zion-mt. carmel highway

This is the main road into and out of the park and, from spring-fall the only road in the park which visitors may drive. The views are spectacular and really give you an idea as to what the park is all about. The canyon walls tower above you as you drive in and there are a couple of tunnels, one which is 1.1 miles long!

The highway begins at the south side of Zion and culminates at Mt. Carmel Junction. The junction is a "Y" made up of US-89 and SR-9. US-89 travels south to the Grand Canyon and north to the Bryce Canyon. The Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel and a very short tunnel both need to be navigated along this highway. The road never does close and is maintained year-round. It's a major highway and does not close when toll booths are not manned.

Very scenic drive. I liked this area better than the main canyon. You can drive on your own and there are lots of stops, plenty of areas to hike or explore. Stunning sceneries and amazing rock formations. Definitely visit this area while you are in zion.

As many of you may know, the park is small so taking the shuttle is a must, but not on this route, you could drive through. and the Tunnel is fun, short though. and one part along the road really looks like Wave, if you are not lucky enough to get the permit to Wave but still wants a shot like that, you could try some close up photos.

We traveled to Zion National Park by the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and the engineering and construction just amazed me. Crews had to hand cut two tunnels through the rock, for the roadway with, by today's standards, primitive equipment. In the smaller tunnel you see the marks left by the machine that cut the tunnel. In the second one gallery's were cut into the side of the 1.1 mile tunnel to allow amazing vistas to be seen as well as to provide ventilation. As we crossed the Virgin River, it was over a beautiful stone bridge that is still as solid as when it was built in the late 1920's

For years we have been leaving the toursits behind in the valley and we head to the Backcountry. There are so many wonderful hikes off of Mt. Carmel Junction. This topography reminds me of the Thunder Mountain ride at Disneyland. It is so beauitful - the contrast between the red rocks, sandstone and dark green foliage. There are also so many animals, we followed a huge heard of mountain goats, watching them butt heads. There are also lots of evidence of petroglyphs and people that lived in the canyon years ago. I am not going to devulge locations. One of my favorite hikes off Mt. Carmel is the many pools. In the winter and spring they are filled with water. Great hike! Enjoy the back country - take water and your hiking stick!

After leaving the park we took this route it was breath taking we saw mountain sheep and plenty more rock formations the tunnel was pretty neat as well

This is a very beautiful drive that can be used to reach Bryce Canyon from Zion NP. There are breathtaking views all along the way and the entire drive is lined with pullouts to pause and take in all of these glorious vistas. The highway also runs through the stunning Zion tunnel which in itself is worth a visit. Overall a must visit if anyone is touring this area of Utah.

Go during the off season when it's not very crowded, it is so beautiful in that area of Utah. Some trails are easier to hike than others so pick up the trail brochure at the visitors center to make sure you are hiking within your abilities.

Great views and dont forget to take lots and lots of pictures. You can stop along the way to look at the sites more closely and just enjoy the view

Drove up this highway on our way out of the park. Somewhat annoying that you have to wait right before the tunnels, as they only allow traffic in one direction at a time. But it is a very interesting highway with great views even after you exit the tunnels. You should definitely drive it either on your way in or out of the park!

Travelled through in Dec-Jan on the way to Zion Park. Very scenic with tons of wildlife near dusk. We nearly hit several deer as they scurried across the road as well as a group/flock of what appeared to be pheasants at one point as well. No issues during the day, but keep your eyes peeled at dusk and night time! Beautiful drive, highly recommended.

We drove this scenic highway SR9 to and fro Zion NP. It was a twist and turns drive but very scenic and the first view of Checkerboard Mesa totally awesome. The view coming down to Zion Entrance was equally impressive. We even stopped to at one unmarked trial and did some walking and climbing on the plateau and enjoyed the view from high above. Highly recommend this scenic drive.

THE ZION-MOUNT CARMEL HIGHWAY The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (Utah Route 9) is a 24 mile, highly scenic road beginning at the junction of Utah 89 and Utah Route 9 at Mount Carmel junction. The road is well maintained and is a total joy to drive. It is also the eastern feed road leading to the eastern entrance of Zion National Park, and ultimately, Zion Canyon. A word of advice before traveling this road; There are tunnels within the borders of Zion National Park. Ego, there are size restrictions on vehicles entering these aforementioned tunnels. THESE SIZE RESTRICTIONS ARE STRICTLY ENFORED BY NATIONAL PARK RANGERS! Therefore, I suggest that you go on line to the NPS site and check to see if your RV or camper meets the size restrictions allowed for safe tunnel passage. If you try this road and are driving an oversized vehicle, you will be turned around and sent back to Route 89. At this point, you will have to go back to Utah Route 89 and go to Cedar City, Utah for the western approach to Zion National Park. If your vehicle meets the size criteria, you will start your journey at Mount Carmel junction. There is a Shell gas station there, as well as the White Mountain Trading Post. I have found this trading post to be a great source of silver and Native American jewelry, with reasonable prices. I have also noted that if you buy gas at the Shell station and can produce a receipt in the trading post, you will get a discount. Heading west on the 24 mile Zion, Mount Carmel Highway, you will pass a number of ranches and B & B type establishments. The fun really starts when the pavement turns from black to a brick red. This occurs at the East entrance station to Zion National Park. I have found, being a photographer by hobby, that the morning lighting is best when doing this drive, especially when switch-backing down into Zion Canyon. In addition, this area may cloud over and give you afternoon thunderstorms. If you are 62 years old or older, enquire and obtain a Golden Eagle Senior Pass, which is probably the best buy in the USA. This pass is valid for the rest of your life (i.e. with valid ID). After passing through the entrance station, you will find numerous turnouts and viewpoints, starting with Checkerboard Mesa. TAKE THEM ALL, LOOK, LISTEN, AND ENJOY THE VIEW. Too many people are in a great hurry and ignore the magnificent striated Domes and unbelievable scenery. The vistas really open up after you pass through the tunnels, with spectacular views of the West Temple, Towers of the Virgin, The Streaked Wall, and Sentinel, all flanking Zion Canyon. There is ample opportunity to do your photography from the numerous turnouts provided. The road leads down to the Visitors Center in Zion Canyon, where you will have to park your vehicle and take the National Park Shuttles to explore the amazing features of the canyon. If you are a hiker, the East Rim Trail starts on the Zion, Mount Carmel Highway. Enjoy the trip and stay safe.

This is a great road, winding among the red rocks with different vistas around each sharp corner. Then you disappear into a one lane tunnel with windows cut into the rock giving a close up view of the canyon walls.Really amazing. Not crowded in December. Expect it would be a mess in the summer.This road is not recommended for timid drivers or those with a fear of heights.