Zion Area Road Restrictions //
BE READY FOR RV DRIVING
ZION-MOUNT CARMEL TUNNEL
The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, on SR-9 between the south and east entrances of Zion National Park, is narrow and unsafe for large vehicles, including RVs. Starting mid-2026, any vehicle that exceeds 11 feet 4 inches tall, 7 feet 10 inches wide and 25 feet 9 inches long will not be permitted in the tunnel at any time.
Make sure you understand the tunnel requirements as you plan your trip, as you could be required to add significant extra drive time, adjust your itinerary, or change your mode of transportation.
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
Depending on the size of your vehicle, you may not be able to travel through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel on SR-9 between Zion National Park’s south and east entrances. The following are currently prohibited in the tunnel:
- Vehicles over 13 feet 1 inch tall (4.2 meters)
- Semi-trucks
- Vehicles carrying hazardous materials
- Vehicles weighing more than 50,000 pounds (22,680 kilograms)
- Single vehicles over 40 feet long (12.2 meters)
- Vehicles and trailers with combined length over 50 feet (15.5 meters)
- Bicyclists
- Pedestrians
Any vehicle that is 7 feet 10 inches (2.4 meters) in width and/or 11 feet 4 inches (3.4 meters) in height is required to have a tunnel permit. This $15 permit allows two trips through the tunnel between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., when rangers are present to control traffic.
For all vehicles, obey all traffic directions from rangers and slow down while driving through the tunnel. Do not stop or turn around until you pass the kiosk on the other side.
NEW RESTRICTIONS COMING 2026
The tunnel permit for certain large vehicles will no longer be an option beginning in mid-2026. With that change, vehicles that exceed 11 feet 4 inches tall (4.4 meters), 7 feet 10 inches wide (2.4 meters), 35 feet 9 inches long (12 meters), or 50,000 pounds (22,680 kilograms) must reroute around the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.
alternate routes
Vehicles that cannot travel through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel have a couple of options to explore both sides of the park and surrounding areas.
SOUTHERN ROUTE
South of Zion National Park, you can take SR-59 east of Hurricane, then continue on Arizona SR-389, and US-89 to reach the east side of SR-9. This route takes a little over two hours between the two entrances and is convenient for adding stops in Kanab or the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
Travelers on this route may be directed by map and navigation apps to use Sheep Bridge Road, which connects SR-59 east of Hurricane and SR-9 in Virgin. This is a dirt road and is not recommended as an alternate route for large vehicles.
Smithsonian Butte Road and Bench Road connect SR-9 in Rockville and SR-59 in Apple Valley. These are rough dirt roads that can become impassable when wet and are not recommended for drivers who aren’t comfortable off-roading. Large vehicles and low-clearance vehicles should avoid this route.
NORTHERN ROUTE
North of Zion National Park, you can take I-15 north from Anderson Junction to SR-20, and then from SR-20 head south on US-89. This route takes a little over three hours between the two entrances and is convenient for adding a stop at Bryce Canyon National Park or Cedar City.
Travelers on this route may be directed by map and navigation apps through SR-14 or SR-143. These roads contain sharp curves and steep grades and are not recommended as alternate routes for large vehicles.
Road Closures Frequently Asked Questions
The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles from early March through late November. Visitors must use the park’s shuttle system, bike, or walk to enter Zion Canyon. Zion Lodge guests are permitted to drive to the lodge during the shuttle season.
Upper Kolob Terrace Road and Lava Point Road usually close through the winter due to snow. Kolob Canyons Road does not have a seasonal closure but does close frequently in winter.
Rockfalls can also impact roads throughout the park.
Zion National Park posts updates on road and other closures on its Current Conditions page.
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (the stretch of SR-9 between the park’s South Entrance and US-89) may temporarily close on extremely busy days when parking areas are full. This helps prevent vehicles from blocking traffic or parking on switchbacks or vegetation, and it ensures unimpeded access for emergency vehicles and shuttles.
Sections of SR-9 have also been forced to close temporarily due to rockslides, wildfire, or flooding. UDOT and partner agencies work to reopen lanes as quickly as possible.
Follow the UDOT Zion Area Instagram and Facebook stories for the most current road status updates outside of Zion National Park, or use the resources on this page.
For traveler information inside of Zion National Park, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
