A 1930 engineering marvel that switchbacks up from Zion Canyon and passes through a 1.1-mile tunnel blasted through solid sandstone, emerging into the slickrock wonderland of Zion's east side. Highlights include gallery windows in the tunnel, Checkerboard Mesa, and roadside slickrock where bighorn sheep are commonly spotted. It connects Springdale to US-89 toward Bryce Canyon and Lake Powell.
| Category | Scenic Drive |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Springdale (west end) / Mount Carmel Junction (east end) |
| Top activities | Scenic driving, Canyon Overlook Trail, Bighorn sheep spotting, Photography of Checkerboard Mesa, Slickrock scrambling on the east side |
| Best time to visit | Year-round; open all seasons, with morning light best on the east-side formations. |
| Entrance fee | Zion entrance fee required ($35/vehicle, 7 days) since the highway crosses the park. |
| Permits | No permit for standard vehicles; vehicles exceeding tunnel size limits are prohibited as of June 2026 (previous escort/permit system discontinued). |
Visitor tip: As of June 7, 2026, oversized vehicles (over 11'4" tall, 7'10" wide, or 35'9" long) are prohibited from the tunnel entirely - the old $15 escort option was eliminated, so RVs over the limits must reroute.
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