Durango to Zion

2gypsies wrote:
From Durango, take 160 west to Kayenta, Arizona then north on 163 to Monument Valley.

The View campground is right in front of the famous Mittens - an absolutely gorgeous site. When we were there it wasn't designated as a campground and it was a $5 donation for overnight parking. I think it's a lot more now. It doesn't have electric. Two nights would be sufficient there - driving to it one night; touring the next day (tours available right there) with another night before leaving the next morning.

When leaving return to Kayenta, AZ and 160 west then pick up 98 taking you into Page, AZ. Out of Page take 89 to Kanab, UT then north on 89 to Mt. Carmel and the Zion Rd. - Hwy 9. Take Hwy 9 west into Zion. You will have some tunnels to go though and then a long steep downhill into Zion.

An alternate, easier route to Zion from Page, AZ take 89 west to Kanab, UT and then south a short distance to Fredonia, AZ. Then pick up AZ389 west to Colorado City and it becomes 59 in Utah. It will take you to Hurricane, UT at Hwy 9. Then take Hwy 9 east to Zion. This is a very scenic route with no tunnels and no steep hills.

Watchman campground in Zion has electric and a dump station with water fill. There's also a RV park in Springdale. Both will have access to the free shuttle.

Here's Zion's web site for lots of good information including information on the tunnels.

https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/the-zion-mount-carmel-tunnel.htm

This ^^^^^^ is it!!!!

As usual 2gypsies has the routes down - only thing I might add is the Chance to see Antelope Canyon, would really be a smart move - just Beautiful.

Another drive I will never miss is on down to the North Rim, always Just special.

And if you have the time you would not regret a couple days down to Canyon de Chelly - this is just a special spot that is so often missed.

So, while not direct, my Map would look unusual to say the least (Not very direct), but the smiles would more than make up for the few extra miles.

Just another option,