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UMAlum's avatar
UMAlum
Explorer
Jul 15, 2018

Grand Canyon to Zion NP (Zion River Resort CG)

Considering leaving the Grand Canyon to the east on 64 and then taking 89 to 9 (tunnel) to our campground (Zion River Resort) just west of the park.

I noticed Google provided an option of taking 64 to 89 to 389 to 59 (this avoids the tunnel). This is per Google a shorter and faster route so it is making my think about this option.

Traveling in Class A motorhome towing.

Any experiences on any of these highways and or tunnel would be helpful.

Thanks
Roads and Routes

12 Replies

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  • Lauren's avatar
    Lauren
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2018
    Not sure if you are coming from NR or SR but in either case you wind up at Jacob Lake. Then the 389 / 59 is the way you should go without question. We did it the other way once and have done this a few times. We stayed at the same place you are going. Enjoy your visit there!
  • CharlesinGA's avatar
    CharlesinGA
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2018
    Along 389 is the Pipe Spring National Monument, and across the road from the NM is the Kaibab Paiute RV Park and Campground, which is owned and operated by the Tribal Headquarters. I am a history buff and when I go out there I will go that way just to stop at the NM. Depending on time of day, I may end up at the RV park also.

    Charles
  • jolooote's avatar
    jolooote
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2018
    Be advised: That campis on the river that is subject to Flash Floods in wet weather. People died there a few years ago.
  • 2gypsies1's avatar
    2gypsies1
    Explorer III
    Jul 16, 2018
    UMAlum wrote:
    Does anyone have any experiences (good or bad) driving on 389 or 59 heading up to Hurricane Utah?

    Given the tunnel is limited to 13'1" and I am at 12'10" and that google is telling me that taking 89 to 389 to 59 is quicker, I am strongly considering this route.

    Thanks for any input.


    That's the best route for you and you'll have no issues. It's a beautiful drive and the most logical way to get to Hurricane.

    If you need to get back on 89 after Zion (such as for a visit to Bryce Nat'l Park) then from Hurricane go west to I-15 north and pick up Hwy 20 east taking you to 89. Don't take Hwy 14 at Cedar City. You won't like it. :) Steep.
  • TenOC's avatar
    TenOC
    Nomad
    Jul 16, 2018
    Not sure if there is a fee any more. This spring (early May) the tunnel was alternately one way so everyone could drive in the middle of the road.

    Stop at the checkerboard pull out (the first one coming from the west) and look for the mountain sheep that stay in the area.

    VERY limited parking in the park. Arrive at the visitor center by 7:00 AM to catch the shuttle buss.
  • UMAlum's avatar
    UMAlum
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2018
    Thanks for the input..... Looks like I will take that route.

    From what I see online, it is fairly steep heading out of the tunnel going west also..
  • 2chiefsRus's avatar
    2chiefsRus
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2018
    We took that route (389 to 59) a few years back. Preferred it to trying the tunnel. Be alert for last few miles descending down into Hurricane. I would take the 389 to 59 route again.
  • UMAlum's avatar
    UMAlum
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2018
    Does anyone have any experiences (good or bad) driving on 389 or 59 heading up to Hurricane Utah?

    Given the tunnel is limited to 13'1" and I am at 12'10" and that google is telling me that taking 89 to 389 to 59 is quicker, I am strongly considering this route.

    Thanks for any input.
  • kedanie's avatar
    kedanie
    Explorer II
    Jul 15, 2018
    $15 fee for the tunnel. Rangers stop traffic at both end of tunnel and you drive down the center. Length restriction is 40 feet and 50 feet combined. So, you would have to unhook the toad if you are a 40 footer. The problem is the switch backs on the west end of the tunnel.

    Keith
  • rv2go's avatar
    rv2go
    Explorer II
    Jul 15, 2018
    Any vehicle that is 7 feet 10 inches (2.4 meters) in width and/or 11 feet 4 inches (3.4 meters) in height or larger is required to have a tunnel permit.
    Pay $15.00, in addition to the park entrance fee, for the tunnel permit at the entrance station before proceeding to the tunnel.

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