zions county
Pa’Rus Trail
Location: Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
Difficulty Level: Intermidate
Distance:: 5.8/miles roundtrip
Starts with PEace
The trail begins as a smooth, paved path that winds gently alongside the Virgin River. On one side, you’ll see the main park road, but on the other, you’re tucked into nature with the Watchman Towers rising dramatically above you. This stretch feels peaceful and inviting, often with wildlife right along the path—deer and wild turkeys are common here, so keep your eyes peeled.
Bridge 2
After finishing the Riverwalk, the trail immediately shifts into the Virgin River. Within just five minutes, you’ll reach the deepest section of the entire hike—waist-high water that cannot be avoided. Once past this point, the rest of the Narrows is generally much shallower and easier to wade.
Bridge 1
Not far into the Narrows, you’ll reach Mystery Canyon Falls, a small but striking waterfall spilling into the river from a side canyon. It’s a favorite photo stop and a natural landmark along the way, marking your progress deeper into the gorge.
Bridge 3
Continuing up the river, you’ll come to House Rock, a massive boulder that sits right in the middle of the Narrows. Hikers must wade around it, making it a fun obstacle and a memorable feature of the canyon.
Orderville Junction
Orderville Junction is a major landmark where a side canyon meets the Narrows. Here, the narrower walls of Orderville Canyon spill into the main gorge, creating a striking contrast. Many hikers pause to explore a short way in before continuing, and from this point onward the crowds thin out, offering a quieter experience deeper in the canyon.
trail name
TRAIL DETAILS
Round Trip
up to 9.5 miles
Hike Time
4-8 hrs
Rest Room
No.
Permit
no
Horse Ride
No
Pets
No
Difficulty
Hard
TRAIL MAP
DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD
From Springdale, the easiest and most enjoyable way to reach the Narrows trailhead is by bike. Head to the south entrance of Zion National Park, then follow the scenic Pa’rus Trail, which connects directly to the main canyon road. Bikes are allowed on the road, so you can ride all the way up-canyon without waiting for shuttles. It’s about 8 miles to the final stop at the Temple of Sinawava, where you’ll find the start of the Riverside Walk. At the end of this paved trail, you step directly into the Virgin River to begin the Narrows. Riding a bike not only saves time compared to the shuttle but also gives you the freedom to stop at viewpoints along the way..
