Do you remember the first time you felt truly free? For many, it was on a bicycle. The moment the world stretched beyond our own two feet, the wind rushed past, each turn offering a new adventure. That simple joy of discovery often fades as we grow older, replaced by routines, deadlines, and views framed by car windows. But in Zion National Park, you can find it again.
Biking in Zion National Park is your invitation to reclaim that feeling. It’s not just about sightseeing; it’s about seeing with wide-eyed wonder. Here, you can trade the crowded shuttle bus for a set of handlebars and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
This guide will show you how to pedal your way into the heart of the canyon for an experience that is both personal and unforgettable.
Key Takeaways for Your Zion Bike Trip
Here are the essential points to help you plan your ride.
- The Scenic Drive is Your Goal: The primary reason for biking in Zion National Park is to ride the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, a road closed to personal cars for most of the year.
- E-Bikes Make it Easy: An electric assist bike makes the gentle uphill climb fun and accessible for almost everyone.
- Yield to Shuttles: This is the most important safety rule to follow. You must pull over and stop completely to let park shuttles pass you.
- Pa’rus Trail is for Families: This paved, flat path is a perfect and safe route for a casual ride or a family biking adventure.
- Rentals Are Convenient: Springdale, the town just outside the park, has many excellent bike rental shops.
Avoid The Tunnel: Bicycles are strictly prohibited in the 1.1-mile Zion Mount Carmel Tunnel. You will need a car to transport your bike through it.
Why Go Biking in Zion National Park?
Choosing to explore Zion on two wheels is about the experience. It is a chance to feel the cool air in the shadow of a monolith, to hear the river bubbling beside you, and to stop for a photo whenever the mood strikes. A bike lets you escape the crowds and the rigid timing of the shuttle schedule.
The journey becomes your own. You can pull over at a quiet spot by the river for a snack or lock up your bike at a trailhead and head out for a spontaneous hike. The scenic drive is lined with trailheads to famous spots, making it easy to combine a bike ride with a walk.
This freedom transforms your visit from a tour into a personal adventure. It is about creating a day that is truly yours, filled with moments of quiet awe and joyful discovery. Additionally, it is an active, healthy, and rewarding way to see one of the world’s most beautiful places.
Where You Can Ride for the Best Scenic Ride
While Zion is a paradise for road cyclists, it is crucial to know where to go. There are no dirt mountain biking trails Zion National Park allows within its boundaries; all riding must be done on paved surfaces.
- Zion Canyon Scenic Drive: This is the main event. It is an 8-mile, paved road that winds through the heart of the canyon. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive biking is the most popular option for good reason.
- Pa’rus Trail: This 1.7-mile paved path is the only multi-use trail in the park. It is flat, scenic, and perfect for all ages, making it one of the best Zion biking trails.
- Kolob Canyons Road: A strenuous 5-mile climb in a quieter part of the park, offering solitude and stunning views of the crimson canyons.
- Kolob Terrace Road: This road begins in Virgin and climbs into the high country, offering visitors a different perspective on Zion.
- Court of the Patriarchs: This is one of your first dramatic viewpoints of the massive sandstone cliffs. It is an easy stop with a short, accessible trail to a stunning photo opportunity.
- The Grotto: A perfect mid-ride destination. You can park your bike here and enjoy a picnic or access popular trailheads. Consider exploring some amazing Angels Landing hike alternatives that begin nearby.
Big Bend: As the road makes a wide sweep, you are rewarded with one of the most breathtaking views in the canyon. It is a must-stop spot to truly appreciate the scale of the landscape.
Rules and Park Safety For Biking in Zion National Park
Wear a helmet, especially for kids. Helmets are required for riders under 18.
- Ride single file on roads and the Pa’rus Trail. Biking trails in Zion are shared, so be courteous.
- Pull over and stop when a shuttle approaches so the bus can pass safely. Do not try to pass a moving shuttle.
- Bikes are not allowed on hiking-only trails or in wilderness areas. The Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel is closed to bikes for safety.
- Pack a basic flat kit and plenty of water, especially in summer. Thorny plants and heat are real challenges on some roads.
Following these rules keeps the ride safe and calm. It’s easy to follow the park’s rules, and they’re implemented to make everyone’s experience more pleasant.
E-Bikes: What You Need to Know
E-bikes have made biking in Zion National Park more accessible than ever. They are a fantastic way to enjoy the Scenic Drive without worrying about the uphill climb. The gentle electric assist makes the ride feel easy, allowing you to focus on the incredible scenery around you. Many visitors find that an e-bike is the key to a fun and stress-free day.
The park permits only Class 1 e-bikes (pedal-assist without a throttle). E-bikes that have a throttle without pedaling (Class 2 and 3) are considered motor vehicles and are not allowed on the Pa’rus Trail or the Scenic Drive. All rental shops in Springdale offer fully compliant Class 1 e-bikes so that you can rent with confidence.
Where to Rent Bikes: Zion Cycles, Zion Peddler, and More
Springdale is perfectly set up for visiting cyclists, with several excellent rental shops located just steps from the park entrance.
- Top Local Shops: Zion Cycles and Zion Peddler are two of the most popular and highly rated outfitters in town, known for their high-quality bikes and friendly service.
- Variety of Bikes: You can find a bike for every member of the family, including comfortable cruisers, kids’ bikes, road bikes, and the required Class 1 e-bikes.
- Essential Gear Included: All rentals come with the necessary safety gear for your ride, including a helmet and a bike lock.
- Expert Local Advice: The staff at these shops are a fantastic resource for the latest trail conditions, safety tips, and recommendations to make the most of your day.
Greater Zion Road Bike Routes
The adventure of Zion biking extends far beyond the park’s main canyon. For those looking for more miles and new challenges, the greater Zion area is a road cyclist’s paradise. These routes offer incredible scenery and a fantastic workout.
However, these paved routes are great for road bikes.
Snow Canyon State Park Loop
This is a premier destination for road biking Zion National Park enthusiasts. The route takes you through a breathtaking landscape of towering red and white Navajo sandstone cliffs contrasted with black lava flows. The views are constant on this incredible loop, making it one of the most scenic biking trails in Utah.
- Timings: Allow 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos.
- Fees: There is a small per-person entrance fee for cyclists entering Snow Canyon State Park.
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging. The loop includes some significant climbs that will get your heart pumping, but the thrilling descents are well worth the effort.
Veyo Loop
A classic ride for anyone biking near Zion National Park, this 43.5-mile loop takes you through a prehistoric-looking landscape of inactive cinder cones and beautiful canyons.
The route offers stunning views of the Pine Valley mountains and a rewarding stop at the famous Veyo Pies shop.
- Timings: Plan for 2.5 to 4 hours for this longer ride.
- Fees: None.
- Difficulty: Challenging. This route features several moderate to difficult climbs, especially the well-known ascent through the town of Veyo, making it a true test of your fitness.
Sand Hollow Reservoir Loop
General Information: This route is a visual treat, circling the stunningly blue waters of Sand Hollow Reservoir. The 22-mile loop provides a dramatic backdrop of red rock formations and distant mountains. It’s a fantastic and accessible option for a beautiful afternoon of Zion biking.
- Timings: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.
- Fees: Snow Canyon State Park charges cyclists a small entrance fee per person.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. The loop is relatively flat with some gentle, rolling hills, making it enjoyable for a wide range of riders.
Gunlock Reservoir Loop
A favorite among local cyclists, this ride offers a peaceful escape with lovely, rolling hills and beautiful views as it circles the Gunlock Reservoir. It is a fantastic choice if you are looking for a scenic and moderately paced ride while biking near Zion National Park.
- Timings: Plan for 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
- Fees: None.
- Difficulty: Moderate. The terrain is consistently rolling, providing a steady workout without any overly strenuous, long climbs.
E-Bikes: What You Need to Know
E-bikes have completely transformed the experience of biking in Zion National Park, making its most stunning landscapes accessible to nearly everyone. They are the ultimate game-changer for tackling the gentle, but long, uphill grade of the Scenic Drive.
An e-bike provides a gentle boost with each pedal, turning a potentially strenuous ride into a joyful and relaxing journey. This allows you to focus less on catching your breath and more on the breathtaking scenery around you, making Zion biking a breeze.
The park officially permits Class 1 e-bikes, which assist only when you are actively pedaling.
E-bikes that have a throttle (Class 2 or 3) are considered motor vehicles and are not allowed on the Pa’rus Trail or the biking Zion Canyon Scenic Drive route. Fortunately, all local rental shops, including our partners, offer fully compliant Class 1 models.
Zion National Park E-Bike Details
| Category | Details |
| Where You Can Ride |
|
| Restrictions |
|
| Class of E-Bikes Allowed | Class 1 e-bikes permitted (pedal-assist and throttle up to 20 mph) |
| Speed Limit | Maximum speed: 20 mph |
| Best Routes for E-Bikes |
|
| Scenic Highlights |
|
| Benefits of Using E-Bikes |
|
| Rentals | E-bikes available in Springdale (right outside the park)
Common rental shops: Zion Peddler, Zion Cycles, Ride Zion |
| Tips for Visitors |
|
| Best Season |
|
Family Biking: How to Make It Easy
Making lasting memories with your loved ones is easy in Zion. A family biking adventure is one of the best ways to do this.
The park has safe and easy options for riders of all ages. This makes sure everyone has a fun day.
- Start on the Pa’rus Trail: This is the undisputed champion for families. The trail features a paved, flat surface and follows the beautiful Virgin River, completely separating itself from vehicle traffic. It’s the perfect environment for kids to ride freely and safely.
- Tackle the Scenic Drive: For families with a bit more ambition, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive Biking is a fantastic goal.
- For Younger Kids: Rent a bike trailer or a tag-along attachment. This lets them enjoy the views while you provide the power. An e-bike is a parent’s best friend here, making towing a trailer up the gentle incline feel effortless.
- For Older Kids: Children with confident bike handling skills will love the independence of riding their own bike on the Scenic Drive. The sense of accomplishment they’ll feel reaching the end, followed by the thrilling downhill ride back, is unforgettable
Set the Right Expectations: It’s crucial to remember that biking in Zion is only allowed on paved surfaces.
This focus on paved paths makes the park’s routes exceptionally safe and perfectly suited for a family outing.
A Simple Ride Plan (Half-Day Itinerary)
This easy-to-follow plan is perfect for a morning adventure, leaving your afternoon free for other activities. It’s a great introduction to the joys of biking near Zion National Park.
| Time (Approx.) | Activity | Details & Tips |
| 8:00 AM | Bike Pick-Up | Head to your chosen rental shop in Springdale to pick up your pre-booked bikes and helmets. Ensure everyone’s bike is a comfortable fit. |
| 8:30 AM | Ride to the Park | Bike from the shop to the park’s pedestrian entrance. Take the beautiful and flat Pa’rus Trail to get a feel for the bikes and enjoy the morning scenery. |
| 9:00 AM | Begin the Scenic Drive | At Canyon Junction, start your journey up the iconic road. This is the heart of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive biking experience. Take plenty of breaks for water and photos! |
| 11:00 AM | Reach the Destination | Arrive at the Temple of Sinawava, the end of the road. Lock your bikes and take a short, rewarding walk on the paved Riverside Walk path. |
| 11:30 AM | Enjoy the Ride Back | The return trip is your reward! Enjoy a fun, relaxing, and mostly downhill coast back to Canyon Junction. |
| 12:30 PM | Return Bikes & Lunch | Head back to the rental shop in Springdale to return your bikes. Celebrate your adventure with a well-deserved lunch at Spotted Dog. |
Where to Stay and Dine
Flanigan’s Resort and Spa makes an excellent home base for biking in Zion.
Located among the trees and just a short walk from the park entrance, it offers a calm retreat after a day of biking in Zion National Park. Guests can relax by the pool or find a quiet moment in the hilltop labyrinth.
When it comes to dining, the Spotted Dog Restaurant at Flanigan’s is a great choice. This welcoming, upscale tavern serves American cuisine with a southwest touch.
With a great wine list and a cozy patio, it is the perfect spot to end the day and enjoy a nice meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Biking in Zion
Do I need a permit for biking in Zion?
No, you do not need a specific permit for biking in Zion. You only need to pay the standard park entrance fee per person, which is valid for seven days.
When are the routes open for biking?
The roads and the Pa’rus Trail are open year-round, but conditions vary. The best time for biking Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is when it’s closed to private cars (usually March-November). Always check the weather and road status before you go.
For detailed timing, check our guide on the best dates to remember in 2025 to visit Zion National Park.
How difficult is the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive bike ride?
The ride is generally considered easy to moderate. It’s a gradual uphill climb for 8 miles, which is very manageable for most fitness levels, especially with an e-bike. The return trip is a fun and easy downhill coast.
Can I put my bike on the park shuttle?
Yes, but space is very limited. The shuttles have front racks that can hold only 2-3 bikes on a first-come, first-served basis. It can be useful for a one-way trip, but you cannot rely on a spot being available. Planning to ride the full distance is the best strategy. For more details on the system, see The Ultimate 2025 Zion National Park Shuttle Guide.
Can I combine hiking with my bike ride?
Absolutely! This is one of the best parts of biking through Zion. You can lock your bike at any trailhead along the Scenic Drive and go for a hike. It’s a great way to access popular trails without depending on the shuttle schedule. For example, you can bike to the Grotto and explore some fantastic Angels Landing hike alternatives.
Are there any dirt trails for mountain biking in Zion National Park?
No, there are no dirt Zion mountain biking trails inside the park itself. Bicycles must stay on paved surfaces like roads and the Pa’rus Trail. However, the region offers world-class mountain biking near Zion, with famous trail systems on Gooseberry Mesa and the J.E.M. trails just a short drive away.
Last Words
Biking in Zion offers an unforgettable sense of freedom and a deep connection to the landscape. This mix of adventure and beautiful views is great for a relaxing wellness trip. You can find these at local yoga retreats and wellness workshops.
Book your stay at Flanigan’s today and start planning your Zion biking adventure!