As we wrote back in February, Zion National Park officials were then mulling over changes to enhance road safety. A major concern was the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, which brings traffic into the park from the east. That route takes visitors through a magnificent hewn-rock tunnel. But look out! That Zion Park tunnel will be off-limits to many RVs. Some worry that other parks might take similar actions.
“Protect drivers, meet modern safety standards, ensure integrity”
The Park Service claims the need for the change is this. “These changes reflect months of discussions to find the best way forward to manage the historic Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and increase driver safety,” said Jeff Bradybaugh, Zion National Park Superintendent. “Our goal is to protect drivers, meet modern safety standards and ensure the integrity of the road and tunnels so that we continue to enjoy scenic drives on the historic Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway.”
Just what sort of “changes” are we talking about—and when will they start? If your rig is in excess of ANY of these standards, you’ll be turned away:
• Height 11’4”
• Width 7’10”
• Length 35’9”
• Weight 50,000 pounds
A Park Service news release says any vehicle exceeding these limits will be “rerouted.” For those wanting to come into the park from Carmel Junction, the detour will add at least 40 minutes to the drive, even longer if traffic is heavy.
When will the new “rerouting” start? Zion park tunnel will be off-limits to RVs not meeting those specs in mid-2026. You have just two years to become one of the daily 50 travelers who need the tunnel shut down in order to drive straight down the center.
Our own Zion tunnel experience
This writing duo experienced the required “tunnel escort,” as it was then called. We lugged our behemoth truck camper in from Carmel Junction and met up with a couple of rangers in spitting distance of the tunnel. Out came their tape measures.
No matter how much we tried to squeeze in our side mirrors, we couldn’t quite squeeze into the width requirement. We paid the extra money, but were thrilled to cruise through the carved-out tunnel and make the winding path down on the other side. We now have a feeling it was our first, and probably last, adventure through the tunnel.
It may not just be Zion tunnel
Yes, the tunnel shutoff for RVers will mean the loss of an adventure. And adding more travel time around the park to get in the park will be a hassle. But there’s a bigger picture, according to some.
Can you remember a time when you didn’t need to jump on a shuttle bus to see the deeper regions of Zion or Grand Canyon national parks? Each year it seems shuttle-or-walk-it is becoming a rule at more national parks.
But how many of our nation’s gems were built in the 1920s and 1930s? How many of those have roads we fondly think of as we do the roadway down from the tunnel in Zion? Switchbacks, hairpin turns—you know the game.
Going to the Sun Road in Montana’s Glacier National Park no longer allows rigs longer than 21 feet from the route. Those taller than 10 feet are “recommended” away to an alternate. Going to the Sun was built in 1933.
The future could hold a time when you might end up leaving the motorhome or trailer somewhere else and traveling in your favorite park with the toad or tow rig only.
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Makes sense. Ancient infrastructure is no match for today’s vehicles. Extra time involved? As a society we need to slow down and smell the roses.
I agree. Stopping traffic in one direction so 1 vehicle can traverse a route inconveniences many visitors. I would never think of trying to take my oversized vehicle on many roads just because the traffic piles up behind me.
If you are too short to get on a ride at Busch Gardens, you are too short, no matter who you are or how old you are. If you are too big to go thru a tunnel, you are too big.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 I wonder how the potential reduction of RVers, if, in fact, these and potentially other road restrictions, cause such will affect the relevant national parks? DW wants to visit them, generally speaking, and I’d just as soon skip them. Certainly these restrictions tend to lower my interest further, but not sure about hers (to borrow from Rumpole, that is “she who must be obeyed”). Thanks again, have a great week, and safe travels! 🙂
I hate to see this, but maybe it will ease crowding at the park. @@
I’ve driven my motorhome through there a dozen times and never saw a problem with vehicle safety. NPS does a good job at controlling the tunnel ànd it is the high point of interest coming from the east.
It’s going to kill businesses at Mount Carmel, Knabb, and other towns in the east. People making the “Grand Circle” of Utah will simply bypass Zion. Just think, no more Cruise Americas to dodge!
I live in Southern Utah and unfortunately, I don’t think anything will deter the hordes of people who visit the area every year. Kanab, Mt Carmel and all the other little towns will be fine. Also, the routes around the tunnel to Zion are beautiful drives with some interesting stops and sites to see. Because of this, I don’t see what the big deal is to bypass the tunnel in your RV.
Actually, I think it will do the opposite Bob. Instead of stopping traffic to allow the RV escorts though, traffic will flow unencumbered which all but guarantees an increase. Fewer RV’s but more cars means more $$ for the park.
Absent data to suggest RV’s are bouncing off the tunnel walls and peeling roofs, this has the optics of how can the park increase revenue by throughput versus accommodations.
Said differently, rather than enhance campsites and parking lots for RV’s, just legislate them. It’s pathetic to see what was accomplished with 1930 taxes from a smaller population than the millions collected and squandered today.
I remember 1 trip up Going to the Sun ( Glacier) where we saw 2 roofs peeled back getting too close to the inside rock walls.
We drove through the tunnel with our dually diesel truck in April. Well worth it!
We drove through it in our first Rv, 1999 Monaco Diplomat , we were 36 feet long with a tow car, they stopped traffic on the other end and the park Ranger told my husband to keep it in the middle.. it was QUITE EXCITING to say the least.