E Bikes in Zion: Why Pedal When You Can Cruise

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Discover Zion's Wonders with a Boost from E Bikes!

One of America’s best national park spring break destinations for families, Zion National Park was our favorite Utah national park, and we're not just saying that because we're biased towards the Beehive State. Did you know that Zion is home to one of the world's largest natural arches, Kolob Arch? 

And that the park was once home to the "Zion Curtain," a law that required restaurants to have a physical barrier between bartenders and customers? Crazy, right?

BUT LET’S TALK ABOUT THE REAL REASON WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT ZION NATIONAL PARK

e biking in Zion

With kids and adults ranging from 11 to 50, e biking in Zion National Park was the best decision we made. It's the perfect way to explore the expansive park while also keeping everyone in control of their day. Plus, carrying as many snacks and water as you want is a definite perk.

Enjoying an e bike moment in Zion National Park.

GETTING TO ZION NATIONAL PARK

Zion Canyon National Park is like the cool kid in Utah, with more visitors than any other park in the state. It's pretty easy to get to - you can fly or drive in from nearby towns like Hurricane, St. George, or Kanab. If you're planning a trip to Zion National Park from out of town, the Las Vegas McCarran airport near Zion National Park is the closest airport with a two-hour drive.

If you're planning a trip to Zion National Park, we've got the directions you need to get there from Hurricane, Utah and Las Vegas, NV. Buckle up and let's hit the road!

Zion National Park East Entrance

If you're starting from Hurricane, Utah, head east on UT-9 until you reach the park's east entrance. The east entrance is a great option if you're coming from the east side of the park or if you want to explore the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.

If you're coming from Las Vegas, NV, you'll want to hop on I-15 north until you reach the town of Hurricane. From there, follow the directions we just gave you to get to the east entrance.

zion National Park South Entrance

The most popular part of Zion is near the South Entrance. Start off by driving down Highway 9 until you reach the charming town of Springdale. Park your car in one of the many designated areas, and don't worry, you won't have to hoof it too far to catch the Zion Canyon Visitor Shuttle. Just follow the signs along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and you'll be good to go.

*From Las Vegas, continue on I-15 until you reach the park's south entrance. Just be prepared for a bit of a longer drive and some stunning desert views along the way!

Zion Park West Entrance

To get to the west entrance, head north on UT-9 from the town of Virgin until you reach the entrance. This entrance is a great option if you're coming from the west side of the park or if you want to access the Kolob Canyons area. *In March 2023 the Kolob Canyons were closed.

No matter which entrance you choose, we can guarantee that your trip to Zion National Park will be one for the books.

ZION CANYON SHUTTLE

The Zion Canyon Shuttle is the only way, aside from biking or walking, to get into the park. You can catch it at approved parking areas. And the best part? It's free!

But beware - from March to October, the shuttle can get super crowded and you might have to wait a while. Make sure to check the shuttle schedule before your trip, as it changes depending on the time of year. Note! Climbing equipment, backpacks and bikes are allowed on the shuttle.

ZION NATIONAL PARK HOURS

As a national park, Zion is open 24/7, which is awesome! The visitor center is usually open from 8am to 6pm. But listen up, if you want to drive your own car through the park, you'll need a special permit. They close the road to outside traffic so that the wildlife can roam free. *No cars on the road makes e biking in Zion National Park super safe.

PET RULES IN ZION

If you're planning to hit up Zion National Park with your furry friends, stick to the Pa'rus Trail. That's right, folks, it's the only trail where your pets are welcome to strut their stuff. Don't even think about sneaking them onto any other trails, wilderness areas, shuttle buses, or public buildings - those spots are strictly for humans only.

ZION NATIONAL PARK WEATHER

March is a wonderful time to visit Zion National Park, but you need to be prepared for all kinds of weather. The Zion National Park weather in March can be cold, but it's also the time when the Narrows trail opens for a short period.

Keep in mind that depending on snow melt, the Narrows may not open until late June or early July. So, if you want to hike the Narrows in March, check the weather forecast first and pack smart.

During our visit to Zion in March, we had a fantastic sunny day with temperatures around 50 degrees. But don't be fooled!

We were riding e bikes, moving up to 25 mph, and even though we were all bundled up with mittens, hats, coats, long sleeves, and pants, we still felt a little chilly.

Make sure you pack your daypack with extra layers, because you never know when you might need them.

If you're looking for a more predictable weather experience in Zion National Park, the best time to visit is during the spring and fall months. The temperatures are generally mild, the skies are clear, and the crowds are more manageable.

If you're a fan of warmer weather and don't mind braving the crowds, then summer can be a great time to visit as well. Just make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen to combat the scorching desert sun.

On the other hand, if you're a winter sports enthusiast, then the snowy months can be a great time to visit and explore the park's trails on snowshoes or cross-country skis.

Whatever time of year you choose to visit, be sure to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly - and don't forget to have fun!

WHAT TO WEAR E BIKING IN ZION NATIONAL PARK

Preparing for a trip to Zion National Park in March can be a challenge, with temperatures ranging from chilly mornings to warm afternoons. But fear not, with the right gear you can easily tackle this fickle weather.

Like Colorado, Utah’s dry climate creates some interesting climate situations, especially in the spring and fall. What to wear hiking in Colorado applies here.

Layer up with moisture-wicking clothing, don't forget a backpack to carry all your essentials. And when the sun starts to shine, easily shed those layers to stay cool and comfortable as you explore this stunning national park.

E biking in Zion National Park can get downright cold when the wind picks up as you speed down the road. Have each person carry a daypack loaded with a windproof/waterproof jacket, hats and gloves.

For our family, e biking Zion in March meant each person had the following stashed in their packs or on their backs:

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WHERE TO EAT NEAR ZION NATIONAL PARK

After a long day of hiking and exploring Zion National Park, you're bound to get hungry! Luckily, there are plenty of great places to eat in the nearby towns. Springdale is just a stone's throw away from the park's entrance and has a wide selection of restaurants to choose from.

For a quick and delicious bite, check out Oscar's Cafe, known for their tasty burgers and fries. If you're in the mood for pizza, try Zion Pizza & Noodle Co., where you can indulge in a slice or two of their mouth-watering pies.

And of course, we can't forget dessert! For a sweet treat, head over to Springdale Candy Company and be sure to try their hand-dipped ice cream. The flavors are constantly changing, but you might find options like huckleberry, salted caramel, or cookie dough.

SOUVENIR SHOPPING NEAR ZION NATIONAL PARK

If you're in need of some park swag, the Zion visitor center park stores are the place to be. They've got everything from t-shirts and hats to stuffed animals and keychains.

Let's not forget about the Zion Outfitter, which not only has a great selection of outdoor gear, but also plenty of stylish clothing options. Whether you're looking for a cozy hoodie to snuggle up in after a day of hiking, or a trendy hat to keep the sun out of your eyes, Zion has got you covered.

If you're staying in nearby towns like Springdale or Hurricane, don't forget to check out the local shops and boutiques for even more unique finds.

Enjoy a cozy vacation in this historic Utah cabin near Zion National Park.

WHERE TO STAY NEAR ZION NATIONAL PARK

If you're planning a trip to Zion National Park, you'll definitely want to stay close by. Lucky for you, there are some great options in Hurricane and Springdale, Utah.

Not only will staying nearby save you from spending hours in the car, but you'll also be able to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the park.

And let's be real, who wouldn't want to wake up to those views?!

lus, with the abundance of VRBO options in the area, you'll have your pick of cozy cabins, modern condos, or whatever your heart desires.

CAMPING NEAR AND IN ZION NATIONAL PARK

There are several campgrounds located within the park itself, including the South Campground, Watchman Campground, and Lava Point Campground.

These campgrounds offer both tent and RV camping, with amenities such as showers, restrooms, and picnic tables.

Reservations can be made online through the National Park Service website, and prices vary depending on the campground and time of year.

For disperse camping options, check out Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land surrounding the park. Dispersed camping allows visitors to camp outside of designated campgrounds in undeveloped areas, but it requires more preparation and self-sufficiency.

No permit required but camp smart and Leave No Trace.

RENTING E BIKES IN ZION

If you want to experience Zion National Park in a way that’ll blow your socks off, rent some e bikes! Trust us, it’s as easy as riding a bike (literally). We had a fantastic rental experience with Zion Peddler, a 5 minute ride away from the bike/pedestrian entrance of the park.

For all you e-bikers out there, start at the South Entrance in Zion Canyon Village. Just walk your bike through the pedestrian gate and you'll be sailing along on the Pa’rus Trail in no time.

If you’re coming from Kanab or Bryce Canyon, take the Zion Mount Carmel Highway and enter through the East Entrance. This route will take you on the famous and beautiful Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel.

Knowing Zion National Park is one of Utah’s most popular spring break destinations for families, we chose to start a bit later in the morning to avoid crowds. Getting our bikes around 9 am, we took an hour to get set up, practice biking the parking lot and going to the bathroom, AGAIN. 

E BIKING IN ZION NATIONAL PARK TIPS

  • Practice riding in the parking lot first. *Our group of 8 all knew how to ride a bike. However, some of our younger eager members were super excited to use mode 5, charging ahead at 25 mph. 

  • Carry a small daypack with snacks, lunch and water. In March, most of the water faucets were turned off. With the hikes we did throughout the day, we ran out of water. 

  • For younger bikers, rent e bikes in Zion without baskets. The baskets make it heavier and harder to balance.

  • Make sure EVERYONE knows the “Get Over for the Shuttle” rule. Pull to the right and place one foot on the ground. This signals to the driver they can move ahead.

  • Pack more food than you think you’ll need. We spent almost 8 hours in the park. Had the temperatures been a bit warmer, we’d have stayed longer. 

*PRO TIP! Each e-bike comes with a lock, but don't leave anything unattended. You don't want to lose your favorite hoodie, right?

E Biking in Zion National Park: Take 1 Day to Ride and Explore with Ease

We started at 10 am, on a cold but sunny March day. We knew we had to make the most of our time, so we decided to rent e bikes at Zion Peddler. It was super easy, and it only took us about 5 minutes to get to the bike/pedestrian entrance of the park.

E biking in Zion National Park is a must-do, as it gives you complete access to the park at any time. Plus, you get to stop for amazing views all along the trail, which is perfect for days like we had with bright sun and blue sky.

PRO TIP! Have each person pack their own daypack with snacks and water. Use sunscreen and wear a hat. Between wind and sun, several of us sported some brilliant red colors by the end of the day!

Head to south entrance for e biking in Zion National Park.

FIRST STOP - SOUTH ENTRANCE

Our first stop was the South Entrance in Zion Canyon Village, where we walked our bikes through the pedestrian gate. We started biking on the Pa’rus Trail, but we had to go slow because there were lots of walkers and dogs on this section. 

Our youngest bikers had a little difficulty crossing two streets, which was a bit nerve-wracking for the second crossing because cars were still driving up the main road. Getting off the bikes and walking them across worked best.

Walk by this incredible waterfall along Riverside walk to the Narrows

SECOND STOP - TEMPLE OF SINAWAVA

We biked almost 8 miles from the South Entrance to the Temple of Sinawava, got off, locked our bikes, and hiked to the Narrows along Riverside Walk. This mostly paved hike was about 2 miles total, and there were tons of people, but there were lots of porta potties, which was great. 

However, there was no running water available to refill water bottles. Parts of the road were very cold in the shade, so having gloves, hats, and layers were key.

After taking a snack break, we headed out on a leisurely stroll along Riverside walkway, an easy, paved trail just under two miles long with minimal elevation gain. This trail leads to the infamous Narrows, and it's packed with scenic views and surprises along the way.

One of the highlights is the giant waterfall that cascades down into the river, where you can feel its mist on your face and snap a perfect Instagram pic.

But be warned, the trail is also home to some sneaky squirrels who may try to steal your snacks. As one of the most popular trails in the park because of its access to the Narrows, plan on seeing a lot of people carrying drysuit gear and walking poles.

Locking up our e bikes at Weeping Rock trailhead

THIRD STOP - WEEPING ROCK TRAIL

On our way back down, we did a lot more stops to do mini hikes. One of Zion National Park easy hikes is the Weeping Rock Trail. It's a short but steep trek that takes you up and behind the Weeping Rock, a natural spring that drips water down a wall covered in ferns and moss.

The trail is only 0.4 miles round trip, but don't be fooled by the short distance!

You'll gain about 100 feet in elevation, which can feel like a lot in such a short distance. But the stunning views at the top are well worth the effort.

Weeping Rock in March - a collision of ice and water

Fun fact: The Weeping Rock gets its name from the way water seeps out of the sandstone and "weeps" down the walls. It's a popular spot for visitors to cool off on hot summer days, as the dripping water creates a refreshing mist.

In March, expect a good bit of ice and snow. In fact, as you make your way up the trail, be sure to look out for the HUGE icicles that hang (and melt) from the falls. They can create a bit of anxiety for some hikers, but they're also a fascinating sight to see.

And if you're lucky, you might even spot some wildlife along the way, like deer or squirrels.

A short but sweet adventure in Zion National Park, the Weeping Rock Trail is definitely worth a visit. Just be sure to bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a rain jacket, just in case!).

FOURTH STOP - EMERALD POOL TRAIL

The trailhead for Emerald Waterfall Loop is the main shuttle stop, which meant there were people everywhere. We felt like we were in the middle of Times Square.

Once we crossed the road, we took a left after the bridge and started hiking towards the middle waterfall. Let me tell you, parts of that trail were straight-up goopy and muddy, so thank goodness we had our trusty hiking shoes.

  • The first half-mile or so was a steady uphill climb, but after biking, it felt like a piece of cake.

  • We had a blast crossing a creek and splashing through some white sand that would be totally perfect for kids to play in during the summer.

  • Feeling adventurous, we decided to keep pushing on towards the upper waterfall. Right before we got there, the trail got super narrow and crowded, which made me feel like we were stuck in a people jam like they have on those crazy Everest hikes.

  • Warning: hikers on this trail have NO chill. It's like the Hunger Games out there.

  • The upper falls were so cold that we were practically turning into human icicles, but it was worth it to see the water turn into snow and ice at the base.

  • We made our way down to the middle falls and headed left on the loop towards the lower falls. Gotta say, the lower falls were straight-up amazing!

  • We decided to go counter-clockwise, which made the beginning a bit more steep, but hey, we're all about that leg day.

  • And the best part? These hikes offer views of the rocks and area that are so stunning, you'll be like, "I can't believe it's not Photoshopped." Plus, you get to walk behind waterfalls! It's like being in a real-life fairy tale.

PROS OF E BIKING IN ZION NATIONAL PARK:

  • COMPLETE ACCESS Say goodbye to long lines and hello to ultimate park access - E bikes give you the freedom to roam around Zion's scenic beauty, with no time limits or restrictions

  • COMPLETE CONTROL Give your fam a break from the usual hikes and let the kids take control of the adventure - it's a fun, interactive way to experience the park.

  • STOP FOR VIEWS Need a breather? Take a pit stop and soak in the jaw-dropping views - E bikes make it super easy to stop anywhere along the trail and capture some Insta-worthy pics.

  • ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY Eco-conscious and badass? Yes, please! E bikes are powered by electricity and produce zero emissions, so you can explore Zion guilt-free and in style

CONS OF E BIKING IN ZION NATIONAL PARK:

  • COST E Bikes may come with a steep rental price, but don't worry - you can ask for group discounts or rent bikes with extra seats for the little ones

  • AGE LIMIT Sorry kiddos, you gotta ride shotgun! Children under 14 can't ride e bikes in Zion on their own, but the fam can still roll together with bikes that carry kids.

  • SAFETY CONCERNS Safety first, zoomies second! E biking can be a blast, but it's important to be mindful of your surroundings and ride carefully, especially in crowded or steep areas.

HIKING NARROWS ZION NATIONAL PARK

*With just one day to explore Zion National Park, we opted to stick to e-biking but can’t wait to come back and take on the challenge of the Narrows.

This unique hike offers stunning views of towering cliffs and a refreshing river flowing beneath your feet. The trailhead for the Narrows hike starts at the Riverside Walk Trailhead, where you'll see the beginning of this spectacular hike. 

IMPORTANT HIKING INFORMATION RE: THE NARROWS ZION NATIONAL PARK

Here are some sweet bullet points to help you plan your epic hike in the Narrows of Zion National Park.

  • Heads up, the Narrows hike is only available during certain times of the year because of the weather. You can hit the trail from late May to October, but keep an eye out for sudden thunderstorms that can cause flash floods.

  • To get started, make sure you're equipped with the right gear like waterproof boots, neoprene socks, a walking stick, and a dry bag for your stuff. But don't worry if you don't have all the gear because you can rent or buy it at the visitor center or nearby towns.

  • Here's a fun fact for you: depending on how far you go, the Narrows hike can take anywhere from 5 to 9 hours to complete. So, make sure you're prepared for a challenging but unforgettable adventure.

  • Remember to take your time, stay safe, and follow the park's rules. This hike is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so soak it all in and make some dope memories!

Hopping rocks on Emerald Pools trail

March into Zion with these Family-Friendly Tips

  • Rent an e-bike

    Enjoy zooming past all the huffing and puffing hikers. You'll feel like a superhero on two wheels!

  • Snacks are King

    Make sure to bring plenty of snacks for your family, because even the most scenic hikes can't cure a hangry kid (or parent).

  • Race like an animal

    Challenge each other to a race to see who can spot the most wildlife along the trails. Just don't get too competitive, we don't want any pulled hamstrings!

  • Snap a Pic with the best camera - your eyes

    Take lots of photos, but don't forget to put down the camera and soak in the views with your own eyes. Trust us, the memories will last longer than any Instagram post.

  • Take a dip

    If you're feeling brave, take off those shoes and head into the chilly waters of the Virgin River. Just make sure to bring a towel and dry clothes, unless you want to hike back looking like a soggy mess! *Better yet, rent a drysuit and hike the Narrows.

If you're itching for a thrilling adventure in Zion National Park, e-biking is the way to go! With the help of e bikes, you can ride your way through the magnificent scenery of the park with ease and have an eco-friendly adventure you won't forget.

Don't miss the chance to cruise down the scenic road towards the Narrows Zion National Park and enjoy the breathtaking views along the way. Make sure to take pit stops and explore the mini hikes to Weeping Rock and Emerald Pools too.

Gather your crew, hop on an e-bike, and get ready for an unforgettable day in Zion National Park!

Melodie Monberg