Zion in May '18

so not taking the tunnel and coming from Bryce, how would I get to Zion? We are hopefully staying at the Watchman campground.

all these posts about hassles with towing a RV into Zion makes me glad I used Plan B.
bumpy

As suggested, do not limit yourself to Zion only, pending your available time. Bryce is amazing. And, use the west entrance to Zion as stated.

A great strip to run is start in Moab, UT. There are days of amazing things to see from there: Arches (need several trips at morning, then sunset), Canyonlands (both from just outside Moab plus south a few miles of Moab - camera freaks will go nuts), Dead Horse State Park, perimeter run just outside Moab. Then head west to Capital Reef for an overnight - - get there early for a campsite and browse. If you have time, consider heading south into the Glen Canyon area - - great scenery. Then head to Bryce where you land on the moon (teasing - - amazing scenery). Horseback ride into the canyon is great plus terrific views of Grand Canyon from the north side here. Finally head on to Zion. We spent almost three months in this area adding in time on the south side of the canyon. So much to see and do. Don't rush. Enjoy. Take your hiking boots, cameras and binoculars. Have fun.

Scenery alone the east entrance is grand!
Do not miss it whichever entrance you use.

OK, Sit and wait if you like. Or you can get out and take pictures and talk to your fellow drivers. This is especially true east bound where there is otherwise no stopping and the views from the higher elevation are great. If I could time it I'd definitely be stopped, get out and enjoy. Well worth the $15 I paid for my 2 way transit (38' MH) versus for me the longer boring southern route.

CA Traveler wrote:

naturist wrote:
Do be alert to the fact that the EASTERN entrance/exit for Zion has a tunnel that only smaller trailers can negotiate. 5ers and Class A/B/C rigs generally cannot pass that way, due to low clearance. Thus if you are doing Zion and Bryce, plan to take the long way 'round via the western entrance/exit.

This is a rather misleading post.

MHs over 40' and combined rigs over 50' are prohibited. Otherwise you get a permit and drive down the center while oncoming traffic is held up. Google Zion tunnel for all of the information.

"Full disclosure" here...

If you are over the length or height restrictions for the basic tunnel entrance to the park you will be paying an additional fee, I think it is around $15 - $20. You will sit and wait until they are able to clear the entire route just for you {while everyone else on the road sits and waits} and then you will be directed to drive down the middle of the road to ensure clearance.

The switchbacks to the bottom of the canyon will be challenging to say the least... so why not just do the right thing in the first place and enter Zion from the west/southwest through Hurricane/Springdale. Yes, it takes extra miles but will only inconvenience you.

As you pass through be sure to take advantage of Lyn's grocery store in Hurricane where they have some of the finest meats at unbelievable prices to be found anywhere. All locally raised, think Prime Rib roasts for about $8 a pound. We always stop and stock up.

:C

For those MHs longer then 50 feet combined towing a toad, you can separate your rigs and have your navigator drive the toad. Just think about it a head of time rather then waiting to do so at the tunnel.
Yes, they do measure the rigs!

naturist wrote:
Do be alert to the fact that the EASTERN entrance/exit for Zion has a tunnel that only smaller trailers can negotiate. 5ers and Class A/B/C rigs generally cannot pass that way, due to low clearance. Thus if you are doing Zion and Bryce, plan to take the long way 'round via the western entrance/exit.

This is a rather misleading post.

MHs over 40' and combined rigs over 50' are prohibited. Otherwise you get a permit and drive down the center while oncoming traffic is held up. Google Zion tunnel for all of the information.

That is not exactly true. The east entrance has restrictions. I posted the link to the tunnel information earlier.
It is not only the tunnel that is an issue, but the switch backs going down into the canyon.
MHs, can come in through the entrance as long as overall length is then 50 feet including toad.
Trailers have issues making the switch backs. TTs quite off will drag going around the corners, even under the overall length of 50 feet.

Do be alert to the fact that the EASTERN entrance/exit for Zion has a tunnel that only smaller trailers can negotiate. 5ers and Class A/B/C rigs generally cannot pass that way, due to low clearance. Thus if you are doing Zion and Bryce, plan to take the long way 'round via the western entrance/exit.