 3.3 mi trail with 50 ft of climbing — about 1h 5m of moving time before you stop for anything. Leashed dogs are welcome, and it takes a stroller. About 20% of it is shaded, and there is water on the route to refill from.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 Leashed dogs OK 🧒 Comfortable from age 0 👶 Stroller OK 🚻 Restrooms at the trailhead 💧 Water on the route ☀️ 20% shaded

Underfoot & overhead paved river path

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Pa'rus Trail charges in hours, not miles.

3.3 mi and 50 ft of climbing work out to 1h 5m of moving time — before you stop for anything. There is water on the route to refill from. Informational only, not medical advice.

Get the summer refuel plan →

NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out

1h 5mmoving time, no breaks
0.6–1.1 Lwater, cool day → hot
30–70 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

15 ft per mile 7th steepest of the 7 trails we've measured in Zion National Park
20% shaded Open ground — the hour you start decides the day

In July, Zion National Park runs around 100°F at the main visitor elevation, and this route gives you almost nothing to hide under.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

Tonight

55°F · Mostly Clear · wind 5 mph

NOAA forecast for Zion National Park — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ The Virgin River Narrows and all slot canyons closed

The Narrows and all slot canyons are closed at this time due to active or anticipated flash flooding.

Live NPS alert for Zion National Park · source
⚠️ Stage 2 fire restrictions in effect

No setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using open fires of any kind in the park. This includes campfires and charcoal fires in Watchman Campground, South Campground, and picnic areas in Zion Canyon. Stoves...

Live NPS alert for Zion National Park · source
NOT THIS ONE?

Other trails in Zion National Park

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How long does Pa'rus Trail take?

About 1h 5m of moving time for 3.3 mi and 50 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.

How much water should I carry on Pa'rus Trail?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.6–1.1 L, cool day to hot. There is water on the route, so you can refill. Informational only, not medical advice.

Can I take a dog on Pa'rus Trail?

Yes — leashed dogs are allowed on Pa'rus Trail. Leashes (6 ft max) are required everywhere in Zion National Park.

Is Pa'rus Trail good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 0. It takes a stroller. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.

When is the best time of day to hike Pa'rus Trail?

About 20% of the route is shaded, and Zion National Park peaks around 100°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.