Zion Canyon
Zion National Park, Utah
Road
26 miles | 1,375 ft elevation
Riding below the towering sandstone cliffs through Zion National Park is absolutely stunning. There aren’t a lot of miles to ride within the main part of the park, but the views are incredible and you’ll want to make several stops to take pictures and enjoy the beauty.
There is one main road that goes through the park that is about 9 miles one-way from the entrance to where it dead ends and you must turn around (at the Temple of Sinawava, which is the trailhead for The Narrows). The majority of the ride is car-free, as no private vehicles are allowed (during March - November and on weekends in February)! You start the ride on a bike path through the campgrounds and along the Virgin River. Once you reach the road, only park shuttle buses and a few other tour vans/authorized vehicles are permitted, so you feel as though you have the road to yourself!
If you’d like to add on more miles and some climbing, you can also ride up to Zion Tunnel. It is a 3-mile climb with several switchbacks, and the view does not disappoint. There can be a fair amount of cars, but the drivers were cautious and drove slowly. Bikes and pedestrians are not allowed in the tunnel, so once you reach the top, turn around and enjoy the descent!
Hotel Recommendation
Springhill Suites – This hotel is just minutes from Zion National Park (you can easily ride from the hotel to the park entrance). I was very happy with this hotel! Great location, sufficient free breakfast, and an awesome pool. There are many hotels along the main road through town – some are even closer to the park entrance – so you have plenty of options.
(Note: I do not recommend staying at the La Quinta, as they do not allow bikes in the hotel rooms!)
Notes
Be sure to review the official Zion National Park website for the latest information about the park, shuttle service, etc.
You will need to pay a park entrance fee to enter Zion (whether by car, bike or foot).
There aren’t many services in the park; however, there is a water fountain and restrooms at the Temple of Sinawava turn-around.
The town of Springdale, Utah, is small but so vibrant, cute and clean. You have to drive through town to get to the park entrance.
There are several restaurants and shops all walking distance from the hotel. There is also a small market for any grocery items (they also had a ton of energy bar options and some grab-n-go meals too!)
I felt like two full days was the perfect amount of time. (Note: if you want to do some hiking, you might want to ride one day and do hikes another day.)
During the peak months it can be very busy, impacting parking, restaurant capacity and the park shuttles. So please plan accordingly.
cyclingjenny.com aims to provide content that is true and accurate as of the date of writing; however, the accuracy and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. cyclingjenny.com and its associates are in no way liable for personal injury, loss or damage to personal property, or any other such situation that should occur to individuals following the guides, routes and recommendations. Please review the full Terms & Disclaimer.