Zion Area Road Restrictions

Be Ready for RV and Other 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

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 the East Entrance, not just the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, has strict vehicle restrictions on all large vehicles. Make sure you understand the tunnel and highway requirements as you plan your trip. You may need 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 inches tall (3.45 meters)
  • Length: Single vehicles over 35 feet 9 inches feet long (10.9 meters)
  • Width: Vehicles over 7 feet 10 inches (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 feet (7.92 meters)
Restrictions also apply to: 
  • Semi-trucks
  • Vehicles carrying hazardous materials
  • Bicyclists
  • Pedestrians
More Information
Illustration of a Class C RV, with a measurement of 11 feet and 4 inches 9 or 3.45 meters)
Height

Restricted for all vehicles 11 feet 4 inches (2.4 meters) in height and over.

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

Illustration of box truck with a width of 7 feet by 10 inches (or 2.39 meters)
Width

Restricted for all vehicles 7 feet 10 inches (2.4 meters) in width and over.

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

Pickup truck illustration showing a max length of a single vehicle at 35 feet and 9 inches (or 10.9 meters)
Single Vehicle Length

Restricted for single vehicles 35 feet 9 inches (10.9 meters) in length and over.

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

Vehicle Weight icon
Weight

Restricted for all vehicles 50,000 pounds (22,680 kilograms) in weight and over.

Pickup truck and trailer illustration showing a max height of a combined vehicle at 50 feet (15.24 meters), with trailer length (hitch to axle) at 26 feet.
Vehicles and Trailers Length

Restricted for vehicles with trailers 50 feet (15.24 meters) in length and over. The trailer length can not exceed 26 feet (7.92 meters) from the hitch to the rear axle.

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, biking and hazardous waste symbol with line through illustrations, showing no walking, biking or hazardous waste allowed in the tunnel.
Other Restrictions

Pedestrians and bicycles are NOT permitted inside Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Additionally, semi-trucks and vehicles carrying hazardous waste are not permitted.

Can RVs Still Visit Zion National Park?

Recreational vehicles (RVs) under the size limits may use the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. If an RV exceeds the size limits, visitors can still access Zion through the South Entrance, where parking and camping options are available; however, parking often fills early and camping requires a reservation. RVs exceeding size limits will not be permitted past Canyon Junction when entering through the South Entrance.  

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 large vehicle restrictions have options to explore both sides of the park and surrounding areas. Large vehicles are able to access the Grand Canyon’s North Rim Visitor Center and Bryce Canyon. 

Paved Routes - North of Zion

North of Zion National Park, you can take I-15 north from Anderson Junction to SR-20, travel on SR-20 to US-89, and then 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 to 3 hours from Zion’s south entrance to the east entrance
  • 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.

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 to 2 hours from Zion’s south entrance to the east entrance
  • 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.

Additional Roads in the Area - Caution Advised

Maps and navigation apps may also show additional roads in the area. These routes are not recommended as alternates and travelers should use caution when considering use.

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. 

    Road Condition: Unpaved dirt road, 1000-foot elevation change with steep sections

    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. 

      Road Condition: Unpaved dirt road, 1000-foot elevation change with steep sections

      Road Closures Frequently Asked Questions