Zion Mount Carmel Tunnel
A historic 1.1-mile tunnel carved through sandstone, offering a dramatic scenic drive with breathtaking views of Zion National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy smooth driving
Zion Mount Carmel Tunnel
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy smooth driving
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 1.1-mile tunnel carved through sandstone, offering a dramatic scenic drive with breathtaking views of Zion National Park.
"This scenic highway winds through stunning slickrock, dramatic switchbacks, and even takes you through a historic tunnel."
🚗 Oversized Vehicle Fee
Vehicles over 11'4" tall or 7'10" wide pay $15 for tunnel passage .
⏰ Go Early to Avoid Waits
Traffic can be heavy; early mornings offer the best experience .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Tunnel
Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
Drive through a nearly 1.1-mile engineering marvel carved directly into sandstone cliffs.
Windows to the Canyon
Inside the tunnel
Marvel at natural light and unique views of the canyon through the tunnel's carved-out windows.
Dramatic Switchbacks
Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
Navigate breathtaking switchbacks offering panoramic views of Zion's otherworldly landscapes.
Post-Tunnel Vista
East of the tunnel exit
Experience a stunning 'wow' moment as the dramatic cliffs and canyons suddenly open up.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tunnel Access & Vehicle Size
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Oversized Vehicle Fee
Vehicles over 11'4" tall or 7'10" wide pay $15 for tunnel passage.
⏰ Go Early to Avoid Waits
Traffic can be heavy; early mornings offer the best experience.
🪟 Look for the Windows
The tunnel has natural 'windows' offering unique canyon views.
📸 Pull Over Safely
Small parking areas exist after the tunnel; use them for photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Oversized Vehicle Fee
Vehicles over 11'4" tall or 7'10" wide pay $15 for tunnel passage.
⏰ Go Early to Avoid Waits
Traffic can be heavy; early mornings offer the best experience.
🪟 Look for the Windows
The tunnel has natural 'windows' offering unique canyon views.
📸 Pull Over Safely
Small parking areas exist after the tunnel; use them for photos.
🗺️ Connects East & West
This tunnel is key for accessing Zion's eastern side from the main canyon.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel and Highway as a breathtaking scenic drive, highlighting the unique experience of passing through the historic tunnel and the dramatic switchbacks. The views are often described as spectacular and a must-do for anyone visiting Zion. Some note potential delays due to traffic control for oversized vehicles and limited parking at viewpoints.
"Pretty cool tunnel, at the end of about four switchbacks. The tunnel was maybe 1 km in length and very narrow only one lane of traffic. There is no toll or cost involved. There is a viewing trail immediately after you get out of the tunnel but you have to pull over right away as a parking lot is very small. Pretty cool but I wouldn't go out of my way. Unfortunately you need to have the bus to go up the main trail. I think the kolob exit on the north end of the park may be better. Check it out. Pictures are of kolob canyon"
Van Wahlgren
"Zion Mt Carmel Tunnels divides the Zion Canyon from the East Rim, which highlights the dramatic differences between each side of the National Park
The 1.1 mile tunnel itself is unlighted with the occasional cutout, making several natural windows. Zion Mt Carmel Highway is a beautiful drive and the tunnel marks the only western access point to Zion Canyon"
Tyler Norris
"Absolutely beautiful. Great drive up and back in park. A lot of trails for hikes or to stop and eat a meal..bring blanket no tables. Clean bathrooms. We used my husband’s veterans park pass to get in free. There is a $30 or 35 fee per car. Great shops in town."
JJ BellOak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel from the south entrance of Zion National Park near Springdale. The tunnel is part of the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, which connects the main Zion Canyon area to the park's east entrance.
Yes, but RVs and other oversized vehicles may need to pay a $15 fee and might experience delays due to one-way traffic control if they exceed 11'4" in height or 7'10" in width.
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and tunnel are generally open 24/7, but traffic control for oversized vehicles can cause temporary closures or delays.
For the best experience, drive early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the scenic switchbacks and tunnel with less traffic.
No, the Zion shuttle system operates in the main Zion Canyon and does not go through the Mount Carmel Tunnel. You will need your own vehicle to drive through the tunnel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no direct toll for the tunnel itself, but oversized vehicles (over 11'4" tall or 7'10" wide) are charged a $15 fee for passage.
The standard entrance fee for Zion National Park is $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. Veterans may be able to use their park passes for free entry.
As of recent information, Zion National Park does not require timed entry reservations for general access, but it's always best to check the official NPS website for the most current requirements before your visit.
The tunnel is typically open 24 hours a day, but traffic control for oversized vehicles may cause temporary delays. Park Ranger presence is usually from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
No, stopping inside the tunnel is prohibited for safety reasons. However, there are designated pull-offs and small parking areas immediately after exiting the tunnel for photos.
📸 📸 Photography
The views immediately after exiting the tunnel to the east are spectacular. Also, the switchbacks themselves offer incredible vantage points. Look for small pull-offs for safe photo opportunities.
While challenging due to low light, the 'windows' carved into the tunnel walls offer unique photographic opportunities. A camera with good low-light performance or a tripod can be helpful.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photographing the red rock formations and the dramatic landscapes along the highway.
The viewpoints along the switchbacks leading up to and down from the tunnel are highly recommended. The area just east of the tunnel exit provides a dramatic reveal of the canyon.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. For the tunnel interior, a camera with good low-light capabilities or a tripod can help capture the unique shots through the windows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The switchbacks provide exciting twists and turns, and the dramatic landscapes are sure to capture their imagination. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited along the highway, and utilize the small parking areas for safe stops to stretch legs and take in the views.Consider visiting early in the morning to avoid the busiest traffic, making the drive more enjoyable for everyone. The unique geology and the sheer scale of the park are educational and awe-inspiring for children. While there aren't extensive playgrounds, the natural environment provides ample opportunity for exploration and wonder. The drive itself can be an adventure, turning a transit between park sections into a memorable part of your family's Zion trip.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
+1 It's a drive that offers continuous visual rewards, from the expansive vistas to the intricate details of the sandstone. The journey through the tunnel itself is a unique experience, a historical marvel that adds another layer to the adventure.Plan to dedicate ample time to this drive, as you'll want to stop frequently at the designated pull-offs to capture the breathtaking scenery. The contrast between the main Zion Canyon and the eastern side of the park, accessed via this highway, provides a diverse exploration of Zion's geological wonders. It's a drive that perfectly complements the hiking and exploration within the park, offering a different perspective on its grandeur.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Zion Mount Carmel Tunnel
+1 The tunnel's design is unique, featuring several 'windows' or cutouts that offer glimpses of the surrounding canyon, providing natural light and unexpected viewpoints.Driving through the tunnel is an experience in itself. The darkness punctuated by these natural openings creates a dramatic and memorable journey. Be aware that the tunnel is narrow, and for much of the day, it operates as a one-way passage controlled by park rangers, especially when larger vehicles are present.
Beyond the tunnel itself, the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway offers a spectacular scenic drive. As you ascend the switchbacks towards the tunnel, the landscape transforms, revealing vast expanses of slickrock and dramatic geological formations. The views from these higher elevations are breathtaking, showcasing the scale and beauty of Zion National Park from a different perspective.
+1 This highway is often cited as one of the most scenic drives in the USA, a perfect complement to the tunnel experience.Navigating the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
It serves as a vital link, connecting the popular Zion Canyon area with the park's eastern section, which offers a different, often less crowded, geological perspective.When planning your drive, be mindful of vehicle size. The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel has specific dimensions: vehicles taller than 11'4" or wider than 7'10" (including mirrors) will incur a $15 fee and may need to wait for traffic control. This is to ensure safe passage through the narrow, historic tunnel.
The highway itself has numerous pull-offs and viewpoints, perfect for stopping to admire the scenery, take photos, or enjoy a picnic. However, parking can be limited, especially during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.Many visitors find the drive along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway to be as memorable as the hikes within the park. The sheer scale of the sandstone cliffs, the intricate patterns carved by erosion, and the panoramic vistas create a truly immersive experience. It's a drive that encourages you to slow down, appreciate the natural artistry, and soak in the grandeur of Zion from a unique vantage point.
Social
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