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Off-road Stroller in Zion’s National Park
Published By: Ryan Grassley
The Extreme Motus off-road stroller? You bet! While I’m normally taking adventures with Sam this time I took my family on a National Parks road trip in Utah and Arizona.
My kids are 5 and 3 years old. I want to show them from a young age how important it is to spend time outside, and not just hand them a phone to keep them quiet. At this age they are getting pretty heavy to carry long distances, but aren’t old enough to have the strength to hike long distances. So while I normally call it the “Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchair” today I’ll be using it as the Extreme Motus off-road stroller.
My kids are small enough that both of them can ride in the chair. One in the seat and one in the webbing that is meant to be the footrest when an adult is using the chair. My son likes to sit in the webbing and hold a hot-wheel toy car on the front wheel as we cruise down the trail. It is a pretty sweet setup. That car just keeps cruising as long as dad keeps pushing.
When going for a walk on a sidewalk or paved walking path using a chair with some suspension and a long wheelbase makes the trip much nicer for both the person in the wheelchair and the person pushing the wheelchair.
You don’t need to be extreme to enjoy an Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchair.
When going for a walk on a sidewalk or paved walking path using a chair with some suspension and a long wheelbase makes the trip much nicer for both the person in the wheelchair and the person pushing the wheelchair.
Canyon Overlook Trail
The Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park is a popular and relatively easy hike that offers stunning views of Zion Canyon. Here are some key details about the trail:
Trail Information:
Distance: 1 mile round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Elevation Gain: 150 feet
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Trailhead: Located just outside the east entrance to the Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel
Highlights:
Scenic Views: The trail leads to a dramatic viewpoint overlooking Zion Canyon, providing impressive vistas of the surrounding red rock formations.
Historic Tunnel: You’ll pass through the Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel on your way to the trailhead.
Natural Features: The trail includes steps carved out of sandstone walls, a hidden cave, and railings for safety in exposed sections.
Wildlife: Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep along the trail.
Tips:
Parking: The parking lot is small and can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help secure a spot1.
Safety: The trail has some steep sections and narrow paths, so caution is advised.
Best Time to Visit: The trail is accessible year-round, but it’s best to avoid the hottest parts of the day during summer.
My kids are 5 and 3 years old. Earlier in the day we went for a hike called Canyon Overlook Trail. Canyon Overlook is a 1-mile hike.
The trail is very narrow and rocky, but the kids had a great time navigating the trail. They only needed help in a few spots where there were long drop-offs.
At the top, we were greeted with a magnificent view of the canyon below.
There was also a couple at the top taking their wedding pictures. The bride was in a beautiful white dress. My 5-year-old daughter thought it was so cool and wanted to know if they had kissed yet.
The Off-Road Stroller
After Canyon Overlook Trail we headed back through the tunnel for some easier hikes. But the little ones had already walked enough for one day. So I turned the off-road wheelchair into a off-road stroller and went for a walk on Pa’rus Trail.
Pa’rus Trail is a paved walking path that winds along a river and lets the kids see a little more of Zion’s National Park. One of them sat in the seat and the other on the footrest. They had fun playing with their toys while mom and dad pushed.
Sam liked to hold his hot-wheel car on the front wheel as we rolled along.
Long Wheelbase
If you have pushed a standard wheelchair on a sidewalk or paved walking path then you know the short wheelbase can make the chair a little “squirrely” to push. The rider also feels every crack in the sidewalk and every piece of gravel on the walking path.
The Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchair shines when being used for mild outdoor activities as well as extreme ones.
Pa'rus Trail Zion National Park
The Pa’rus Trail in Zion National Park is a popular and accessible trail that offers stunning views of the park’s unique landscape. Here are some key details about the trail:
Trail Information:
Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Trailhead: Located near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Highlights:
Scenic Views: The trail provides beautiful views of the Virgin River, the Watchman, and the surrounding red rock formations.
Accessibility: The Pa’rus Trail is paved and wheelchair accessible, making it a great option for visitors with mobility challenges.
Wildlife: Keep an eye out for deer, birds, and other wildlife that may be spotted along the trail.
Family-Friendly: The easy terrain and scenic views make it an excellent choice for families with children.
Tips:
Parking: The trailhead has a large parking area, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Arriving early is recommended.
Safety: The trail is well-maintained, but be cautious of uneven sections and watch your step near the river.
Best Time to Visit: The trail is accessible year-round, but it’s best to avoid the hottest parts of the day during summer.
The Pa’rus Trail is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of Zion National Park while enjoying a leisurely and accessible hike.
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