This Is By Far the Best Way to Explore Zion—But Many Visitors Overlook It

When you think about planning a trip to Zion National Park, you probably picture hiking, relaxing by the Virgin River, taking in the views on scenic drives, or just wandering around soaking up the desert beauty. The good news? There’s a way to do all of that in one go—just rent a bike. On our recent trip to Zion, we rented e-bikes, and it ended up being one of the most memorable experiences we’ve ever had.

Below, I’ll share everything you need to know to have an amazing time, too.

Where to get your bike

There are several bike rental shops in Springdale, the small gateway town just outside the entrance to Zion National Park. It’s where most visitors stay, grab food, and pick up any last-minute gear.

We went with Zion Guru for our bike rental, and they made things super easy while also delivering great customer service.

They let us bundle our Narrows gear with the e-bike rental—and even gave us a discount for booking everything together. One of the best parts? We were able to do our orientation the day before, so we could hit the road early the next morning. That made all the difference—we got to The Narrows before the crowds and had a rare, peaceful experience.

Prices

Prices will vary depending on the shop and the type of bike you choose but a full-day may cost $80 to $90 for an e-bike. I personally recommend going with an e-bike—it makes covering longer distances way easier and the ride a lot more enjoyable.

You’ll still get a workout, especially if you keep the pedal assist on a lower setting. You can rent bikes for a half day or a full day, and many shops offer options that work for kids or smaller riders, including setups where a child can ride with you on the same bike.

It’s a world class biking experience

I’ve done some pretty incredible scenic bike rides—like around Mackinac Island and through Provincetown on Cape Cod—but the ride through Zion is right up there with the best of them. The views are absolutely breathtaking. If you’re looking for one of the top spots in the country for a memorable bike ride, Zion National Park definitely deserves a spot on your list.

There’s very little traffic to deal with

What makes this ride so great is that the scenic drive is mostly closed to regular traffic—only a few vehicles heading to Zion Lodge and the shuttle buses are allowed. And for a large portion of the ride, even cars going to the Zion Lodge are blocked off, making it even more peaceful and stress-free to explore the canyon by bike.

It’s a little confusing to find your path

One thing to keep in mind is that it can be a little confusing figuring out how to get on the scenic drive.

You actually have to enter the park through the pedestrian entrance and then make your way to a trail called the Pa’rus Trail. From there, you’ll connect with the scenic drive. It definitely helps to take a photo of a map beforehand or use an app like AllTrails to guide you along the way. You can use my GPS recording and more or less follow that.

It’s the easiest way to explore

The best part about biking here is how easy it is to explore all the spots along the scenic drive.

You can just pull over, park your bike on the side, and quickly find a quiet, beautiful spot to relax on. I was surprised how many little spots along the Virgin River I discovered for the first time because of being on a bike.

You can also stroll up to nearby trailheads and go for a hike. If you’re on the Pa’rus Trail, don’t miss stopping at the bridges to take in the amazing views. And if you get hungry or thirsty, Zion Lodge is a perfect place to grab a bite or a drink.

Compared to the shuttle experience, biking gives you way more freedom and flexibility.

With the shuttle, you’re stuck following a set route and schedule, and you can’t just stop whenever something catches your eye. Plus, the shuttle can get crowded, especially during peak times when the lines can be crazy long.

On a bike, you’re in control—you can explore at your own pace, take breaks whenever you want, and really soak in the scenery without feeling rushed or boxed in.

It’s a pretty gentle elevation gain

The scenic drive road has a gentle, gradual climb, which makes for a pretty pleasant ride. You’ll be going uphill as you head into the canyon, then it’s mostly downhill on the way back out. Some sections let you pick up quite a bit of speed, so just make sure you’re comfortable with that—and don’t hesitate to use your brakes or take it slow to stay safe.

One of the most important things to remember is to pull over whenever a shuttle bus is approaching. Make sure your rear view mirror is positioned correctly so you can keep an eye on traffic behind you. When a bus is coming, just ease your bike off to the side of the road, stand next to it, and let the shuttle pass—it only takes a moment. You don’t need to pull over for regular vehicles, but it’s a good idea to slow down a bit and stay aware.

A few trailheads have bike racks where you can lock up your bike easily, but other times you might just need to park it somewhere off the main path.

Temperatures can be hot but manageable on a bike

In the summer, the canyon can get really hot—temperatures can easily top 100°F, like they did the day we went biking. The good news is that it can also get breezy in the canyon, which offers some relief. On our ride, we had a steady wind in the morning as we rode in, and those breezes stuck around through the afternoon, making the heat a little more manageable.

Final Thoughts

If you’re heading to Zion and want to see as much as possible without feeling rushed or packed into a shuttle, renting a bike is hands down one of the best ways to experience the park. It gives you the freedom to stop where you want, ride at your own pace, and really connect with the stunning landscape around you.

Whether you’re looking to hike, relax by the Virgin River, or just enjoy the views from the road, biking lets you do it all in one unforgettable ride. Just be prepared for a little heat, bring plenty of water, and take a minute to get your bearings at the start. Once you’re rolling, though, you’re in for something truly special.

Trust me—it’s the kind of experience that sticks with you.