Forum Discussion

S-n-L's avatar
S-n-L
Explorer
Apr 22, 2015

Tunnel Restriction at Zion National Park

I am confused about something related to the tunnel at Zion N.P.

I have a reservation at Zion River RV Park, Virgin, UT in August. We have a 45' motorhome (12'6" ht) and tow a car (which can be detached). I know there is a tunnel with restrictions but I'm not clear where the tunnel is. Is it located on 9 inside the park itself? If we are driving to Zion River RV Park from the north on 15 to 17 to 9 will I have to pass through the tunnel before getting to the RV Park? I will be using my car to travel to Springdale to enter the park. Also, when I leave Zion River RV Park with the motorhome can I travel east on 9 without going through the tunnel? We want to go to Kanab, UT when we leave Zion but I sense that we have to travel 9 to 59s to 389east to 89 to Kanab.

As you can see I am pretty confused so any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Leslie
  • revump's avatar
    revump
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2015
    Great info ... have a wonderful trip - it is beautiful country
  • S-n-L's avatar
    S-n-L
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2015
    Thank you, I feel better knowing we do not have to go through the tunnel with our motorhome.

    Safe travels everyone,
    Leslie
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Apr 22, 2015
    I would suggest taking a day trip up through the tunnel to Mount Carmel and back. Great scenery.
  • BubbaChris's avatar
    BubbaChris
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2015
    You'll do/be fine coming down 15 to 17 then 9. There's a nice market at the 17/9 junction, otherwise stopping in Cedar City or staying on 15 to 9 and driving through Hurricane are your best options.

    Leaving, you'll need to head West on 9 again, then catch 59 as already suggested as your route to Kanab. Hopefully you'll be able to go visit the North Rim as part of your stay in that area.

    The Zion River Resort is a very nicely managed park. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Depending on when you're there, you'll be very close to the road to Kolob Reservoir which passes through parts of Zion. It's off the beaten path in a good way, but they have a major construction project on that road this year. You'll also be close to the ghost town of Grafton, where they filmed the bicycle scene from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

    If you'll be visiting Zion while the shuttles are running, it can be just as easy to park your car in the upper end of Springdale and walk through the park entrance rather than trying to park inside.
  • Calicajun's avatar
    Calicajun
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2015
    Great information, we are planning on making that trip this late May of this year.
  • CloudDriver's avatar
    CloudDriver
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2015
    The tunnel is inside the Park between Springdale on the west and Mount Carmel on the east. You have no issue getting to the Zion River RV Park in Virgin. As in the above link, you are not allowed drive a 45 ft MH through the tunnel. To get to Kanab, you will have to drive around on 59/389 and 89. An easy drive on those roads.

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