Zion - Mt. Carmel Highway
Zion - Mt. Carmel Highway
Zion - Mt. Carmel Highway
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This scenic highway offers interesting curves and tunnels.
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- RPS117Rochester, Michigan29 contributionsScenic Drive With Unique Panoramic ViewsWe drove from the East into Zion National Park after our SLOT CANYON tours out of Orderville. Very, very scenic and somewhat different than what we experienced traveling the North - South rode in the park. The trail for the Canyon overlook was narrow at times. Portions of the trail had railings, there were some carved stone stairs and section two too three feet wide. The actual Overlook was impressive.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 April 2024
- Have Camera, Will TravelSouth Bend, Indiana3,712 contributionsMy favorite part of Zion.This was my second time through Zion and I just love the road through it. We stopped at Checkerboard Mesa and 4 or 5 pull-off before the main tunnel. We did just a bit of hiking as my partner has a knee issue, so there was no Canyon Overlook or Many Pools trail. That's fine, it was a nice drive for a couple of camera/photo junkies. Get up there is you can, it's one of the best drives.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 May 2024
- hilo88Honolulu, Hawaii364 contributionsBeautiful Drive Into ZionI had no real expectations of this drive while we were planning our trip to Zion, but it was well worth it! We drove toward Zion National Park from Bryce Canyon and ended up in this rather lengthy line to enter the park. But once we passed that obstacle, it was smooth sailing. It was beautiful! Beautiful rock formations, deer next to the road, seeing and experiencing the unique tunnel... was an amazing experience.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 6 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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ELKW
United States11,824 contributions
Jun 2019
if you have time, this scenic drive is worth to take a look, you drive from the canyon junction to the east, when you pass through the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel (1.1 miles), you reach the trail head of Canyon overlook trail, you may hike the trail if you have time, otherwise, you can continue to drive the scenic drive to the East end. I also hiked the trail, but you have to find a spot to park your car before you can go hiking. For this scenic drive, I think the part beyond the trailhead is more attractive, (there is one more tunnel you need to pass through), you can see there are "wave" patterns on the orange rock, also has some white rock, I think the scenery here is more beautiful than those along the "zion canyon scenic drive", as those mountains/rocks along the "zion canyon scenic drive" are more dark, but the rocks here are bright in color, e.g. light orange, white, the pictures taken here is more beautiful especially in a sunny day.
Written 2 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noah S
Soldotna, AK65 contributions
Mar 2021
As our Zion trip ended we chose to take this byway to see different scenery as we headed out. The different coloring and shapes of the rocks were amazing and provided complimentary views to what is seen within the park. There were several other trails that branched off, including the overlook trail, that are well worth the time to hike. We extended our route by heading over State Hwy 14 to Cedar City. I would have skipped that route if I had to do it again, it climbs to 9910 feet elevation and doesn't add much to the visual scene, except for lots of snow when we went in March.
Written 29 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inspired to Travel
74 contributions
Oct 2022
We drove over the Zion-Mt. Carmel Hwy several times during our visit. Our favorite drive time was early morning to catch the sunrise that was spectacular over the mountains. The kids really enjoyed the tunnel as well.
It is a bit curvy so if you have a passenger that struggles with motion sickness I would not recommend this route.
It is a bit curvy so if you have a passenger that struggles with motion sickness I would not recommend this route.
Written 20 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
db7477
Carlsbad, CA3,460 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
We discovered this spectacular route by accident. We left Bryce Canyon around 13:00 and planned to “drive by” Zion for just an afternoon peak on our way to St. George. We had heard that Zion’s “Scenic Drive” was closed to personal cars... This eastern route into Zion was absolutely spectacular (including the two Big Horn Sheep emerging from a cave)! We can’t wait to return for the real “Scenic Drive”.
Written 13 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnyboyd
San Ramon, CA290 contributions
May 2022
Not to be missed scenic drive with enough vista points.
Estimate about 2 hrs with vista point stops from the east park entrance to the visitor center. (or the other way).
Great views all along, especially if you can make it in the evening when the cliffs turn bright red. But any time of the day shoud be fine. And the drive thru the tunnel to cap it off. We also got to see a pack of big horn sheep along the way.
There are enough stops with decent parking space (when we want in early May), so it did not feel crowded.
I did see some comments about this being a tough drive ... NOT at all - It's easy as such roads go, just don't get distracted, and stop your vehicle for your viewing pleasure!
Estimate about 2 hrs with vista point stops from the east park entrance to the visitor center. (or the other way).
Great views all along, especially if you can make it in the evening when the cliffs turn bright red. But any time of the day shoud be fine. And the drive thru the tunnel to cap it off. We also got to see a pack of big horn sheep along the way.
There are enough stops with decent parking space (when we want in early May), so it did not feel crowded.
I did see some comments about this being a tough drive ... NOT at all - It's easy as such roads go, just don't get distracted, and stop your vehicle for your viewing pleasure!
Written 10 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mario d
18 contributions
Nov 2020
This is a beautiful scenic drive. You can either come from Springdale or Kanab. You will have to pay per car but it is better just to buy the anual pass for $80 dollars and you can go to many parks in US. The drive is beautiful and tons of places for hiking.
Written 8 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert P N
Los Angeles, CA2,248 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
The drive into the canyon and out is amazing. You can see instantly why it is a national park. When coming from the west be sure to depart early. There is a very narrow tunnel and if there is an RV they only allow one direction at a time. So you may experience a 30-45 min wait. Be prepared. The tunnel is super cool and worth the wait. Have fun
Written 15 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sushar
San Jose, CA854 contributions
Apr 2021
This is a nice scenic drive from Springdale through Zion and the Mt. Carmel tunnel with places to stop at for short hikes. The switchbacks that lead to the tunnel are impressive and you get great views of the canyon from the car.
Written 3 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nyormirror
Bay City, MI2,072 contributions
May 2022 • Family
This is a great way to get to Bryce if you are coming from Vegas.
It’s a National park so a park pass or fees are required to drive thru. Numerous pull outs, great views and awesome picture opportunities. Kudos to those that had the permits, time and energy to do the well known hikes in lower Zion.
We stayed in a Airbnb in Hurricane to keep the cost and drive time down. I would definitely recommend. Wish we could have spent more time here. It takes about 2 hours with stops and pictures. I would definitely recommend.
It’s a National park so a park pass or fees are required to drive thru. Numerous pull outs, great views and awesome picture opportunities. Kudos to those that had the permits, time and energy to do the well known hikes in lower Zion.
We stayed in a Airbnb in Hurricane to keep the cost and drive time down. I would definitely recommend. Wish we could have spent more time here. It takes about 2 hours with stops and pictures. I would definitely recommend.
Written 7 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rochelle F
Randolph, NJ1,140 contributions
Nov 2020
After hiking in Zion park, we were headed to Bryce and drove the scenic route using this highway. It is beautiful! As we exited, we stopeed at Observation Canyon (Canyon Overlook trail on the map?) and hiked up to the top. It is right after the tunnel, you park on the side of the road as the parking is too small.
This is not an easy hike as it is straight up and at times you are perilously close to the edge. I had my walking sticks thankfully and did not look down. But well worth to get to the top and have a view from there.
We then continued onward on the highway, winding through the mountains. Those windows we saw, well they were the tunnel through the mountains, we were now driving through. Very cool.
This is not an easy hike as it is straight up and at times you are perilously close to the edge. I had my walking sticks thankfully and did not look down. But well worth to get to the top and have a view from there.
We then continued onward on the highway, winding through the mountains. Those windows we saw, well they were the tunnel through the mountains, we were now driving through. Very cool.
Written 27 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this inside Zion and do you need a shuttle ticket? They seem to be sold out and now how do I see Zion?
Written 3 November 2020
It’s outside and ends inside the park. A beautiful drive!
Written 6 November 2020
Is the drive through the tunnel doable with a truck pulling an rv?
Written 8 June 2019
You need to check the NPS website for Zion. There are size restrictions and a fee I believe. Best to check the website directly. Links not allowed here.
Written 8 June 2019
I plan to visit there in June, so normally people should drive from which direction? from the Canyon junction to the east entrance or from the east entrance to the canyon junction? as the parking lot of the Canyon overlook trail said "right-turn" only, so w should drive in which direction is more appropriate? And for the Canyon overlook trail, is it difficult to hike? if we have a 3 years old child, is it possible to walk that trail? thanks
Written 24 March 2019
There are parking lots on either side of the road for the Canyon Overlook Trail. It doesn't matter which direction you approach. If you are coming from the East entrance, there is parking on the right before the trailhead and tunnel. Do you have a backpack carrier for your child?
Written 24 March 2019
is this road/route on the way to zion from st. george?
Written 12 May 2018
No, It's on the east side of Zion and Springdale. If you are driving from St. George on Route 9 then you would reach it after you pass through Springdale and into Zion.
Written 13 May 2018
Hi there, is It always possible Just to pass through Zion (going from Las Vegas to bryce)? I've read about the fee and the shuttle for the ones Who want to visit the Park but it's not clear for me if even in Summer I Can Just cross the Park through this road with no problem (except for the traffic of course)! Thank you very much for your answers
Written 25 March 2018
marzzbarzone
Cambridge, Canada
Can you get to the arch from the canyon overlook trail? Also what address would you put in your gps to arrive at the canyon overlook trail? We would like to see it on april 3 or 4 2018 for sunrise. Any advice would be appreciated.
Written 24 November 2017
You can see the Arch from the drive down into the canyon from the tunnel. Some good pull-ins to view it, or the drive down the switchbacks is so slow (good) that you can simply view it from the car.
Cannot help with the gps question, but the parking lot is small and there is no turn-around, so better to park on the roadside back from the trailhead and walk.
Written 30 November 2017
how navigable is this route by 25 ft RV? Did you see many RV's on this route? How many parking spaces are available at the canyon visitors center?
Written 1 May 2017
Many RV's for sure. There is a tunnel so you might want to check height restrictions. I don't recall the max. Visitors center has lots of parking but even on a week day in late Oct it was almost full. I can't imagine what it would look like during peak season.
Written 3 May 2017
If we enter the park along the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway, is there a place to park the car to then ride the shuttle in the park?
Written 23 April 2017
Answering my own question. We drove the Zion-Mount Carmel highway which was beautiful and the way to go if coming from Bryce. We parked in Springdale and caught the shuttle from there. Worked great.
Written 13 July 2017
JustSusan57
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Can you drive this entrance the middle of May ?
Written 17 March 2017
Absolutely!! It is accessible year round!! We have a vacation home on east entrance of Zion Nat'l Park and go there in winter
Written 20 March 2017
If we are coming from the west, from St. George's, do we enter the park at Springdale? Then on to the Mt. Carmel Highway? Thanks!
Written 5 November 2016
Yes, you enter from Springdale. You will hit the Mt Carmel Highway on the way out if you are continuing East.
Written 5 November 2016
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