zion - Mount Carmel Highway
Zion National Park has some of the most stunning landscape views in the U.S. and the Mount Carmel Highway is the perfect meandering passageway to explore it. It offers gorgeous canyon views and plenty of hiking opportunities. Whether you're traveling in a smaller vehicle or larger RV, here's everything you need to know before setting out on your adventure.
Welcome to the Babymoon series! This group of blog posts chronicles a road trip that my then-partner (now husband) and I took in September of 2021. We left from our home in Philadelphia with our Great Dane, Lars, and pop-up camper in tow. I was seven months pregnant with our first son, Arlo. From Philly, we drove straight to Utah to see as many national and state parks as possible in two weeks. Halfway through, we decided to go even further to Joshua Tree to visit friends. After hitting a few destinations on the way back, including one of my favorites of the trip, White Sands, we landed back in Philly. Although my pregnant belly was somehow twice the size as when we left and I was exhausted, the places we saw were stunning and memorable. I’m exited to share each destination with you as I go through the trip's timeline. If you’d like to see an overview just click on the “babymoon” tag in red at the bottom of each post.
Zion's Mount Carmel Highway was by far the most shocking and beautiful things I saw on our National Parks road trip. I had been to a few of these places before and couldn't wait to share the experience with my partner, but I had no idea that this drive would be the experience it was.
First, let me start with some honesty - this drive is not for the faint of heart! Both my dog and I (yup, I said dog) had a touch of anxiety as we drove the switchbacks surrounded by massive canyons. Peering down into the park can make your heart jump into your throat just a tad. But I assure you that it is so incredibly worth it! It's the kind of experience that will make you step back, take a moment, and absorb the beauty of the natural world.
Overview
Mount Carmel Highway is a 26-mile stretch of road that passes right through Zion National Park. Because of this, there is an entry fee of $30, but they accept America the Beautiful annual pass. The passage consists of windy switchbacks, viewing points, and a 1.1-mile tunnel through the canyon.
Directions
Starting from the East, near Bryce Canyon National Park, you'll drive for a bit into the park, passing monuments such as Checkerboard Mesa. Just past that, the road starts to wind a little more, and you'll eventually hit the tunnel, complete with windows cut out for viewing the canyons.
Exiting the other side of the tunnel will drop you right onto breathtaking switchbacks. Don't skip the lookout points, and definitely don't forget a camera! You'll wind down the canyon until you come to Canyon Junction Bridge. From there, it's an easy drive on flat terrain past the various hiking trails leading to the town of Springdale.
History
Before the tunnel's construction, visitors to the park would have to meander through 70 miles of rough terrain to get through. It took three years to construct and was completed in 1930.
Large vehicles and towing
An escort is required for vehicles over 11 feet, 4 inches in height or 7 feet, 10 inches in width, and vehicles over 13 feet, 1 inch in height, 40 feet in length, or 50 feet in combined length are not permitted at all.
The escort fee is $15 and is valid for two trips through the tunnel during escort hours.
I'm thankful this drive was a destination, not just a pass-through for us, so our camper was back at our campsite. I couldn't imagine scaling those roads towing something; our camper was only 13 feet packed up. Do your research before heading there.
Hiking
Several hiking trails along the way vary in difficulty and length.
Just east of the tunnel is the family-friendly Canyon Overlook Trail. It’s a low-energy, 1-mile hike that offers impressive views of the park. It’s very exposed, however, so use caution on hot days and pay close attention to children as there are drop-offs.
Checkerboard Mesa is a bit trickier if you want something more challenging. Though the rock formation can be viewed from the lookout, there is also a two-mile hike to see it up close. Follow the map carefully, pay attention to your footing, and ensure you have more than two hours to dedicate to the hike.
Right past the east entrance is the famous East Rim Trail. Ten miles of challenging terrain gives a new perspective of Checkerboard Mesa and changes as you go. Five miles of this hike is uphill, so bring water and watch your footing.
A great hike if you’re traveling with dogs is the Pa’rus Trail. It’s a paved trail, so a good option for wheelchairs, strollers, and bikes as well. It’s located on the west side of the highway just before Springdale. Dogs must be on a leash, but with the flat terrain and views of The Watchman, it’s an excellent option to experience the park with your pup. Pa’rus is also known for its sunset views, so dusk is a great time to go and bring a camera and tripod if you’re into astrophotography.
If you plan a trip to Utah’s stunning parks, don’t miss this scenic drive through Zion. Offering hiking trails for everyone, a ride through a historical tunnel, and other activities, Mount Carmel Highway is more than just its breathtaking views.
If you’d like to read about our Babymoon trip from the beginning start with An Afternoon in Canyonlands and Deadhorse.
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