Zion National Park: The Best Bikes for Every Adventure

A family enjoying a scenic gravel ride across Smith Mesa near Zion National Park.

Zion National Park is a cyclist’s playground, where red rock canyons, paved scenic drives, and rugged trails beyond the park’s borders call for the perfect ride. Whether you’re skipping shuttle lines inside Zion or ripping singletrack outside, your bike choice is key. Zion Cycles, Springdale’s premier bike shop at the park’s edge, stocks a fleet of Trek and Salsa models to match every adventure. In this detailed guide, we’ll spotlight the best bikes for inside Zion National Park—e-bikes like the Trek Verve + and Trek Allant, plus pedal bikes like the Trek FX3 and Trek Verve 3—then shift gears to full-suspension mountain bikes (Trek Fuel EX, Trek Slash, Trek Remedy), e-mountain bikes (Trek Rail), and gravel rigs (Trek Checkpoint, Salsa Warbird, Salsa Cutthroat) for outside exploits. Let’s dive into the specifics!

Biking Inside Zion National Park: Paved Paths and Park Rules

Inside Zion, biking is limited to paved roads like the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and the Pa’rus Trail—a flat, 3.5-mile (round trip) gem from the Visitor Center to Canyon Junction. Since the shuttle kicked off March 2, 2025, private cars are banned on the Scenic Drive, leaving cyclists to share the road with shuttles. Park rules cap e-bikes at Class-1 (pedal-assist, 20 mph max, no throttles), and off-road trails are off-limits. Zion Cycles’ rentals are tuned for this paved, shuttle-shared setup—here’s what’s best for rolling through the canyon.

Best E-Bikes for Inside Zion National Park

1. Trek Verve +

   • Why It’s Ideal: The Trek Verve + is a Class-1 e-bike with pedal-assist up to 20 mph, perfectly park-legal and listed by Zion Cycles as a top pick (starting at $100). Its lightweight frame and Bosch motor give you a smooth boost—ideal for the Scenic Drive’s 7.7-mile stretch from the Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava, with its 500-foot elevation gain. The upright geometry keeps you comfy, while the assist flattens hills without draining your legs.

   • Who’s It For: Casual riders or families wanting to explore without exhaustion. It’s great for stopping at trailheads like The Narrows or Weeping Rock, locking up, and hiking. Please note you must be at least 5 ft tall and 13 years old to rent an ebike.

   • Details: Comes with a plush seat, helmet, and lock. Zion Cycles notes its ease for all levels—pedal when you want, boost when you don’t. Pair it with the Pa’rus Trail for a relaxed ride with river views.

   • Pro Tip: Add a pannier bag to your rental for extra storage—perfect for carrying your gear. Plus, we offer hiking pole holders if you're biking to the Narrows!

1. Trek Allant +

   • Why It’s Ideal: Another Class-1 star (also $100+ at Zion Cycles), the Trek Allant blends sleek design with powerful assist. Its Bosch system delivers more torque than the Verve +, making it a champ on the Scenic Drive’s subtle climbs. The integrated frame and wider tires add stability for dodging shuttle traffic or cruising Springdale’s streets pre-park.

   • Who’s It For: Riders craving a sportier feel with e-bike ease—think fitness buffs or those hauling gear for a day of hiking. Add a burley trailer for the young ones.

   • Details: Includes helmet and lock, with a rack option for carrying extras. Zion Cycles loves its versatility—perfect for a full canyon loop or quick jaunts to shuttle stops.

   • Pro Tip: Hit the road before 8 AM; shuttle crowds peak mid-morning. Ask about early pickup options.

Best Pedal Bikes for Inside Zion National Park

1. Trek FX3

   • Why It’s Ideal: The Trek FX3, a fitness hybrid Zion Cycles rents (starting at $40), is built for paved performance. Its lightweight aluminum frame, Shimano drivetrain (typically 1x9), and flat handlebars offer control and speed on the Scenic Drive. Disc brakes stop you sharp around shuttle curves, while the 700c tires roll fast over Zion’s smooth asphalt.

   • Who’s It For: Fit riders or purists who want a workout—great for a 15-mile round-trip to Sinawava with a steady pace.

   • Details: Comes with a helmet and lock. Zion Cycles calls it a “Zion Canyon Bicycle” for its simplicity and agility—ideal for the Pa’rus Trail’s flat run too.

   • Pro Tip: Shift smart on the climb past Court of the Patriarchs—those gears shine there.

2. Trek Verve 3

   • Why It’s Ideal: The Trek Verve 3 (also $40+) prioritizes comfort with an upright posture and cushy saddle—perfect for leisurely Scenic Drive rides. Its 3-speed or 1x9 drivetrain (depending on model) handles gentle hills, and wide tires add stability on the Pa’rus Trail or Springdale’s paths.

   • Who’s It For: Families or casual cyclists who want a chill ride with stops to gawk at Zion’s cliffs.

   • Details: Helmet and lock included. Zion Cycles pairs it with the park’s paved ease—lock it at trailheads and explore on foot.

   • Pro Tip: Start at sunrise; the light on the rocks is unreal, and parking’s free at our shop.

Biking Outside Zion: Singletrack and Gravel Glory

Outside the park, the greater Zion area—think Hurricane, Virgin, and east to Orderville—unleashes a trail network begging for knobby tires. Singletrack like JEM, Wire Mesa, and Goosebumps, plus gravel roads to Grafton Ghost Town or Smith Mesa, demand bikes built for dirt and distance. Zion Cycles’ mountain and gravel fleet steps up—here’s what rules the wild.

Best Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes

1. Trek Fuel EX

   • Why It’s Ideal: The Trek Fuel EX (starting at $90) is a trail all-rounder with 130-140mm travel, soaking up JEM’s flowy drops or Wire Mesa’s rocky turns. Its balanced geometry climbs efficiently—like the 700-foot ascent on Hurricane Rim—then bombs descents with control.

   • Who’s It For: Versatile riders hitting mixed trails—think 7-13-mile loops with moderate tech.

   • Details: Zion Cycles’ full-suspension pick—27.5” or 29” wheels, tuned for singletrack. Not park-legal, but a beast outside.

   • Pro Tip: Shuttle JEM for a 6.9-mile downhill thrill. We offer round-trip shuttles starting at $35 per person.

1. Trek Slash

   • Why It’s Ideal: With 160-170mm travel, the Trek Slash ($90+) is Zion Cycles’ enduro king—built for Gooseberry Mesa’s flowy single-track. The slack head angle keeps you planted on rough terrain.

   • Who’s It For: Aggressive riders chasing big hits and gnarly lines.

   • Details: Beefy tires and suspension—purely for outside trails like Wire Mesa’s clockwise grind.

   • Pro Tip: Pair with a shuttle—less climbing, more shredding.

1. Trek Remedy

   • Why It’s Ideal: The Trek Remedy (also $90+) splits the difference—130-150mm travel for agility on Wire Mesa or Cryptobiotic’s twisty singletrack. It’s playful yet stable, perfect for jumps and tight corners.

   • Who’s It For: Riders blending flow and tech—think intermediate trails with flair.

   • Details: Zion Cycles’ mid-travel star—trail-ready, not park-bound.

   • Pro Tip: Hit it counterclockwise for a fun climb-descent mix.

Best E-Mountain Bike

1. Trek Rail

   • Why It’s Ideal: The Trek Rail ($135), Zion Cycles’ e-MTB, pairs 150-160mm travel with Bosch assist—ideal for long hauls like linking JEM and Hurricane Rim (13+ miles). It powers up climbs and rips descents, untamed by park rules.

   • Who’s It For: Riders craving distance and tech without the grind—experienced hands only.

   • Details: Full-suspension with electric punch—gravel roads or singletrack, it’s game.

   • Pro Tip: Charge fully; those hills eat battery.

1. Trek Fuel EXe

   • Why It’s Ideal: The Trek Fuel EXe ($150), Zion Cycles’ lightweight e-MTB, delivers a natural ride feel with subtle TQ harmonic assist—perfect for technical trails and long adventures without overwhelming power. Ideal for tackling terrain like the JEM and Hurricane Rim while preserving the feel of a traditional mountain bike.

   • Who’s It For: Riders who want an agile, playful ride with just enough assist to smooth out the climbs and extend their endurance.

   • Details: Full-suspension with a whisper-quiet motor—perfect for singletrack, flow trails, and big backcountry loops.

   • Pro Tip: Dial in your assist level—lower settings maximize range without sacrificing the fun factor.

Best Gravel Bikes for Grafton Ghost Town or Smith Mesa

1. Trek Checkpoint

   • Why It’s Ideal: The Trek Checkpoint ALR ($70+) is Zion Cycles’ gravel grinder—light, with massive tire clearance (up to 45mm) for the 10-mile dirt ride to Grafton Ghost Town. Its IsoSpeed tech smooths washboard roads to Smith Mesa (15-20 miles round-trip).

   • Who’s It For: Adventure riders mixing pavement and gravel—think history buffs or mesa explorers.

   • Details: Drop bars, durable frame—perfect for Zion’s backroads.

   • Pro Tip: Pack water; Grafton’s remote.

1. Salsa Warbird & Cutthroat (Demo Models)

   • Why They’re Ideal: Zion Cycles’ demo Salsa Warbird and Cutthroat ($90+) are carbon gravel champs. The Warbird’s speed suits Grafton’s straights, while the Cutthroat’s bikepacking-ready frame (VRS tech) tackles Smith Mesa’s rugged climb—both with GRX shifting for precision.

   • Who’s It For: Gravel racers or long-haul explorers—Warbird for pace, Cutthroat for endurance.

   • Details: Lightweight, wide-tire-ready—purely off-park adventures.

   • Pro Tip: Demo early; these are hot rentals.

Wrap-Up: Your Zion Ride Awaits

• Inside Zion: Trek Verve + and Allant e-bikes for assisted ease, Trek FX3 and Verve 3 for pedal power—paved perfection.

• Outside Zion: Trek Fuel EX, Slash, and Remedy for singletrack, Trek Rail for e-MTB thrills, Trek Checkpoint, Salsa Warbird, and Cutthroat for gravel glory.

• Traveling with kids, take a look at our BLOG for the best tandem ebikes to rent in Zion National Park.

Zion Cycles’ fleet at zioncycles.com has you covered—book now for Spring Break 2025 and roll into Zion’s wild heart!