Pa'rus Trail - Walking with the Watchman

A stop on Zion Canyon, a free self-guided tour.

The Pa'rus Trail runs about 1.7 miles from the Visitor Center along the Virgin River to Canyon Junction. Its name comes from a Southern Paiute word usually translated as bubbling or tumbling water, a good description of the river beside you. It is the only trail in the park open to bikes and leashed pets, and it is paved and nearly flat, which makes it a favorite for families.

Turn south and east to find the Watchman, the tall, layered peak that seems to stand guard over the park entrance. Its lower slopes show red and white bands of older rock, topped by cliffs of Navajo Sandstone. Late in the day the sun lights up its face in shades of orange and red.

Watch the river, too. Toxic cyanobacteria blooms have appeared in the Virgin River in recent years, so check nps.gov for current water advisories, keep dogs out of the water, and never drink untreated river water.

Getting here: From the Visitor Center, follow signs for the Pa'rus Trail east toward the river, a few minutes' walk.

Did you know?: The Pa'rus is the only trail in Zion National Park where you can ride a bike or walk a dog.

Photo op: Stop on one of the trail's footbridges and frame the river leading your eye toward the Watchman, ideally in late afternoon light.

Nearby: No facilities on the trail itself; restrooms and water back at the Visitor Center or ahead at the Human History Museum.

Pa'rus Trail - Walking with the Watchman

Stops on this tour