Virgin,UT (Zion) to Ruby's at Bryce Canyon

Monty-Rob wrote:
I hear there is the Mount Carmel tunnel to avoid....suggestions on routes you may have taken?

Zion's Mount Carmel tunnel is something not to avoid if your rig meets the size requirements. You pay a extra fee and the traffic is put into a one way mode, a real money making deal for Zion NP.

Here's a video of our first time through the tunnel.Click on pic.


In Oct. 2010 Highway 9 was widen in the switch back part of the Zion tunnel, making it easier for the larger rigs to make the turns.

Click on pic for video

We liked the park (good sam) in Hurricane and decided to make the drive in tv to Bryce a couple of weeks ago. When we went, I was surprised to find out that all the traffic going through the tunnel was alternating one way( apparently not charging for rvs). We sat for about 15 minutes there and then had construction stops on 89. We took the 20 to I-15 route back and it was quicker.

If U decide to follow Johnna route, but than see Rt.14 on the map, take Rt. 20 instead as johnna says. Rt.14 is a very steep climb.

If you meet the criteria, just go thru the tunnel.

"Q. What are the size limits for an oversized vehicle?
A. Any vehicle that is 11 feet 4 inches high or higher and 7 feet 10 inches wide or wider needs the one-way traffic control service. Any vehicle 13 feet high or higher cannot pass through the tunnel.

Length restrictions are 40 feet for a single vehicle and 50 feet for any vehicle combination.
This information is also listed on the back page of the Park Newspaper. Visitors must pay for the one-way traffic control service at the entrance stations - not at the tunnel."

To avoid the tunnel, take
UT-9 west to
I-15 north to
UT-20 east to
US-89 south to
UT-12 east to Ruby's Inn

We took the tunnel as it is shorter and also gives some very good views on the east side of the tunnel. They will charge you $15 as a big rig to go through the tunnel. It will be one-way traffic and you need to stay in the middle of the road to avoid the low sides. There are some sharp switchbacks un the way up to the tunnel from the Zion Canyon floor but are manageable - just be careful.