- Also known as the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, the East Zion Tunnel connects the towering peaks of Zion Canyon with the rounded mesas to the the east.
- An escort system accommodates RVs and trucks, converting the tunnel into a one-way thoroughfare.
- Open throughout the year, expect considerable traffic during the popular summer months.
Overview
Commonly known as the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, the East Zion Road Tunnel connects Zion's National Park's two distinct landscapes. Truly an engineering marvel, East Zion Park tunnel is 1.1 miles long, blasted and cut in the early 1900s through thick Navajo sandstone.
Traveling the East Zion Tunnel
The Zion National Park Tunnel lies along scenic byway 9, or the Mt-Carmel-Zion Highway. West of the Zion tunnel lies Zion Canyon with it's towering majestic peaks and monoliths. While to the east of the East Zion tunnel lies rounded sandstone mesas and hoodoo rock formations.
When traveling through the East Zion tunnel during the summer months, expect delays or slow moving gridlock. The East Zion Road Tunnel is open throughout the entire year.
Regulations
To accommodate large RVs and trucks the park has implemented an escort system, which basically converts the tunnel into a one-way thoroughfare. Any vehicle that's 11 feet and four inches high or higher, or seven feet and 10 inches wide or wider requires an escort and must pay a $15 fee. During winter, the park's slow season, tunnel escorts must be prearranged at the park's entrance gates. For more information call (435) 772-3256.
