I would argue that the 6-mile route up Zion Canyon in Zion National Park is the most beautiful place in the world . Way back 25 years ago, Zion National Park went “green.” The National Park Service decided that automobile traffic in Zion Canyon had become so bad that it banned automobiles in the canyon during all but a few months in the winter. Park Service replaced the automobiles with buses, not just any buses, but “green” propane-fueled mostly tandem buses.
27 charging stations have also been ordered. The 60 ft articulated buses are XDE60 Xcelsiors manufactured by New Flyer Industries Inc. of Winnipeg, Canada. According to a driver, the Zion electric buses were manufactured in the New Flyer US factory in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. Figure 4: 60 ft articulated electric bus. Temple of Sinawava, Zion Canyon, Zion National Park. April 2, 2024. Photo by Fritz Hasler.
The Canyon walls are so tall and the Canyon is so narrow that you can’t see it well from an enclosed vehicle. On a bike, the whole panorama enfolds before you! Bikes and ebikes are permitted 12 months a year in Zion Canyon. If you are moderately athletic, you can ride a regular bike. For those of us, like me at 83 years old, who are not so athletic anymore, an ebike is the perfect solution. During recent winters, my wife and I have spent time only 45 miles away in Saint George, Utah.