Escaping the Crowds by E-Biking in Zion National Park (2024)

Zion is as famous for its soaring sandstone cliffs and deep canyons as it is for the crowds that descend here every year. But you can escape the crowds and avoid the Shuttle on your next visit tby e-biking in Zion National Park instead!

I rented an E-Bike on my most recent 2024 trip to Zion and had an absolute blast zooming down Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, without wasting time waiting for the shuttle and getting to explore hidden nooks and bends of the Park that aren’t serviced by a shuttle stop.

As someone who doesn’t regularly ride bikes (let alone electric bikes) and typically avoids activities that look so “touristy” – I’ll admit to being pretty skeptical at first about biking in Zion. But after 4 hours on the bike, I was completely sold.

If you’re headed to Zion and considering renting your first E-bike, I’ve put together this quick guide to everything you need to know! This guide includes details on getting into and around the Park, my suggested E-bike rental locations, plus the rules and insider tips you need to know for a safe and enjoyable experience E-biking in Zion.

Disclosure:This page may contain sponsored content or affiliate links, including Amazon links, where I earn a small commission from any purchase – at no extra cost to you. This commission helps keep Brooke In Boots up and running. As always, all opinions are 100% honest and my own!

Some Basics on Biking & E-Biking in Zion National Park

Starting in 2019, Zion allows regular bicycles and Class 1 pedal-assist E-bikes in Zion National Park. Pedal-assist bikes are electric bikes that can go up to 20 MPH and require you to do a little peddling yourself to activate the electric motor.

Regular bikes and E-bikes both get to skip the long lines at vehicle entrance to Zion.

Instead you’ll head directly to the Pedestrian Entrance, located on Zion Park Boulevard in Springdale. The Pedestrian entrance is located between Zion Canyon Brew Pub and Zion Outfitter’s.

It takes about 30 minutes, without stopping, to E-bike from the Zion Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava, which is the end of Zion Canyon.

The entire trip, from the Visitor Center to the end of Zion Canyon is 16 miles round trip, and mostly flat. You’ll gently cruise downhill on the way out, with about a 500′ total elevation gain on the way back.

I found that most bike rental shops provide E-bikes with a 40+ mile charge, meaning you’ll have plenty of battery for a full day of exploration, plus enough to cruise around Springdale and grab some lunch afterwards.

Brooke’s Tips: Reserve your E-bike in advance, especially during Spring or Summer or weekends! Check with your outfitter whether your rental includes a basket for gear, either way, make sure to bring a backpack with all your supplies!

Where are Bikes Allowed in Zion?

Bikes and E-Bikes are allowed on all paved park roads, including Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Bikes are also permitted on the Pa’rus Trail, a 1.75 mile paved walk between the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and Canyon Junction.

Bike racks are located at all major trailheads and shuttle stops, as well as the Lodge and Visitor Center.

All bikes are not permitted in the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, for safety reasons.

Outside of Zion Canyon, bikes are technically allowed on roads such as the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway (except for the tunnel) and Kolob Canyon Road. However, these roads do not have designated bike lanes or shoulders, and may include steep grades and sharp blind turns, making them potentially dangerous for inexperienced bikers or e-bikers.

How Much Do Zion E-Bike Rentals Cost?

E-Bike rental costs vary depending on which outfitter you use (I’ve provided a list of my favorites in the next section!). Generally, the closer you are to the Zion entrance, the more expensive.

Expect to pay between $80 – $95 per rental for a full day (8 Hours). Some outfitters offer cheaper half day rentals.

Your rental should include a fully charged E-bike, helmets, and bike locks. You can also add child seats to most bike models.

Where to Rent bicycles and eBikes in Zion

In the past few years, biking in Zion has become increasingly popular, and there are now a dozen or so rental shops located in Springdale near the park entrance.

Greater Zion E-Bikes kindly provided the E-bikes for me to try out on this trip. They’re located about 1 mile from the entrance to Zion in Springdale. Their entire staff was awesome and super knowledgeable about the bikes (which, thank God, cus they could tell I was a little terrified to try one of these things 😳).

The staff gave us a rundown of the rules for biking in Zion and suggested some stops for my itinerary. I wouldn’t hesitate to rent from Greater Zion E-Bikes again, they were so kind, cheaper than other options nearby, and super passionate about Zion – and bonus, they have a coffee shop actually attached to rental shop!

These other reputable shops also provide E-Bike rentals, all within a short walk or bike ride of the Zion Park Entrance:

• Zion Outfitter
  • Located at the Zion Entrance
  • $79 Full Day
• Zion Peddler
  • 0.4 Miles to Entrance
  • $95 Full Day / “Early Bird Special” Available – Pick up starting at 5AM!
• Utah E-Bike Adventures
  • 0.75 Miles to Entrance
  • $65 Half Day / $85 Full Day
• Greater Zion E-Bikes
  • 1.25 Miles to Entrance
  • $60 Half Day / $80 Full Day

Don’t Miss These Stops while Bicycling in Zion

Wondering where your Zion E-bike can take you? Check out these stops along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The beauty of cycling in Zion is that you aren’t tied to the Shuttle schedule and route!

These stops are listed south to North, the direction you’ll see them as you bike up Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

Brooke’s Tips: If you plan on hiking Angel’s Landing (permit required) or The Narrows, I highly suggest biking directly there, then hitting up the rest of these spots afterwards to avoid crowds.

Want an in-depth itinerary for your Zion trip? Check out these other my 1 Day in Zion, 2 Days in Zion, and 3 Days in Zion blog posts for tons of info on planning the perfect Zion itinerary!

Visitor Center: Pick up a map, talk with Rangers about trail conditions, and of course grab your favorite souvenirs and passport stamps. Restrooms and drinking water available.

Court of the Patriarchs: Continue biking north to reach this shuttle stop that offers panoramic views of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob peaks.

Zion Lodge: The perfect spot for a post-hike picnic. Enjoy snacks from the Castle Dome Cafe on the green lawn. Trail access to the popular Emerald Pools trail, across the street. Restrooms, snacks, restaurant, and drinking water available.

The Grotto: Access to the trail to Scout’s Lookout & Angel’s Landing (permit required). Alternate access to the Emerald Pools via Kayenta Trail during 2024 trail closures at Zion Lodge.

The Big Bend: The red sandstone cliffs of Zion soar around you here. Keep an eye out for the endangered California Condors, who frequent this area. During my last visit I saw 4 in this spot!

Temple of Sinawava/Shuttle Turnaround: The end of the paved road through Zion Canyon. But don’t turn around yet! Park your bike and walk the paved Riverside Walk to where the walls of the canyon narrow till it is just wide enough for the Virgin River to flow. Here you can dip your feet in the water, or if you’re prepared, hike the infamous Zion Narrows – my favorite hike in Zion!

Read more about hiking the Narrows, Angel’s Landing, and more favorite Zion hikes, here.

Rules & Tips for eBikes, Biking, and Cycling in Zion

Biking in Zion is an incredible way to experience this popular National park. But like all outdoor adventures, make sure you follow the rules and these tips for a safe experience:

• Bicycle and E-bike riders must yield to the shuttle bus. When a shuttle bus approaches, find a safe place to pull over and allow the bus to pass. Do not pass a moving bus.
• Walk your bikes at Pedestrian entrance, around visitor center, and anywhere else signs indicate.
• Pedestrians have the right of way. Be nice and don’t ride too close to hikers and pedestrians. Use a bell or call out (“on your left!”) when approaching pedestrians from behind. Be extra careful around dogs, who might spook easily from the bikes. Leashed pets are permitted ont he Pa’rus Trail.
• Tired? Zion Shuttles can accommodate a small number of bikes – but you must be able to load and unload the bike off the rack yourself. Ask a Ranger or Shuttle Bus driver if you have questions.
• Guided tours are not allowed inside Zion National Park. Most bike rental operators, like the helpful staff at Greater Zion E-Bikes will help you plan your trip before you leave, offering advice on good places to stop and some hidden gems along the route.

Take this info to-go!The Zion Itinerary Guidehas your perfect 1, 2, or 3 day Zion trip completely planned for you! With over 20 pages of detailed hiking guides, printable daily itineraries, lodging and dining suggestions and more, you can spend less time stressing and more time making epic memories!Check it out, here.

Check Out These Blog Posts for More Resources on Visiting Zion & Bryce Canyon

Epic Zion National Park Itinerary Guide

7 Easy Family-Friendly Hikes in Zion National Park

One Epic Day in Bryce Canyon National Park

Escaping the Crowds by E-Biking in Zion National Park