Introduction
Zion National Park is popular for having some of the best places in hiking across the world. Inconceivable vistas are flanked by huge canyon walls. However, little is known of the unbelievable biking in Zion that is made available. As a matter of fact, great steps have been taken to ensure of the biking friendliness. One may take on several routes, I will however tell of the wonderful route that i experienced.
Zion’s Pa’Rus Trail
I embarked on the Zion’s route by biking just next to the park’s entrance at the Pa’Rus trail which goes right past the camping grounds. The Pa’Rus trail provides a great ride for anybody in spite of the skills in biking. You will ride along the Virgin River, crossing a number of bridges that gives an inspiring view of the stunning river below. It is just like a leisure ride and not steep where young ones can take on.
I particularly liked this part of the trail that I had even expected, the views, the bridges, meadows you ride through which all make up the unforgettable Zion’s experience.
Further riding up to the Pa’Rus trail will ultimately lead you beneath a bridge before climbing back to the main road at the end of the trail. It is at this point that you will need to make a decision; either to jump on the bus system and ride to the top or to take up the challenge of riding up through Zion. All the buses have got bike racks on them and you can therefore take the easy way out and ride on them.
Photo Credit: *Tim Grey on flickr
Riding up a Bike through Zion
In case you feel adventurous for just a little while and you would like to earn an adrenaline-charged ride down, ensure to take the somewhat harder route and ride your bike up without having to take a bus.
By so doing, it will be possible to view the canyon in such a manner that others can probably not. It will be possible to ride along with your neck strained from viewing the beautiful walls of the canyon that look so amazing. It would also be possible to see them on the way down, on the way down however, your concern will be not to wreck by moving too fast in order to be able to get absorbed in the view.
Just before reaching the lodge is one of my favorite places along the way. As I rode up, I soon noticed that the road had a covering of massive cottonwood trees which gave a little shade and a quiet feeling just before the storm. This could be the contrast from the views that were wide open of the Virgin River as well as the Great White Throne. It also gives an intimate feeling of the trees that stood guard as I rode up towards the canyon.
As one goes past the drop off area for hiking Angels Landing, one is soon welcomed by a different part of the Canyon offering an exceptional feel and view. Hitting the ‘big bend’ will make you have a hard time by not resting for some time in the views here. You are however almost at the top part, so don’t give up as yet.
Before reaching at the top and the narrow’s starting point (where the busses drop riders), you will find a little waterfall off to the side that you really need to go and view. A deck is built which allows one to easily have accessibility in going up to see the waterfall that is very stunning.
Biking to Zion’s Top
Upon reaching the top, you will earn an enjoyable ride right back to the Canyon. It was a very beautiful ride. However, there is just a little strenuous peddling that is needed from here and out. You need to be very careful though since you can get significant speeds as you go back downhill. This is just a good ride to end it with astounding speed down the mountain.
This is how one can go biking at Zion’s top. Even if one can take on other routes, this is one of the most straightforward one; very rewarding as evident.