Through the Rock: Driving Zion’s Mount Carmel Tunnel
A 1.1-mile slice of sandstone that turns a road trip into a landscape encounter.
The road narrows, headlights carve two pale beams into a tunnel cut through a sandstone spine. The air smells faintly of engine oil and dust; outside, the desert sun has smeared the canyon’s burnt-orange cliffs into soft, high-contrast relief. Inside the Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel, time compresses. For just under a mile you are enclosed by red rock, by the ghost work of men who carved a passage where none had been, and when the eastern light finally floods the windshield you feel as if the park itself has exhaled and sent you out into a different world.
Trail Wisdom
Use the windows for photos
Pull into designated turnouts east of the tunnel or frame shots from inside the tunnel windows—avoid stopping in traffic lanes.
Check oversized vehicle rules
If you drive an RV or have roof racks/ladders, verify escort requirements before you enter—the tunnel has specific size restrictions.
Mind the light shift
Bring a light jacket and sunglasses—temperatures and light contrast change quickly from canyon floor to the rim.
Plan for limited service
Download maps and parking info; cell service is spotty on the highway and inside the tunnel.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Canyon overlook pullouts east of the tunnel with fewer crowds
- •Short rim trails above the tunnel that offer panoramic views without the canyon crowds
Wildlife
Desert bighorn sheep, Mule deer
Conservation Note
Zion’s corridors are ecologically sensitive; stick to paved pullouts and marked trails, minimize idling, and follow park regulations to reduce visitor impact.
The Mount Carmel Tunnel opened in 1930 after several years of construction—its creation opened a through-route across the park and stands as early 20th-century engineering in the landscape.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflower bloom, Comfortable temperatures, Photography at golden hour
Challenges: Occasional late snow at higher elevations, Variable temperatures
Spring brings mild days and blooming desert plants; mornings can still be cool and a sudden shower is possible.
summer
Best for: Long daylight hours, Road trips and scenic drives, Evening photography after storms
Challenges: High heat in exposed sections, Peak visitor crowds
Summer offers long days and dramatic monsoon skies but expect high temperatures and more visitors—start early.
fall
Best for: Crisp air and clearer skies, Balanced light for photos, Fewer crowds than summer
Challenges: Shortening daylight, Cooler nights
Fall is an ideal window—crisp, stable weather and great late-afternoon light make this a top time to visit.
winter
Best for: Snow-dusted cliffs for dramatic contrast, Quieter roads, Clear, sharp light
Challenges: Icy roads and closures after storms, Cold temperatures
Winter transforms the sandstone; snow increases contrast but can close higher sections—check road conditions.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Good traction for short walks at viewpoints and on uneven parking areas.
Water bottle (1–2 liters)Essential
Hydration is essential, especially if you plan to hike after driving through the tunnel.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)Essential
Open stretches and reflective sandstone increase sun exposure.
Wide-angle lens or smartphone with HDR
Captures the tunnel windows and sweeping canyon views with better context.
Common Questions
How long is the Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel?
The tunnel is approximately 5,613 feet long—about 1.06 miles—cut through Navajo Sandstone.
Are there vehicle size restrictions to drive the tunnel?
Yes—oversize vehicles may require escorts or have other restrictions; check the National Park Service or Utah DOT for current rules before arrival.
Can I walk or bike through the tunnel?
Pedestrians and cyclists can use the tunnel but must exercise caution; consider visibility and traffic, and check for any temporary closures or escort requirements for cycling groups.
Is there parking near the tunnel windows for photos?
There are limited pullouts and designated viewpoints east and west of the tunnel—use legal parking areas only and avoid stopping in travel lanes.
What’s the best time of day to drive it?
Early morning and late afternoon provide the most dramatic light and lighter traffic; mid-day produces harsher shadows inside the tunnel windows.
Is the tunnel ever closed seasonally?
It can close after heavy storms or for maintenance—always check current road conditions with Zion National Park before your trip.
What to Pack
Water bottle, sun protection, sturdy shoes, lightweight jacket — for hydration, sun, footing at viewpoints, and quick temperature shifts.
Did You Know
The Mount Carmel Tunnel was completed in 1930 and is 5,613 feet long, making it one of the longest scenic tunnels in a U.S. National Park.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Check NPS road alerts before you go; 2) Arrive early to avoid crowds and get best light; 3) Observe vehicle size/escort rules if driving an RV; 4) Use designated pullouts for photos and parking.
Local Flavor
Springdale’s small-town galleries, local outfitters, and Southwestern eateries provide a mix of outdoor services and regional flavors; the area blends Paiute heritage and Mormon settler history in its crafts and storytelling.
Logistics Snapshot
Know-before-you-go: Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel is a 1.06-mile carved passage on UT‑9 linking Zion Canyon and the high plateau. Headlights on, watch for window pullouts, oversized vehicle restrictions may apply, limited cell service, and check park road alerts.
Sustainability Note
Minimize idling in pullouts, pack out waste, stay on paved areas, and consider off-peak visits to reduce congestion and wildlife disturbance.
Continue Reading
Red Rock Primer: Two Hours Inside Sedona’s Scarlet Circuits
A fast, guided primer to Sedona’s iconic formations: two hours of geology, Wild West stories, and the best photo frames that will shape the rest of your trip.
Sedona, Arizona
Between Plates and Parliament: Hiking Thingvellir’s Rift and Waterways
Where Iceland’s parliament met and two continents keep a slow, visible disagreement—Thingvellir combines short cultural walks, long ridgeline hikes, and the surreal clarity of Silfra. It’s an intimate, elemental introduction to Icelandic landscape and history.
Reykjavík, Capital Region