Zion Area Road Restrictions

Be Ready For Large Vehicle Restrictions

If you’re driving a large vehicle to Zion National Park, make sure you know how to navigate around the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and Tunnel.

Road Restrictions

Alternate Routes

Zion-Mount Carmel Highway

For vehicles 7 feet 10 inches (2.4 meters) in width and/or 11 feet 4 inches (3.4 meters) in height, there is currently a tunnel permit required that allows two trips through the tunnel between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., when rangers are present to divert traffic to one lane. After June 7, these permits will no longer be available and all oversized vehicles must turn around at Canyon Junction or the East Entrance.

Zion National Park posts additional information on road restrictions along the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway on the NPS Large Vehicles page.

What's Changing?

Starting June 7, 2026, vehicles that exceed any of the size or weight limits outlined below will not be permitted to drive the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway.

The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway from Canyon Junction to East Entrance, not just the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, has strict vehicle restrictions on all oversize vehicles. Make sure you understand the tunnel and highway requirements as you plan your trip, as you could be required to add extra drive time, adjust your itinerary, or change your mode of transportation.

Vehicle Size Limits

Vehicles cannot exceed any of the following measurements:

Height: Vehicles over 11 feet 4 inch tall (3.45 meters)
Length: Single vehicles over 35' 9" feet long (10.9 meters)
Width: Vehicles over 7' 10" (2.39 meters)
Weight: Vehicles weighing more than 50,000 pounds (22,680 kilograms)
Vehicles and Trailers Length: 50' feet long (15.24 meters), with hitch to rear axle no more than 26'

Other restrictions in Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway apply to:

Semi-trucks
Vehicles carrying hazardous materials
Bicyclists
Pedestrians

More Information

Height

Vehicles that exceed 11 feet 4 inches tall (3.45 meters) are not allowed.

Measurements include tires, and attachments such as AC units, bike racks, satellite dishes, or other after-market modifications.

Width

For vehicles 7 feet 10 inches (2.4 meters) in width

Measurements include mirrors, tires, and bike racks, or other after-market modifications.

Length

No single vehicles over 35' - 9" (10.9 meters) are allowed. Measurements include tires, and attachments such as AC units, bike racks, satellite dishes, or other after-market modifications.

Weight

This highway goes over historic bridges. For that reason, no vehicles over 50,000 lbs (22,680 kb) may travel the highway.

Vehicles and Trailers Length

Vehicles with trailers or a combined vehicle is any motor vehicle configuration made up of two or more separate units that are physically connected at a pivot point and operate together (for example, a truck with a trailer).

Graphic of person walking and biking with line through, showing no walking biking allowed in the tunnel.

Other Restrictions

Pedestrians and bicycles are NOT permitted inside Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel.

Can RVs Still Visit Zion National Park?

RVs that meet the limits may transit the ZMCH. If an RV exceeds limits, visitors can still access Zion through the South Entrance, where parking and camping options are available (as conditions allow). However, RVs exceeding limits will not be permitted past Canyon Junction.

Map of Zion-Mt Carmel Highway that has the restrictions on large vehicles.

Learn More

Alternate Routes for Large Vehicles

Vehicles that cannot travel along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway due to the vehicle restrictions have a couple of options to explore both sides of the park and surrounding areas.

Paved Routes - South of Zion

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 is convenient for adding stops in Kanab or the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

Distance: 80 miles
Drive Time: ~ 1.5 - 2 hours between the two entrances
Road Condition: Paved highway

NOTE: 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 or drivers not comfortable with driving off pavement.

Paved Routes - North of Zion

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 is a convenient route for adding a stop at Bryce Canyon National Park or Cedar City.

Distance: 161 miles
Drive Time: ~ 2.5 - 3 hours between Zion’s west and east entrances
Road Condition: Paved highway

NOTE: Travelers on this route may be directed by map and navigation apps to use SR-14 or SR-143. These roads contain sharp curves and steep grades and are not recommended as alternate routes for large vehicles.

Unpaved Routes - Sheep Bridge Road

Sheep Bridge Road

A green road sign in a desert in the Zion National Park area.

An image of a dirt road winding through a desert toward distant mountains under a cloudy sky, with a small, distant 25 mph speed limit sign in the Zion National Park area.

An image of a dirt road stretching through a desert landscape leading towards a mountain range under a blue sky in the Zion National Park area.

An image of a dirt road in a desert canyon leading toward red mountains and a 25 mph speed limit sign on the right side of the road in the Zion National Park area.

Sheep Bridge Road connects SR-59 east of Hurricane and SR-9 in Virgin. This is a dirt road through BLM land and is not recommended as an alternate route for large vehicles.

Distance: 5.5 miles
Drive Time: ~15 - 20 minutes
Road Condition: Unpaved dirt road, 1000-foot elevation change with steep sections

Unpaved Routes - Smithsonian Butte Road

Smithsonian Butte Road

Smithsonian Butte National Back Country Byway sign

An image of a dirt road in a desert landscape leading toward red mountains under a cloudy sky, with on-screen text: "9-mile scenic drive connecting SR-9 to SR-59.”

An image of a Bureau of Land Management sign outlining travel guidelines, including no camping within 1/2 mile of the road, limits on dispersed camping, warnings for impassable roads when wet, and potential fire restrictions.

An image of a dirt road in a desert, with on-screen text: "...it's all dirt so best not to drive it if rain is predicted or you've never driven off pavement before."

NOTE: 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.

Distance: 9 miles
Drive Time: ~ 30 - 45 minutes
Road Condition: Unpaved dirt road, 1000-foot elevation change with steep sections

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.